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Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
With AI, it's harder to judge the authenticity of a singer: Kavita Krishnamurti
In 1971, Bollywood playback singer Kavita Krishnamurti began her musical journey with composer Hemant Kumar, alongside the iconic Lata Mangeshkar. Fast forward to November 2024, she lent her voice to The Sabarmati Report, adding another milestone to her career spanning over five decades. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With over 23,000 songs to her credit, she's worked with Salil Chowdhury, Laxmikant–Pyarelal, RD Burman, OP Nayyar, Naushad, AR Rahman and others. In a candid conversation at her Andheri home, she spoke about her journey, the changing music industry, the impact of technology, AI and more. Excerpts… You have been a part of the music industry for over five decades, do you remember the experience of recording you first film song? I began doing concerts with HemantaDa (Hemanta Mukherjee) while still in college. One day, he called me to Rajkamal studio, saying, 'Chole esho at 10 am, don't go to college tomorrow.' Sitting with his harmonium, he taught me four lines of Shokhi Bhabona Kahare Bole—a beautiful song. I had no idea why, until the door opened and Lata Ji walked in. I don't know how I didn't faint! HemantaDa, who called her Lata, said, 'You'll sing four lines with her. (Lata r shathe charte line gaite hobe)'. During the final rehearsal, standing beside her, I completely forgot my lines. I was so mesmerized that I lost track of my cue! Hemanta Da reminded me, 'Now we're going for a take—don't forget your lines. Lata is a perfectionist, one take okay.' We did two takes, and I finally sang. That was my first film song, Shriman Prithviraj (1972). And my first lucky mascot was Lata Ji. What do you feel about the evolution of the music industry from the era of live orchestras to the digital age, and how it impacted you as a playback singer? I consider myself very lucky to have witnessed and worked with legendary artists while also collaborating with younger composers like Jatin-Lalit, Anu Malik, Nadeem-Shravan, Anand-Milind, and AR Rahman. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now I started in the '70s when playback singing was done with a full orchestra—one mistake meant redoing the entire song. Music directors had an incredible ear; Pyare Bhai could pinpoint a single violinist in a 30-piece orchestra playing the wrong note. He'd say: You (His name) sitting in the third row, the fifth violinist, you were told C major, but you are playing C minor. Correct that note.' That was the precision of that era. Today, everything is computerized. I slowly adapted to these changes, but by 2004, when technology completely took over, I found myself stepping back. With advancements in technology and AI today, what are your concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in music? It's difficult for the common listener to distinguish between a naturally skilled singer and one enhanced by pitch correction and AI. Musicians can recognize true artistry, but for the average person, technology has blurred the lines. With AI refining sur and even creating harkats, the authenticity of a singer is harder to judge. While AI is a breakthrough in medicine, its role in music raises concerns and AI in music is a question mark for me, as it opens the door to potential misuse. However, at the same time, technology is good too. I'm not so young now and for me, to think that I can sing one line and take a breath, and then sing the next line, really helps. Earlier, I would record entire songs in one go, but now recording line by line, with breaks in between has become a habit and makes the process easier. You'd mentioned a poignant encounter with the legendary Geeta Dutt. What struck you the most? Guru Dutt's youngest brother, Vijay Padukone, was my Rakhi brother. He introduced me to advertising jingles while I was a student in St Xaviers. I first met Geeta Dutt at a studio in Worli during my debut jingle recording. As the door opened, I was struck by her beauty and presence. I touched her feet and sat down. She was recording a butter commercial in Hindi and Bengali that I had to sing in Tamil. Her voice was pure magic. Though she was in the twilight of her career, facing personal loss and financial struggles, her aura remained intact. She barely spoke, just said, 'Bhalo theko'. At that time, she was famous but had no money—yet nothing could take away her personality or her gift for singing. For me, Lata Ji and Asha Ji are the greatest singers I've ever met, but there are songs that only Geeta Dutt could have sung. Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam—I don't think even Lata Ji or Asha Ji could have delivered it the way she did. You've sung for some of the biggest music directors. Tell us about a few of your favourite songs. That's tough! But if I had to choose, I'd say Hawa Hawai, Dil Ne Kaha Chupke Se, and my songs from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. I love the ones I did with Rahman, like Tu Hi Re, Dheeme Dheeme, Kay Sera Sera. Maar Daala from Devdas is a favorite too, along with the title track of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Hamesha Tumko Chaha from Devdas. Yeh sab mujhe bahut pasand hai.
