Filmmakers not keen to use classical songs: Shankar

Composer-singer Shankar Mahadevan says classical music has taken in backseat in Bollywood as filmmakers and companies do not have any interest in the genre.

The singer, who is also part of music-director trio of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, said in films the songs are chosen by the makers and not the composer and hence there is lack of good classical melodies.

"In movies, the composers and decision makers are different so we don't come across classical songs often in films due to lack of interest. The decision makers are non-musical people, so one doesn't get to hear more classical songs in films," Shankar told PTI.

However, there are a few filmmakers who infuse classical music in their movies, said the four-time National Award winner.

"We are lucky to work with people like Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra, Zoya Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar, Shaad Ali... (they) give us free hand in music," he said.

"With 'Mirzya', we went deep into folk music. The film unfortunately did not do well because it was not marketed well. But we got freedom to do the music the way we want. I don't miss it (having classical music in films) at times, but it's good to have directors who understand music," he said.

The "Breathless" singer, who will be seen as an expert on upcoming show "Rising Star", feels there is need for more reality shows to promote the budding talent in the country.

"I do watch singing reality shows. Ours is a huge country with lot of talent, I think the amount of reality shows that we have is less today. There should be more reality shows," the 49 year old composer-singer said.

With 'live' viewer engagement at its core, "Rising Star" will give people an opportunity to judge the talent through Colors TV app.

"This show is completely unique and I like to do something that is new and path-breaking. First time viewers will be interacting with contestants," he said.

Besides Shankar, Diljit Dosanjh and Monali Thakur will also be seen as experts on the show.

"Monali is good inspiration for people who would come on the show. She can inspire contestants as she too reached here (in film industry) through reality show," he said.

"Diljit is a youth sensation. He is a super-duper star and a singer. It's a good combination. I am there to look for in-depth analysis and Monali and Diljit will look for other factors," he said.

The show will go on air from February 4 on Colors channel. It will be hosted by Meiyang Chang and Raghav Juyal.