A singing reality show is not exactly a novel concept. But I-Popstar aims to be an alternative, as it platforms independent musicians whose art is not enslaved to opportunities in the film industry. With indie music gaining popularity in India, it seems to be the right time for the Amazon MX Player show. mid-day speaks to its four judges — musicians King, Aastha Gill, Parmish Verma, and Aditya Rikhari — about what makes an indie artiste stand out, and whether Bollywood holds bias against them.
Excerpts from the interview.
What is the one thing that you are most conscious about while judging a budding talent?
Verma: The external facade should not harm the internal artiste. It’s okay if your performance is 19 [on a scale of 20], but your authenticity has to be 20. An artiste, who might not be able to dance well, should not lose the spot to one who can but isn’t [authentic]. Originality is 15, everything else is five-five.
Rikhari: This show is about original music. An artiste writes, composes, and sings a song, so we have to be mindful while critiquing it. We should praise them for whatever is top-notch. We also need to see how we can help them improve with every performance.
The independent music scene in India has boomed in the last few years. Do you think a show on this scale would have been possible five years ago?
Rikhari: In the last five years, the indie music scene has exponentially progressed. Five years ago, people wouldn’t have appreciated a show like this because the awareness was less. Original pop and indie music have become very popular today. Today, people understand different genres.
Many musicians have complained that indie musicians aren’t treated well compared to film singers. Does that perception hold true even today?
King: I’ve never met any artiste who has said, ‘I didn’t do well in Bollywood and I did well in the independent music scene.’ This perception doesn’t hold true. I feel we need to learn [to become better]. They give a lot of love to us.
Verma: I have never felt that way. I met Sonu Nigam the other day, he gave me so much respect and love.
Aastha, women have to go through much more to break the glass ceiling, with their struggle first beginning at home. Have we come far in our battle against gender disparity?
Gill: We have grown in this space because on the show itself, we met a few artistes who are getting full support from their families [in choosing this profession]. Times are changing and I’m very happy about that.
What’s the one crucial thing to survive the uncertainties in the industry?
Rikhari: Ups and downs will happen, but the key to go on is honesty. Also, if you are doing something, do it with your whole heart — either give all of you to something or none of you. Don’t chase numbers or appreciation. Work for the love that you have for your art. Whatever you make with honesty, will land one day with the listeners.