Alisha Chinai, the iconic voice behind some of Bollywood’s most memorable songs, has been vocal about her reasons for stepping away from the music industry. Known for hits like Made in India, Alisha recently shared her thoughts on the current state of the music scene in India, the struggles of playback singing, and her own journey of love and loneliness.
Alisha Chinai on The Struggles of the Music Industry Today
Alisha Chinai is clearly unhappy with the direction the music industry in India is heading. She explains that she has already experienced everything the industry had to offer and is now semi-retired, living a peaceful life. “I’m blissfully happy,” she says. To the new generation of singers, she gives a piece of advice: “You don’t need record companies anymore! Create your own YouTube channel, show off your work, and earn opportunities based on your talent.”
She also points out the contrast between Indian and international music recognition. “Priyanka Chopra is a global icon, and Ananya Birla is signed to Universal abroad. That just proves that the music scene in India is struggling. They don’t recognize real artists.” Alisha continues to record songs in English and shares them on YouTube, seeing it as the best platform to reach people without the intrusion of the industry’s politics. She emphasizes that there’s little to no money in the music business today, and playback singing, in particular, is a thing of the past.
Playback Singing Is Almost Dead
Alisha has strong feelings about playback singing, calling it a dying art. She says that many artists today are uninspired, and the lack of proper royalty collection systems for singers makes the situation worse. “There’s no honest collection bureau for singers’ royalties, and the whole music industry is corrupted,” she explains. “It’s almost like a music mafia. Singers don’t get their fair share, and most new artists are even working for free!”
She reveals that she walked away from Bollywood playback singing years ago, distancing herself from the industry. For Alisha, it’s no longer about chasing the fame or recognition that Bollywood might offer. Instead, she urges aspiring artists to build their own platforms online. “The best way for artists now is to create your own website or YouTube channel,” she advises. “And reality shows are where the money is, not in traditional playback singing.”
The Lack of Non-Film Music in India
Alisha also highlights the lack of genuine, non-film music in India. She expresses disappointment with the current state of the pop and dance music scene, mentioning that most producers only offer Bollywood-style sounds, which lack the international appeal she’s known for. “Who do I sing for? There’s no one here who understands pop music,” she says. She credits her global success with Made in India to her collaboration with international producer Biddu, something that set her apart from the usual Bollywood productions.
While acknowledging the talent of composers like Vishal-Shekhar, she still feels that true pop music in India is missing. “Tinka Tinka is probably the best ballad they’ve ever created,” she says, referring to the track that she performed. “But there’s really nothing else that compares to that.”
A Life of Love and Loneliness
Despite her successful career, Alisha has struggled with personal relationships. She admits that she’s been single for many years and acknowledges the loneliness she sometimes feels. “I’ve been alone for so long, and it’s hard. I’d be lying if I said I don’t miss that special someone,” she confesses. However, she also believes that love and relationships may not be meant for her. “Love is not in my fate. It’s better to accept what life has given me rather than search for something that destiny has not planned for me.”
Alisha’s journey of love has had its ups and downs. She was married to Rajesh Jhaveri in the 1980s, but the two separated as her career took off. Later, in 2003, she was in a serious relationship with Canadian musician Romel Kazzouah. The two almost got married, but their relationship ended before they could reach the altar.
The Way Forward for Artists
Alisha’s candid thoughts shed light on the harsh realities of the music industry in India. While she may have stepped away from Bollywood and playback singing, she continues to encourage new artists to take charge of their careers. Her message is clear: the industry might not be what it once was, but the opportunity to build a successful career is still very much alive for those willing to create their own path.
Whether it’s through YouTube, independent music, or reality shows, Alisha believes that today’s artists have the tools to thrive outside the traditional system. And even though she may be far from the Bollywood limelight, Alisha’s passion for music and her independence remains strong.
