So all you readers of Captain Charisma must’ve already read the title and if you are one of Himesh’s critics, then I’m sorry, coz there’s no place for your negative feelings to be supported in this review. For all those fans of Himesh’s rocking music, this is the review that highlights this multi-talented artist’s biggest achievements and offers support to Himesh so that he can go forward and create more and more magic with his music!
Basically, as I had read, Himesh decided to give tribute to the legendary late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s brand of music. That’s what led Himesh to singing and initially it was supposed to be a once-only deal from the music director who was on the rise anyways after TERE NAAM. With room for experimentation, the talented music director turned singer for two songs in AASHIQ BANAYA AAPNE. The rest, as they say, is history. Or let’s say, Himesh created HISTORY! Now I know the opinions are always varying and okay, they have a consideration too. I mean there were those who said he had nasal voice; there were those who doubted his versatility; there were those who said he is a temporary craze; and then there were those who refused to consider him a singer too. Okay, for all the Himesh critics, the opinions are fine. But what can someone, anyone, do about facts!
Now let’s consider the facts. Himesh created HISTORY when he became:
1) First music director to win a best singer award
2) First singer to win a filmfare award for his first ever song
3) First music director to give 10 hit albums within around a quarter of a year
4) First singer to sing around 30 hit songs within quarter of a year
Now those are some facts one needs to consider before criticizing Himesh. Let’s analyze the opinions (negative ones) one by one. If Himesh is nasal, then why would a critical minded jury select him for the best singer award on an award function as major as Filmfare. If he is not versatile, then how come his songs work with people from every age. Given that his songs might sound the same at times, but that’s because of his distinct voice that leaves his stamp on every song. Thinking about that part optimistically, that can be called as an asset when one’s voice is so easily distinguishable. That’s originality right there folks. If he was a temporary craze, then why didn’t his music fade out after the initial period of success and why did it continue to rule the charts all the way. If you don’t consider him a singer after all, then all I can say is that you are somewhat a victim of frustration on how one artist can go so much on top so quickly.
I mean there might be other reasons too, and I don’t mean to offend anyone. So even if you can’t stop talking negatively about this musical genius, then it’s fine...at least you are talking about him. As someone once said, "It’s all about making an impact in showbiz, whether it be positive or negative makes little difference." Now if you think my facts are incorrect, then let me provide support for that part too:
Not only did Himesh win the filmfare, he won the best singer award on almost all major award functions, and yes, he was the first music director to do so let alone a debutant singer. Now to verify the sales report. Yes, 10 hit albums: AASHIQ BANAYA AAPNE, AKSAR, AAPKA SUROOR (private), HUMKO DEEWANA KAR GAYE, 36 CHINA TOWN, TOM DICK and HARRY, SHAADI SE PEHLE, PHIR HERA PHERI, CHUP CHUP KE, ROCKY, DIL DIYA HAI, etc. Also, with at least two or three hits per album (in some cases like ABA, AKSAR, AKS, 36CT, TDH, DDH, it is all songs that are hit), the facts have been proven too.
Many people even hate him due to his bias as a mentor in popular talent hunt SA RE GA MA PA Challenge 2005. Even I disagreed with his bias on that show, but the fact is that he was there to support a 17-year old kid become a singer, and even though I know he was doing way too much for an amateurish (Vinit Singh), it seemed as if his intention was only to help Vinit make a career in music.
Also, as India’s first ever rock star, Himesh’s personality deserves points as he has his own unique way of making music: his filmi music comes out with a promotional music video featuring him at times too. Let’s take the instance of HUMKO DEEWANA KAR GAYE, where Anu Malik’s music failed to generate too much collections. Himesh was needed to create a world-class song that overshadowed the rest of the album. Anu Malik was probably punished for being over-confident while Himesh once again proved his dependability.
Even though Himesh added one more rival to his ever-growing list, he emerged a winner with his trade-mark left on the movie’s music. In fact not only does Himesh’s music increase musical collections, but even collection of movies such as 36 CHINA TOWN that have done decent business due to mostly Himesh’s rocking music. As far as his private album is concerned, one can just count the hit numbers and find out the never-ending talent of Himesh. Most of all, he brings in really beautiful girls in his videos, which makes the videos unmissable for me.
So I am a Himesh fan because I know he never disappoints in any aspect, at least as far as I am concerned. It is true that Himesh can’t sing in the smooth voice of Shaan or Sonu Nigam or Kunal, but as I said, every artist has their own way of presenting and Himesh’s presentation is very very commendable as well. Considering how tirelessly he works as he considers music his life, his efforts need to be acknowledged as not only does he compose and sing in almost every other movie that comes out these days, but he also came out with one of the best private albums in recent times. Not to mention how many shows and appearances he might be invited to.