Popular playback artist Kumar Sanu says that he prefers singing for the regional film industry as compared to Hindi cinema as the quality of lyrics and the poetic value of Hindi film songs have become poor.
Asked about his choice of songs in recent times Sanu, a recipient of Padma Shri, told the media on Monday, 4 September, "These days Hindi film songs mostly have bad lyrics like 'Char Bottle Vodka'. Bollywood (Hindi cinema) songs are losing their poetic value. When it comes to the 1990s' songs, we all can recall them by their beautiful poetry, melody and how soothing they were to the soul. These days listening to Hindi songs, mostly, boils your blood. However, in regional film songs, they still value good lyrics."
Sanu, who lent his voice to the title track of Sony Entertainment Television's upcoming show Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai, was present at the show's trailer launch. He performed live along with singer Sadhana Sargam at the event.
He, however, said he was not against modern music. "See, change is constant. Music should change. Technically, we have come a long way — matching up to the international standard. It is good. But, we have to always remember, songs are based on their melody and lyrics."
He further added that only 2 out of every 10 songs released can be called good songs. "I am not saying these days people are not making good songs. They are doing it. But it is two songs out of 10, whereas in the 1990s, good film songs used to be nine out of 10! That's the difference."
The singer performed some of his popular numbers like 'Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hai' from Saajan (1991), 'Saanson Ki Zarurat Hai Jaise' from Aashiqui (1990) and 'Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye' from Jurm (1990), along with the title track of the show, which has been composed by Anu Malik.
Produced by Shashi Sumeet Productions, the story of Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai is about a teenage love story set in the 1990s when gadgets had not invaded the youngster's world.
The show will premiere on Tuesday, 5 September.