The Raja Hasan Blog

In an exclusive interview to RajaHasan.com, Pankaj Shukla, Director of Bhole Shankar, speaks to Jugal Kishore Bajaj about his experiences with Raja Hasan, his abilities and his future as a playback singer. Apart from being a senior name in journalism circles, Pankaj Shukla has produced many highest TRP gainer daily and weekly shows and was the Programming Head of ZEE news. Here’s what he had to say to Jugal Kishore Bajaj.

I am very grateful to Mr.Pankaj Shukla the director of the Bhojpuri Movie for which Raja has recorded a beautiful solo song for answering my questions about Raja Hasan.

JKB: How did you feel recording with Raja?
Pankaj: Raja is a good boy to work with. He is a keen learner and good observer. His energy combined with his rustic voice works wonders for any song that goes on Sufi or Sipritual line. It was amazing to see this boy sing when he goes full throttle.

JKB: With his unique voice and the support of Vishal-Shekhar, do you think Raja will be successful in the bollwood music industry?
Pankaj: Raja does has a good original voice. He needs to work hard and abstain from falling into petty offers. If he keeps away from desperate singiing…he can move ahead very well in the industry. Vishal and Shekhar are good Jauharis (talent spotters) and they need to give this boy more and more chances in their films.*

JKB: How was Raja`s behaviour during the recording?
Pankaj: He was very nice and well behaved. His interactions with the Music Director Dhananjay Mishra were an addition to the quality of the song. He followed the instructions very well and also soaked himself into the feel of the song when I gave him narration of the visuals and situation of the song in the film.

JKB: In which fields does Raja need to improve to be successful?
Pankaj: Raja has to come out of the adulations and praise that he got during Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. He has to accept that it is past now and to look for brighter things in future, he has to make his present very good. He also needs to improve in his performance as a singer. He needs to differentiate between singing and singing with feel.

JKB: Would you like to speak about the controversy regarding Raja not winning Sa R Ga M a Pa 2007, inspite of complete public support.
Pankaj: Being part of Zee Family for almost 6 years, It won’t be appropriate for me to comment on the result of the show. Reality shows are not a litmus test for any creative person and a singer or an artist can never be judged on the number of SMSes. The quality of any creativity is judged by the seniors in the field and sometimes even this formula is not sufficient.

I agree with you Pankaj ji that Raja should leave behind his past and forget the name and fame he got from Saregamapa and now work hard for the future. We Raja fans will always be with Raja and we know he will never let us down.

- Jugal Kishore Bajaj