Pankaj Udas reveals Bollywood influence on non-film music in interview with Statesman

The music world is mourning the loss of Pankaj Udas, an iconic figure in Indian ghazal and playback singing whose melodies touched the hearts of millions. With a career spanning decades, Udas left an unforgettable legacy of soulful performances that deeply resonate with audiences.

Reflecting on his views shared in an earlier interview with The Statesman, Udas lamented the dominance of Bollywood songs overshadowing classical and non-film music. He expressed concern about the declining support for diverse music genres in India, and attributed this phenomenon to the overwhelming popularity of Bollywood and cricket in India.

Read the full interview here: ‘Media doesn’t support non-film music’: Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udas speaks in exclusive interview

In Udas’s words, the appeal of Bollywood music is often driven by the star power of actors to attract the masses, leaving little room for other genres to flourish. He highlighted the lack of sponsorship and media exposure for non-film music and pointed to the lack of radio channels dedicated to classical music, ghazal music or Indian folk music.

Udas emphasized the important role of the media in promoting diversity in music and criticized the limited means by which non-Bollywood music reaches audiences. While acknowledging the wide appeal of Bollywood songs through film, television and radio, he emphasized the need for greater support and visibility for non-film music.

Essentially, Udas believed that the disparity in music promotion was not due to Bollywood itself, but to the media’s failure to champion alternative genres. He advocated for wider recognition and accessibility of classical, ghazal, and other forms of Indian music beyond mainstream cinema.

As we bid farewell to Pankaj Udas, his words remind us of the importance of maintaining diversity in music and providing a platform for artists of all genres to succeed. Through his timeless melodies, Udas will continue to inspire generations to cherish the rich tapestry of Indian music beyond the glittering spotlight of Bollywood.