NDTV
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Vikrant Massey Meets Sri Sri Ravi Shankar At Bengaluru Ashram. Hina Khan's There As Well
New Delhi: Vikrant Massey has met Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at his ashram Art Of Living Ashram in Bengaluru last week. Vikrant was joined by wife Sheetal Thakur and son Vardaan. Sheetal Thakur shared a bunch of pictures from her latest visit on her Instagram. Interestingly, Hina Khan and her boyfriend Rocky Jaiswal were also there. In the pictures, Vikrant Massey and Sheetal Thakur shared cordial moments with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. In one click, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is seen offering Vikrant's son a toy. In other pictures, Vikrant and Sheetal are seen getting acquainted with the culture of of the ashram. Hina Khan, battling cancer, has also joined the Masseys with her boyfriend Rocky Jaiswal. The caption on the picture read, "Left the world behind for a while and found stillness in its purest form. A few days at the ashram and my soul feels lighter. Can't thank the entire team of the ashram enough for showering us with so much love, warmth and grace. This truly felt like homecoming. #artoflivingcentrebangalore "Where time slowed and the breath spoke" Take a look: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sheetal Massey (@sheetalthakur) Vikrant Massey's visit comes at a time when he's gearing up to play the character of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in a project titled White. Director Siddharth Anand and producer Mahaveer Jain have joined hands for the project White. As per a Pinkvilla report, "Vikrant Massey will be seen playing the part of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in this global thriller, scheduled to go on floors in July. The prep work is currently going on in full swing in Colombia, and the makers intend to bring in an international cast and crew from LA to depict the true story from the life of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar." Vikrant Massey will undergo a drastic transformation for playing the role. Vikrant Massey stunned millions of fans after he announced his "retirement" earlier this year. However, he clarified later that he intended to take a break, and not a permanent retirement. He was last seen in the film The Sabarmati Report.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vikrant Massey visits Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Ashram with wife Sheetal Thakur and son Vardaan ahead of ‘White' shoot
Vikrant Massey visited the Art of Living Ashram in Bengaluru with his family before filming 'White', where he portrays spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Mahaveer Jain, the international thriller begins shooting in July in Colombia. Massey is undergoing a major transformation for the role. Before beginning the filming of 'White', Vikrant Massey visited the Art of Living Ashram in Bengaluru, founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar . Accompanying him were his wife Sheetal Thakur, their son Vardaan, producer Mahaveer Jain , and others, all dressed in white. During the visit, Sheetal lovingly held Vardaan on her lap. Instagram Post Expresses Gratitude Photos from the visit were posted on Instagram, accompanied by a heartfelt caption expressing gratitude, "Hearts Filled with Gratitude. Grateful for this wisdom Gurudev Sri Sri @gurudev. Thank you Dinesh Bhaiyya @dineshghodke Happiness program with @sheetalthakur #Vardaan @vikrantmassey @divyanshcjain @chestajain21 at art of living ashram banglore @artofliving. #MahaveerJain @mahaveerjainfilms #Pankuri". Collaboration Between Siddharth Anand and Mahaveer Jain Director Siddharth Anand and producer Mahaveer Jain have teamed up for the film 'White'. Vikrant will portray Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in this global thriller, which is set to begin filming in July. Preparations are currently underway in Colombia, with plans to bring in an international cast and crew from Los Angeles to authentically depict the true story of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's life. Vikrant Massey's Transformation For his upcoming role, Vikrant Massey is preparing to undergo a major transformation. Earlier this year, he surprised many fans by announcing his retirement but later explained that he was only taking a temporary break from acting. His latest film appearance was in 'The Sabarmati Report'. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
NDTV
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Vikrant Massey Visits Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art Of Living Ashram. Bonus - Glimpse Of Son Vardaan
New Delhi: Vikrant Massey has visited Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art Of Living Ashram in Bengaluru ahead of starting the shoot of White, where he will be playing the role of the spiritual guru. Vikrant Massey was joined by his wife Sheetal Thakur, son Vardaan, producer Mahaveer Jain and others. All of them are dressed in white. Sheetal is seen holding her son Vardaan on her lap. The pictures were shared on Instagram. The caption accompanying the post read, "Hearts Filled with Gratitude. Grateful for this wisdom Gurudev Sri Sri @gurudev. Thank you Dinesh Bhaiyya @dineshghodke Happiness program with @sheetalthakur #Vardaan @vikrantmassey @divyanshcjain @chestajain21 at art of living ashram banglore @artofliving. #MahaveerJain @mahaveerjainfilms #Pankuri" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Neetu Mahaveer Jain (@neetumahaveerjain) Director Siddharth Anand and producer Mahaveer Jain have joined hands for the project White. As per a Pinkvilla report, "Vikrant Massey will be seen playing the part of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in this global thriller, scheduled to go on floors in July. The prep work is currently going on in full swing in Colombia, and the makers intend to bring in an international cast and crew from LA to depict the true story from the life of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar." Vikrant Massey will undergo a drastic transformation for playing the role. Vikrant Massey stunned millions of fans after he announced his "retirement" earlier this year. However, he clarified later that he intended to take a break, and not a permanent retirement. He was last seen in the film The Sabarmati Report.
India Today
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Raashii Khanna teases intense new role with bruised BTS pics
Actor Raashii Khanna has created a buzz on social media after sharing behind-the-scenes photos from her upcoming project. The photos show Khanna in a battered and bruised look. The intense images, posted on her official Instagram handle, feature the actor in a simple T-shirt and black pants, with visible injuries on her nose and the post, Raashii wrote in the caption, "Some roles don't ask. They demand. Your body. Your breath. Your bruises. And when you become the storm, you don't flinch at the thunder. Coming soon (sic)." Raashii Khanna hints intense new role with bruised behind-the-scene pics (Photo Credit: Instagram/Raashii Khanna) advertisementWhile she didn't disclose the name of the upcoming project, fans have been quick to speculate that the photos could be from the sets of 'Farzi 2'. Since, it is the much-anticipated sequel to the hit OTT series 'Farzi', where she played a key role in the first to the speculation, reports suggest that 'Farzi 2' is slated to go on floors in 2026. The original series, featuring Shahid Kapoor and Bhuvan Arora, was a breakout OTT success. Raashii Khanna hints intense new role with bruised behind-the-scene pics (Photo Credit: Instagram/Raashii Khanna) Raashii has reportedly undergone rigorous physical training and stunt preparation for this mysterious new role. She was recently seen in 'The Sabarmati Report', a politically charged drama based on real events, alongside Vikrant Massey and Riddhi Dogra. The film is based on the Godhra train burning incident of 27 February 2002, which involved the Sabarmati Express to that, she starred in the Tamil film 'Aghathiyaa'. The actor is set to appear next in 'Telusu Kada', directed by popular stylist Neeraja Kona in her directorial debut. It explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and self-love. The film also stars Siddu Jonnalagadda, Srinidhi Shetty and Viva Harsha in the lead Watch
