Renowned Bollywood music composer, programmer, and singer Shivram Parmar, known for his impactful creations and candid industry insights, sheds light on the challenges posed by the current trend of having multiple composers for a single movie. Parmar suggests that this approach, while popular, comes with its downside due to the individualistic nature of each composer’s ego.
Reflecting on the evolving trends in Bollywood, Parmar notes the shift from a time when a single music director handled an entire film album to the contemporary practice of multiple composers contributing to a movie’s soundtrack. He observes, “In recent years, there’s been a surge in the trend of having numerous composers work on the same film. Previously, a single music director would craft the entire album, but now it’s become a trend to involve multiple composers and singers, all striving for hit songs.”
Parmar acknowledges the genre-specific expertise of different composers, emphasizing that some excel in patriotic compositions, while others shine in romantic tracks. Filmmakers now select composers based on their proficiency in specific song textures. Parmar shares a personal experience, revealing, “I worked on a film with multiple composers, but unfortunately, my songs were dropped at the last moment. It seems every music composer has their own ego, making them reluctant to share credit or collaborate. I’ve encountered a few instances in my career where my songs were omitted from an album because someone with a bigger name didn’t want to associate with me.”
Despite facing challenges, Parmar expresses his belief in Bollywood as a comprehensive platform that fulfills all an artist’s needs, including fame, fortune, recognition, and creative satisfaction. He remarks, “Bollywood is a place where you can find everything you seek as an artist. While the classical music world differs significantly from the commercial space, the current trend in cinema appreciates mixed genres, making it a welcoming space for artists like me.”
Beyond composing, Parmar is an accomplished music teacher with his music school and programming ventures. Addressing the impact of the digital revolution on the music industry, he comments, “The music industry once had a monopoly, but not anymore. In the digital age, composers can easily connect with their audience with just a few clicks. The struggle has shifted from finding work and making it available internationally to simply creating excellent music.”
Shivram Parmar’s talent extends beyond Bollywood, as evidenced by his composition for the international film “Fortis Femina.”
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