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Hamara Forums _ Kunal Ganjawala _ Kunal Ganjawala

Posted by: jbakshi Aug 20 2005, 07:08 PM

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Singer Kunal Ganjawala isn’t new to Mumbai’s music scene — in fact, he’s been doing jingles since 1993-94.

But suddenly, his fortunes have looked up, thanks to songs like O Humdum Suniyo Re (with KK, Shaan and Pravin Mani in Saathiya), Bheegey Hont Tere (Murder), Chhodo Na Mujhe (Rules… Pyaar Ka Superhit Formula), Aaja Nachle (with Daler Mehndi in Lakeer) and Janaabe Ali (with Shaan in Bardaarsht).

Now, his distinct timbre and raw singing style have found favour among many producers and music directors. He’s recently sung in films like Raghu Romeo and Uuf… Kya Jadoo Mohabbat Hai, and has songs in to-be-released films like Dhoom, Musafir, Dost, Kisna, Chakravyuh, Rewind and Zehar.

After concentrating on jingles, how is he facing the challenges posed by film playback singing? He replies: “Film music is tougher, I guess, as one has to emote for the hero and ensure that the singing goes with the film’s mood. In jingles, the brand is on top of the mind.”

Ganjawala, who first attracted attention with the 'Doodh Doodh Doodh' commercial, became a singer by accident. “My seniors at Elphinstone College in fact ragged me to sing, and they felt I could sing well. Slowly, I made it to college competitions, and at the Malhar festival, singer Poornima spotted me,” he recalls.

Soon, he got introduced to Ranjit Barot, Rajat Dholakia and Leslie Lewis, who gave him a chance to sing jingles. Then, he began making contacts in the film industry. and the offers started tricking in. “The transition from jingles to film music has been gradual, but I’m happy that’s been the case as it has actually enabled me to mature slowly,” he says.

As a singer, Ganjawala has always faced the challenge of singing in his own style, rather than aping others. “My seniors told me that I had my own singing personality, and that there was no need to sound like anyone else. I guess their advice has worked in the long term,” he says.

Of all his songs, 'O Humdum Suniyo Re' (on which he had an important line) and 'Bheegey Honth Tere' (which bears a vague resemblance to The Police’s 'Every Breath You Take' and for which he also bagged the 2004-Filmfare Award for the best male playback singer) have been the most successful.

“I was introduced to Rahman by lyricist Mehboob, and have worked with him in Lakeer and Saathiya. It was through Saathiya that people began noticing me. As for Murder, Anu called me suddenly and played this song. We finished it over two sessions, which was fast,” he says.

A lot, of course, depends on how his songs fare over the next year or so.

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courtesy: http://web.mid-day.com/entertainment/music/2004/july/88321.htm
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Well guys, I don't know about you, but I personally think he's fantastic - a blessing to contemporary music.

-JB.

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