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AR Rahman was fabulous earlier; he is ok now: Biddu

In an interview with Shivangi Singh of Spicezee.com, Biddu or ‘The boy with gold in his hair’ shared his valuable insight on the Indian music scene, his passion for music, his upcoming works and more.

A musician with a difference, Biddu is back in India after a long time; not only as a performer but also as a writer. He has just received a lifetime achievement award at the Annual India Rock Awards and is slated to perform in the country.
But what’s more interesting than anything else is his autobiography, `Made in India - Adventures of a Lifetime`(Publisher: Harper Collins) that captures the seminal moments in his life which made him what he is today. In an interview with Shivangi Singh of Spicezee.com, Biddu or ‘The boy with gold in his hair’ shared his valuable insight on the Indian music scene, his passion for music, his upcoming works and more. Q: What made you write this biography - `Made in India - Adventures of a Lifetime`? A: I had written a fiction novel (set in Darjeeling), which I showed to Harper Collins when I was in India last February. While they were keen on the novel, they asked if I would write my autobiography first as I had led rather an interesting and adventurous life. So ‘Made in India…’ comes out first, followed by the novel later in the year. Q: What was that particular `adventure` that proved to be a turning point in your life? A: There were many adventures and seminal moments that became important turning points in my life. You will realise that when you read the book. Q: Your life has been quite a struggle. What sustained you during the days of despair? A: One thing and one thing only kept me going - to make it on the world stage! When you are young, there are no struggles or hardships or obstacles. You have a goal, a vision in front and that`s all you see. Q: From the nine-million selling `Kung Fu Fighting` to the iconic youth anthem of `Made in India`, how fulfilling has the journey been? A: You know, sometimes people watching the journey find it more interesting than the person making the journey. Q: One can notice an underlining spiritual theme in your work these days. What inspires you to create that? A: My wife and children`s spending habits! I am not religious at all. In fact I am an atheist, but I do have spiritual values. Q: What do you think of the contemporary music scene in India? A: The scene is dead. Only Bollywood seems to exist, for the media at least. There is a big rock scene in India that lacks the oxygen of exposure, because media is so immersed in the same old actors and actresses. Q: What improvements are required in the field of music in India? A: Innovation. We need something new. An Indian Lady Gaga or the Rolling Stones or Beatles to Kick Ass. Q: Who is your favourite musician and why? A: Don’t have any. Never did. Q: What do you think of AR Rahman`s music? A: His earlier music (Roja, Bombay etc) was fabulous. Today, it`s ok. Q: All your fans are waiting for your next Indian album. Please tell us about your upcoming works? A: There is no Indian album forthcoming. The record scene is dead. I believe a CD sells no more than ten thousand to fifteen thousand copies. It`s crazy. ‘Disco Deewane’ and ‘Made in India’ sold 30 lakhs each. Q: Do you plan to take up writing as a profession after this book? Do you read? Who is your favourite author? A: At the moment I am enjoying writing. It`s nice to think I am doing something else apart from music. I don’t read much. May be one book a year. But then I never listened to music either. I think I have three CDs in my whole collection. Q: Apart from music, what interests you? A: I like walking, yoga and chilling out. Q: Any message for fans? A: In whatever you do, do your best. In whatever you give, give a hundred percent. Because if you don’t, the competition will go past you!