Live shows have changed definition of success for singers: Rahul Vaidya

Singer Rahul Vaidya says the music industry has undergone a significant transformation, with independent music and live performances emerging as important avenues for success beyond playback singing in films.

Vaidya rose to prominence in 2004 after finishing as the second runner-up on the singing reality show Indian Idol. He subsequently lent his voice to Hindi films such as Shaadi No. 1, Jaan-E-Mann, Krazzy 4 and Race 2, while continuing to release independent tracks, including Tera Intezar, Garbe Ki Raat and Yaad Teri.

“Till about 15 years ago, the thing was that you are a successful singer if you are singing in films. That has changed and somehow a lot of singers who sung in films still are not successful in many ways or others,” the singer told PTI in an interview.

“So, many of them who haven't sung many playback songs are such popular names, they are so loved, and are doing the most incredible concerts all over the world. And that is an incredible change that has happened, and it was about to happen and it has happened,” he said.

Vaidya also pointed out that decision-making power often rests with people who may not fully understand music, leaving singers and composers with limited creative control.

“But when you are actually doing a non-film song, it is a musician, it is an artist, who is pulling the shorts, this is how I want it to be,” he added.

Vaidya cited singers Ankit Tiwari, Vishal Mishra, Toshi Sabri, Sachet Tandon and Parampara Thakur as examples of artists who ventured into music composition after struggling to find enough opportunities as singers.

“Singing in films is a completely different ballgame, you need to struggle with the directors and the producers, or the music directors. They (singers) were not getting any work and they realised that they are not going to be called, so they turned music composers.”

The singer said he is content with his current focus on independent music, television and live performances, allowing him to create songs at his own pace. However, he has not ruled out working on film music in the future.

“I’m so busy in my live circuit; television also keeps me busy. So, I felt I’m okay without it (not doing film songs). Even though music happens to be my first love, I do my songs at my own pace. I’m enjoying it (working this way),” he said.

Vaidya is currently appearing with his wife Disha Parmar on the second season of celebrity reality game show Pati Patni Aur Panga, hosted by Sonali Bendre and Munawar Faruqui.