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Uttam Singh Slams Modern Music: Lacks Melody, Depth & Lasting Appeal

Veteran music composer Uttam Singh argues that contemporary music fails because it lacks the essential foundation of melody, depth, and meaningful lyrics. He criticizes the industry's reliance on reusing old hit songs in new films, like in 'Gadar 2', because newly created songs do not resonate. Singh compares a song to "land," a fundamental element that is difficult to create, upon which everything else is built. He also reminisces about the revered status of the late Lata Mangeshkar, whom he describes as a "living Saraswati" and a wish for every film professional.

Key Points: Composer Uttam Singh Criticizes Lack of Melody in New Music

  • Modern music lacks foundational melody
  • Old songs reused due to weak new compositions
  • Depth and lyrics are missing in current era
  • Lata Mangeshkar was worshipped as a living goddess
2 min read

Uttam Singh shares why the compositions of current era isn't working

Music composer Uttam Singh explains why current songs fail, praising old melodies and the legendary Lata Mangeshkar's divine talent.

"The song is the land. Creating the land is a very big thing. - Uttam Singh"

Mumbai, Feb 14

Music composer Uttam Singh, who is known for his work on 'Gadar', has shared why the new music isn't working.

The music composer spoke with IANS, and shared that the music of the current era lacks melody, which is the foundation to any good song.

He told IANS, "The old music is still going on. Today, no matter how big films are getting hit, old songs are being taken. So, first of all, this is a very wrong thing. That you are making films with old songs because new songs are being created. Why are they not being said? Because there is no depth. Because there is no melody, because there is no music, because there are no lyrics. That's why those songs come, get danced and go".

He further mentioned, "The old music that has already been hit, here I will definitely say that the songs that have been used in 'Gadar 2', the songs are the same. A song is land. It is difficult to make land.The rest of the land, whether you make a plant or a bungalow, or make a field, it is up to you. But the song is the land. Creating the land is a very big thing".

Earlier, he shared how the industry treated the late singing legend, as he said, "I have always seen Lata ji as Goddess Saraswati. We worship Saraswati because we belong to the arts. And living Saraswati was only and only Lata ji. I have worked with her for almost 40 years since I started playing around 1965-1966. I kept working with her".

"And I have arranged many songs with her. Here I would like to tell you one thing, that there was a time, when producers, directors, music directors, writers, cameramen, actresses, actors, everyone had a wish that Lata ji should sing in our film", he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Respectfully, I disagree. Every generation says this about the next. There is good music today too - Arijit Singh, Amit Trivedi create beautiful melodies. We can't keep living in the past. The industry has evolved.
A
Arjun K
His point about Lata Mangeshkar ji is so true. She was a devi of music. Today, we don't have that level of reverence for singers or the art form itself. It's become more commercial, less about pure talent.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves Indian music, I see his point. The "land" analogy is interesting. Modern songs often feel built on shaky ground. But there are exceptions! We need to support the new composers trying to create that strong foundation.
V
Vikram M
The real issue is lyrics. Kalyanji-Anandji, RD Burman, Laxmikant-Pyarelal... their music had poetry. Now it's just repetitive hooks. Gadar's music worked because it had feeling. We need to bring that back.
K
Kavya N
Producers are to blame too. They want instant hits for reels and TikTok. No one invests in creating timeless classics anymore. It's a sad state of affairs. Uttam Singh sir has seen it all, so his words carry weight.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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