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Non-film music is reaching more people than film songs: Arjun Kanungo
By Durga Chakravarty
New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) Singer Arjun Kanungo, who has sung popular numbers such as “Baaki baatein peene baad”, “Gallan tipsiyaan” and “La la la”, is ecstatic that non-film music is now reaching more people than film songs.
“Non-film music is reaching a lot more people today than most films songs actually. I was one of the first few people to start this trend. When I started with ‘Baaki baatein peene baad’ in 2015, there was barely anyone doing and now everyone is doing it. So, it feels good to be a part of a wave that started this trend,” Kanungo told IANS over phone from Mumbai.
Asked if it is hard for independent artistes in India as most singers are into film music, he said: “I don’t think that is true anymore. I don’t think most of us are into film music anymore. It is changing a lot. The numbers of non-film music are very encouraging. In fact, they match the number of film music.
“Obviously, film music has bigger budgets, so they reach more people. But that being said, not all film songs reach more people than non film songs.”
The 28-year-old has credited support from music labels for the popularity of non-film songs.
“Artistes like me are blessed to have support of major labels today that push our song to the masses and we get over million views. So, I don’t think that is true anymore,” he said.
Ever since his debut in the industry in 2013, Kanungo has sung several singles like “Fursat”, “Ek dafaa”, “Tu na mera” and “Aaya na tu” — all supported with interesting videos featuring him.
Since he enjoys his screen time in music videos, would he like to star in a Bollywood film?
“I have thought about it, but I am very comfortable in my music space right now,” pat came the reply.
But he is open to changing gears if he gets a chance.
“If the opportunity comes, I would love to do something in acting. I did a cameo in a small film called ‘Jalebi’ last year and I was one of the lead heroes in a web series called ‘Side Heroes’. I am doing another web show which will be out on May or June,” he said.
Besides that, he is judging a show called “MTV Style Superstars”, and then there is “Unplugged”.
“I am there for the first time. I have also written and acted in a short film, which should be out in the middle of March… Then there is another Bollywood song which I hope will come out by April or May,” he added.
(Durga Chakravarty can be contacted at [email protected])
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.