MUMBAI: Singer Shalmali Kholgade, best known for songs like ‘Pareshaan’, ‘Daaru Desi’ and ‘Balam Pichkari’, believes that Indian classical music is too complicated for easy listening and that it requires "specific interest".

“Indian classical music in its pure form is one that requires specific interest on the part of the listener and a basic understanding to appreciate. I completely understand why film music cannot incorporate Indian classical music into it because it is too complicated for easy listening,” Shalmali told IANS in an e-mail interview.

“Having said that, Indian classical music is heard in most songs in one way or other. There are songs composed in specific ragas. The singing style is Indian in most songs. In fact, we aren't inspired by the West enough yet. There's a lot the world is doing which we can very well experiment with,” she added.

Doesn't she feel that music buffs today are more keen to know more about the singer rather than the actor on whom the song is picturised?

"It really depends from person to person. The real music buffs would go to the extent of checking who has lent their voice to a particular song they like. But most people even today associate a song with the actor featured in it. I have always maintained that I want to sing good songs,” said Shalmali, who has sung songs as diverse as ‘Besharmi Ki Height’, ‘Daru Desi’, ‘Shayrana’ and ‘Aga Bai’.

Shalmali along with other singers Anusha Mani, Akasa Singh and Jasmine Sandlas will soon be seen riding Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles, writing and composing songs to inspire women while exploring India as part of their new TV show ‘Angels Of Rock’. It will be aired on MTV starting from Sunday.

“The show allowed me to practice music, travel and meet new people who've achieved something of significance. It also gave me the opportunity to discover newer things about myself.

“In the course of our journey we met women from the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. They all had beautiful ideologies of their own and reasons to follow their hearts and dreams. Our experiences have been diverse and each has proven to be enriching,” Shalmali said.

Her take on women empowerment?

She said: “Thanks to my parents and the society I was brought up in, I've never experienced male dominance in any regard. In the cities, I would believe most middle and upper class families wouldn't experience male dominance that the world speaks of. But I am aware that a man having the upper hand is a prevalent ideology in most traditional families... in the interiors of India.”

Any plans of making an acting debut?

She said: “If I get a good opportunity, I wouldn't turn it down.”

(Source: IANS)