Has Bollywood lost its melody; is remixing a viable option?

Remixes are Bollywood’s favourite genre these days. It’s actually a simple formula – rev up old songs with fresh beats and try to create something new which may or may not work.

Record labels, artists and creators are all trying to figure out how to profit in this industry by remixing old songs as they think it would be a great hit for them. The big question is: is it worth it?  Has Bollywood lost its melody;  Is remixing a viable option?

Let’s see what industry experts have to say:

Narendra Kusnur, Music Journalist

Given the current state of Hindi film music, it doesn't seem that this obsession will end soon. However that is not a good sign as it reflects the creativity of artistes.

One needs to get a bit into the background of remixes. In the 1990s, artists like Bally Sagoo and the group Instant Karma recreated old film songs by adding new arrangements. Soon everybody was doing remixes as they chose popular songs and hence the chances of success were higher. Often they were accompanied by raunchy music videos.

There was a lull in the early 2000s but over the past seven or eight years artists like Tanishk Bagchi and Vishal-Shekhar have been remaking old songs. Most are backed by music labels. 

After lockdown Hindi film music has been struggling. OTT serials have taken over and the emphasis on music there has been less. Independent musicians are releasing good songs but are lost in the clutter. So one won't be surprised if to stay in the limelight, composers depend on old and popular songs, as the chances of success are high. However, if they can provide good new and original content and work on a way to reach out to more people, it will be welcome. One hopes they realise remixes are creating harm for the quality of music.

Mihir Joshi, Host of The MJ Show/Singer

I honestly think we are done with remixes. I’m not saying that all remixes are bad. I remember when the concept of remixing songs came about in the 90s, some absolutely phenomenal remixes were done. And, having remixes which introduce an old song to new generation is not a bad idea theoretically but it is also about how it is done. If It’s done in a beautiful way a remix can be good.

Honestly, I prefer the idea of doing excellent cover versions rather than remixes because at least then, thr artist is able to bring their own style or originality to a great old melody. If you even look at international music, there are certain songs which have been covered by hundreds of singers. Songs from the Great American Songbook, incredible songs written between the 30s and 50s, have been covered by a lot of people like Michael Buble, Rod Stewart, Willie Nelson and many more. What made these versions great is, each person has brought something new to it. They’ve stayed respectful to the original songs but have still brought something authentic to these songs.

What is happening right now in the Bollywood music industry is that music composers are basically taking an old song and not doing anything great to it. They add a few new words to it which don’t improve the song in any capacity, and even the music is not a major improvement in any way. This is not something people will remember years from now. They may get temporary success, reels and views but most often, the original song is destroyed in the process.

If you want to make covers or remixes, you have to do them well so that a new generation can find common ground with an old melody and enjoy it again. I get that music styles and tastes change but you have to do justice to the old composition. Most importantly you should give credits to the original composers and singers and genuinely celebrate them.

Honestly there are enough talented artists right now who are capable of creating new songs. Let them make great original music. I know we can have enduring music made even today. Just give the composers the freedom to make the music.

Vipin Patwa,Music Composer and singer 

I think this is the right time for this to trend to end. I think the time has come for the remixes to reduce drastically. In fact you must have already observed that it has reduced to a large extent. There are very few companies who are still creating remixes of old hindi songs. Remixes of folk songs are happening but remixes of old Hindi tracks have reduced. I think this is the golden time for the music industry with new songs, new albums and new artists coming in. So I think now is the time.

Shibani Kashyap,Indian Singer

Originality is the key of new songs in the industry. It seems there are either no audiences left to accept original music or the Indian music industry is just playing safe by churning out remixes one after the other,I really wish original music could flourish.

Aabha hanjura,Folk Fusion Singer Songwriter Composer

I think Obsession is now a little too far reaching, It’s time to make more original music.

And yes,I really hope to listen to more interesting music in bollywood which has always led the way in the past  for originality of sound in India. Since the 60s and 70s it shaped the culture of our country with the kind of music composers were back then doing and really showed what India was and then moved on to the next pace.So sometimes overdoing the same thing becomes a little too much. Really hoping there will be a lot of interesting and new sounds coming out of the Hindi music industry.