I have been wronged and want justice.
What exactly happened?
I recorded the title song of Jhoom Barabar Jhoom sometime back and now that it’s out, only the opening and closing bars have my voice. The rest is in Shankar Mahadevan’s voice.
Who do you think is behind all this?
It has to be the producer. He should have known better. Also, I don’t know why Shankar felt so insecure and dubbed my song.
Weren’t you informed about it?
Not at all. Had I known, I wouldn’t have raised such a hue and cry. But dubbing is the done thing in the industry, with the exception of Lataji and Ashaji.
Rumour has it that Mr Bachchan is behind it.
That’s ridiculous. Mr Bachchan and I have tremendous respect for each other.
How did other singers react to your lawsuit?
They all stand to gain and naturally have been supportive but no one cares to come out in the open.
Did you have any inkling that the composers (Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy) were not satisfied by your rendering?
How? The song is virtually my composition, I improvised upon it. Gulzaarsaab told me he penned the lyrics with me in mind.
Do you admire the composers for their creative efforts?
Of course I do. I have all the respect for this talented trio but didn’t expect such treatment.
Has anyone tried to contact you after the news of your being upset broke out?
Ultimately, Yashji is accountable. But the matter now will be decided in court.
Could you have settled it amicably?
They were unavailable. After waiting for five months for me to record, they remain incommunicado. Where do you go from here?
