New Delhi (PTI): Singer Shreya Ghoshal says digital platforms have changed the Indian music landscape drastically, making it easier for independent artists to breakthrough and thrive.
The singer, who recently collaborated with Egyptian rapper Afroto for Coke Studio Global's new release "Sunn Beliya", said great artists now don't lack exposure.
"Music scene has drastically changed over the last two-three years. Thanks to the digital way of consuming music, a big number of independent artists are coming to the forefront. They are empowered. The ecosystem is also building around it and helping them out. I am happy that we are not losing out on great artists just because they don't have a way in," Ghoshal told PTI in an interview.
As somebody who forayed into the music industry as a teenager, the 39-year-old said entering the close and controlled playback circuit was challenging.
"I came into the industry when there was only playback music. So even then, to enter the kind of monopoly that was there and to be able to find a space for myself was another journey... But the journey for artists today is so different and I'm so happy. It is a very positive space to be in. Even if you put up a good song cover on Instagram, you will be heard," she added.
Ghoshal, known for singing chartbuster songs such as "Bairi Piya", "Jaadu hai nasha hai", "Teri meri", "Teri Ore" and "Tum Kya Mile", said the easy access to audience still does not guarantee success.
"With all the exposure we have to start thinking of making music differently. We need to look at the taste of people and the accessibility of music. We have to really do something fresh to be able to be heard and liked. The access is there but one has to put in a lot more effort to sustain."
The playback artist said the experience she has gained by working with musicians from across the globe has been an "eye opener" for her. Ghoshal said her international collaborations made her realise that it's not the language but the emotion that audiences connect with.
"We have similar thought processes, interests, dislikes, problems, and solutions. We have just different cultures and languages, but ultimately all human emotions are the same and that's what the message is in 'Sunn Beliya'," she added.
"Sunn Beliya" is penned by Afroto and Rashmi Virag. The composers are Afroto, Kaushik-Guddu, Issa & Assouad and NOVO. The peppy number features Ghoshal singing in Hindi and Bangla.
The singer said she always wanted to collaborate with Coke Studio and "Sunn Beliya" seemed like a perfect opportunity.
"I always wanted to do something with Coke Studio. When this happened, I was very excited and then I got to know it's global, so it was even better... This was a very organic, beautiful collaboration and Afroto is a sweet personality himself. He is eager, excited and full of ideas and energy. He is a fabulous performer," she said.
Even though there was a language barrier, Ghoshal said, creating the song was a smooth process as the concept was clear in their minds.
"'Sun Beliya' is a product of a proper global crossover and for me, it's a first so it was exciting. I think this is a beginning for me and I'm so glad that I'm the first Indian artist to do a song on Coke Studio's global platform. I'm happy to be representing India and Indian languages," the singer said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Dubai, Feb 21 (PTI): Legendary Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi firmly believes India is clearly the stronger side given that it has more match-winners compared to it's arch-rivals, and the best way to negate that advantage in the upcoming Champions Trophy marquee clash would be to put in a collective effort.
Pakistan are in a must-win situation when it takes on India here on Sunday after suffering a massive 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener in Karachi. India, on the other hand, will come into the high-voltage contest on the back of a sure-footed performance against Bangladesh here on Thursday.
"If we talk about match-winners, I'd say that India has more match-winners compared to Pakistan. A match-winner is someone who knows how to win the game single-handedly. Right now, we don't have such players in Pakistan," former Pakistan skipper Afridi said on JioHotstar's 'Greatest Rivalry Returns' episode.
He said that India's middle and lower-order had played vital roles in the team's wins, while the same could not be said about Pakistan.
"India's strength lies in its middle and lower order, which has been winning them matches. For a long time, we have been giving opportunities to players, but no one has stepped up consistently.
"Some have performed in a few games, but we don't have players who have sustained their performance for a year, two years, or across 50-60 matches. That's where we are a little weaker compared to India, which is very strong in this area." Afridi said every player in Pakistan side will have to give his best in order to overcome the arch-rivals.
"The key to winning against India is collective performance -- whether it's the batsmen, bowlers, or spinners -- everyone's contribution is crucial." However, India's World Cup-winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh felt Pakistan will have an edge as they have played a lot of their cricket in Dubai.
Pakistan were forced to play their home games in the UAE following the militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore in 2009.
"I actually think Pakistan has an advantage because they have a base in Dubai. They have played a lot of cricket there and understand the conditions well. On slower wickets, Indian and Pakistani players are among the best, who have always played spin well," said Yuvraj.
While agreeing with Afridi that India had more match-winners, Yuvraj added that adapting to the situation and not letting pressure overwhelm the cricketers would play a bigger role in the clash.
"You talk about match-winners - yes, I agree with Shahid Afridi that we have more match-winners. But I believe that even if Pakistan has fewer match-winners, one player can still take the game away.
"The India-Pakistan clash is not about match-winners alone; it's about playing in the moment, adapting to the situation, and not letting expectations overwhelm you. The team that does this better will win the game for their country," said Yuvraj.
He also said that skipper Rohit Sharma's form wasn't a big concern as he is a proven match-winner along with Virat Kohli.
"Rohit Sharma, whether in form or out of form, it doesn't matter to me. I would always back my match-winners. In ODI cricket, especially in white-ball formats, he has been India's biggest match-winner as a batsman, alongside Virat Kohli.
"If Rohit is struggling but still gets runs, that's dangerous for the opposition. If he's in form, he will score a century in 60 balls. That's his quality - once he gets going, he's not just hitting fours; he's clearing the ropes with sixes.
"He is also one of the best players of the short ball. Even if someone bowls at 145-150 kmph, Rohit has the ability to hook it effortlessly. His strike rate is always between 120-140, and on his day, he can single-handedly win you the game," added Yuvraj.