Mumbai’s music scene is witnessing a seismic shift in playback singing dynamics, and veteran singer Babul Supriyo has some candid insights. In a revealing conversation, the former MP highlighted how male singers dominating high octaves are forcing talented female vocalists to pitch their voices lower, often compromising their natural timbre.
‘Male singers are belting out notes in such stratospheric ranges that even the most skilled female artists have no choice but to sing in lower octaves,’ Supriyo explained. This trend, he noted, marks a significant evolution in Bollywood playback singing. Songs now frequently feature persistent background tracks instead of traditional lip-syncing, altering the vocal landscape entirely.
Drawing from global icons, Supriyo referenced Celine Dion’s timeless ‘My Heart Will Go On’ from Titanic. ‘That track became iconic as background music rather than a foreground playback number,’ he pointed out, illustrating how music production has transformed over time.
The discussion also touched on Arijit Singh’s recent decision to step back from playback singing, redirecting his energies toward independent music. Supriyo praised the chart-topper as ‘an intelligent, intense, and exceptionally talented artist – one of our finest.’ He urged fans to respect Singh’s thoughtful choice and anticipate fresh creations ahead.
‘We all adore him. It’s crucial we trust his judgment and watch how he elevates his craft further,’ Supriyo advised. As Bollywood music continues to innovate, these voices from industry veterans remind us of the delicate balance between tradition and transformation in Indian cinema’s soundscape.