"You should not only let people hear you but also see you": Music composer Anand Raaj Anand on career break, making comeback with 'Welcome to the Jungle'
Mumbai, July 10
Music composer and singer Anand Raaj Anand, who ruled the charts in the late '90s and early 2000s with blockbuster tracks like 'Dil De Diya Hai', Maahi Ve, 'Dil Tote Tote Ho Gaya', and 'Uncha Lamba Kad', became a household name for his catchy melodies. After stepping away from the spotlight for a while, the musician recently made a comeback with Ahmed Khan's 'Welcome To The Jungle'.
In a recent interview with ANI, Anand Raaj Anand reflected on how his perspective has evolved over the years.
Speaking about his time away from the limelight, he shared that the break made him realise the importance of constantly reinventing himself. He also acknowledged that in today's music industry, talent alone isn't enough, as effective marketing and a strong social media presence play an equally crucial role.
"I'm very active now, but there was a little gap in the middle... I learned the importance of being present on social media and understanding marketing. These days, creativity alone isn't enough...You should not only let people hear you but also see you. I feel I'm on the right track now, and by God's grace, everything is falling into place," he said.
Anand also expressed gratitude to the makers of 'Welcome to the Jungle' .
"The first Welcome came to me when Anees Bazmee sir approached me for songs. Three of my songs, Kiya Kiya, Uncha Lamba Kad, and Hoth Rasiley, were selected for the film. When Welcome To The Jungle started, Feroz Bhai called me again. For me, this isn't just Welcome To The Jungle, it's my own welcome back. I'm very thankful to Ahmed Bhai, Feroz Bhai, and the director for giving me this opportunity. I'm happy that the work has been appreciated," he added.
Directed by Ahmed Khan, 'Welcome to the Jungle' stars Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Johny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Aftab Shivdasani, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma, Kiran Kumar, Zakir Hussain, Vindu Dara Singh, Urvashi Rautela, Hemant Pandey, Brijendra Kala, Feroze Khan (Arjun), Late Pankaj Dheer, Puneet Issar, Sudesh Berry, Jeetu Verma, Vrihi Kodvara, Adityaa Singgh and Bhagya Bhanushali.
'Welcome To The Jungle' is presented by A A Nadiadwala, Cape of Good Films and Star Studio18 in association with Seeta Films and Rakesh Dang. It was released in theatres on June 26.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Welcome back Anand ji! I remember dancing to 'Hoth Rasiley' at every wedding in the 2000s. The industry has changed too much, but I'm glad he's adapting. 'Welcome to the Jungle' might not be a masterpiece, but having his songs is a treat. Hope more youngsters discover his work!
I agree with the marketing point, but it's a bit too simplistic. The industry also needs to support genuine artists instead of just pushing people with good PR. Anand Raaj Anand had hits in an era without Instagram, so clearly his music resonated. Let's hope the film gives him the platform he deserves! 🎶
Not Indian but as a music lover from the US, I discovered his work through Bollywood playlists. 'Maahi Ve' is pure gold. Interesting to hear him talk about reinvention—it's relevant everywhere. The cast of this film is massive btw, like a reunion of 90s comedy stars!
His statement about 'talent alone isn't enough' hits hard. Many gifted singers from that era faded away because they didn't play the social media game. At least he's back and seems positive about it. The 'Welcome to the Jungle' franchise has good vibes, so this might work out well for him. Fingers crossed! 🤞
Honestly, I miss the era when music directors like him ruled. Now it's all about auto-tune and remixes. Anand Raaj Anand's melodies had soul. His comeback is well-deserved. But
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