‘I Was Burnt Out’: Alisha Chinai on quitting Bollywood music over illegal deals | Hindi Movie News
Alisha Chinai stands out as a pioneering force in Indian pop and Bollywood, often hailed as the “Queen of Indipop.” Her signature voice and hits from the 1990s and early 2000s, including the blockbuster ‘Made in India’, captured a generation and continue to dominate streaming lists. In a recent interview, she opened up about her stint on the show ‘Ek Aur Baar Kishore Kumar’, her perspectives on evolving music trends, and what prompted her extended break from Bollywood playback.
Creative burnout and artistic integrity
During her conversation with Free Press Journal, Alisha shared openly about the reasons behind her long absence from Bollywood playback singing. She described her choice as a thoughtful decision influenced by emotional and professional fatigue. “Well, to be honest, I was just like bored with the Bollywood music,” she said. Alisha expressed feeling creatively drained and wanting to explore different avenues beyond what Bollywood offered. Having been a prominent figure in Bollywood for years, this phase marked a crucial turning point for her. She mentioned feeling detached from the evolving musical style in films, which led her to step back instead of compromising her artistic values.
Industry politics and unfair contracts
The singer delved further into systemic flaws in the music business that fellow performers often avoid addressing publicly. She revealed that there were other reasons as well, like all the politics going on. She addressed challenges including copyright disputes and unfair contract practices. “The copyright issues for artists, the injustice, and there was no fair play,” she said. “We were just being made to sign contracts which were, in my opinion, completely illegal. So, I refused to sign them, and that was another reason why people didn’t choose to call me.” By rejecting those dubious deals, she faced reduced work prospects, yet she affirmed her commitment to her values with no remorse. “It suited me fine,” she added, reflecting contentment instead of bitterness.
Personal challenges behind the hiatus
Chinai made it clear her hiatus went beyond work-related factors, as personal matters also played a key role. The singer disclosed that she had to stay away for a very long time because she had some personal issues. Though she avoided specifics, she stressed the importance of that phase for her healing and self-improvement. “There were various reasons,” she noted, underscoring the multiple dimensions of her time away instead of pinning it on one factor.
