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Entertainment · April 14, 2021

THE GOLDEN ERA OF INDIE POP AND ROCK IN BOLLYWOOD

The 90’s children grew up in the midst of good old Bollywood songs, Indie pop bands, and the latest fad back then remixed versions of old songs with the advent of Deejays and clubbing culture all over Bollywood. The ’90s was a time for independent artists and bands away from Bollywood’s glamour, releasing out great albums and singles to which the entire generation could be seen swinging. Not to forget the epic music videos that came out on music channels that were still playing nonstop music at the time. Let’s remember the amazing pop era of the 1990s, which had such a wonderful pool of talent, and to whose tunes we’re still swaying. Let’s start with the playback singers who not only made it big in singing movie songs but also released stand-alone albums as their own personal music, which was eventually similar popular. Shaan broke into the circuit with the super popular Tanha Dil, creating a space in the hearts of millions of music lovers. Sonu Nigam, a name that mind automatically connects with several popular movie songs, released brilliant albums like Deewana, Jaan, Yaad, which had (and still has) a generation of girls swooning after him. You can’t forget Lucky Ali’s soulful songs, which brought us into an environment of melodies like Gori Teri Aankhein, O Saname, and Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai. Not to mention his contribution to Hindi cinema with songs such as Aa Bhi Jaa Sanam (Sur) and Ek Pal Ka Jeena, Fir Toh Hai Jana (Kaho Na Pyaar Hai).

Then there were singers that brought us singles that were forever part of the golden age of pop. These include Junoon Saiyonee, Suneeti Rao’s Pari Hoon, Deewane Toh Deewane Hai, Shweta Shetta’s Kahin Karta Hoga, Anamika’s and Alisha Chinoy’s Mega Hit in India. Baba Sehgal was and has always been another classical cult musician. There was massive support behind his insane videos and crazy songs. His Aaja Meri Gaadi Mein Baith Jaa song continues to be very successful. Another pop queen, Falguni Pathak, whose music videos are to speak about the amazing work she did and whose songs still dominate people’s hearts. Among these are Maine Payal Hai Chankai, O Piya, Saawan Mein, Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi and Pal Pal Pal Teri Yaad. Nobody but Shubha Mudgal, who took Ab Ke Saawan Aise Barse to life, exposed us to classic pop genres. Everyone knows that Asha Bhosle has dominated the airwaves for a whole generation by her hit, Jaanam Samjha Karo. 

The dance numerals that still prevail, like Tunak Tunak Tun, Bolo Tara Ra, among others, were sung by King Daler Mehendi of Punjab. Sukhbir is another immensely successful artist that sung the Punjabi track  Ishq Tera Tadpave and BallySagoo’s Gore Naal Ishq. The find of a whole generation with Kya Soorat Hai and Woh Chali being the music that most has ever played on many playlists was Neeraj Shridhar with Bombay Vikings. A trip down the memory lane is unfinished without reminding the Aryans of one of the most famous videos of the ‘90s, Aankhon Mein Tera Hi Chehra, which featured some Shahid Kapoor. College goers won’t forget Ali Haider’s Purani anthem, a classic of religions that speaks of friends and college life even today with so much affection. There are hundreds of pop songs that are missing from today’s generation, Babul Supriyo’s Sochta Hoon for KK’s Yaaron and Pal. The soothing voices, the beautiful lyrics, and the plot of the music videos await cassettes to be released, which can be easily accessed from friends. The past has contributed a lot for the future in the current scenario we JSR record label which is very well known in Uttarakhand  and strives to create quality content for the masses, developing sound recordings and music videos, taking complete care of the marketing of their artists, and maintaining contacts with the respective managers and artists. But in the teenage heart of all nineties, these songs have found a way and until now have a unique place in the music industry.

The lists could go on and on: Kunal Ganjawala, the Viva bands, Aasma, Strings, Breathless by Shankar Mahadevan. It is regrettable that the 1990s were indeed a golden age for pop music in India, and the new generation of these marvelous producers did not continue in this trend. The legacy left in the form of unforgettable songs this decade is nevertheless still appreciated. The beautiful single from the very famous playback singer Tera Mera Pyaar from Kumar Sanu is still very loved today, as is the one from Sultan Khan and Chitra Anand of Ustad Piya Basanti. Colonial cousins with Sa Ni Dha Pa, like Nachange Saari Raat’s Stereo Country, were the coolest. Adnan Sami, after reaching Lift Karade, Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein, and Tera Chehra, was and still has this phenomenon. He roped his music videos into all the great stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Govinda, and Rani Mukherjee. Most of the artists are underrated till they find their way in the mainstream media. JSR record label aspire to help new artists to find a way into the mainstream media where they get the recognition that they deserve. Tarun Rawat who is heading this venture aims to uplift these unheard talents.

Today, there is no lack of good music with new artists joining the scene every day. These songs of the 90s are such that they can never be forgotten. Songs, lyrics invoke golden memories of past history, happy times, and memories of those always green songs you find yourself humming today.