'Jai Ho' did not deserve an Oscar: Jagjit Singh

The world might be ga ga over AR Rahman's Oscar winning composition Jai Ho but legendary Ghazal singer, Jagjit Singh finds the song overrated.

The 68-year-old legend who is famous for his candid nature believes that getting the Academy award was a golden moment in Indian history but the song per se did not deserve the honour.

"Getting an Oscar is no doubt a great achievement but the song, for which we got the award, is not so special. Frankly I did not understand on what basis it was awarded," Singh said at a function where he released his new album Inteha.

The Ghazal maestro, said that he did not understand the lyrics of the composition and why it has become so popular that everybody from Indian political parties to International pop bands is eager to use it.

When referred that lyrics for the song has been penned by Gulzar with whom he has given many hits, Singh said, "When I work with Gulzar Sahab I categorically tell him to write such poetry which my fans and I can understand."

Singh, who has composed some hit music for films like Arth and Saath Saath in the 80's does not seem to have a good opinion about today's Bollywood music as he stated, "it lacks profound poetry and soulful tunes".

The singer who started his journey in the film industry as a music composer with Prem Geet in 1981 said, "It (Bollywood music) is cheap music just meant for discotheques with nonsensical lyrics."

Taking a potshot at Delhi-6 hit song Masakali, Singh said that he was puzzled with the usage of offbeat words in the lyrics today.

The legend, who is accredited with bringing Ghazal genre, which was previously restricted to the elite classes, to the masses, felt that Ghazal scenario in India was degrading as it lacks good songwriters and passionate singers.

The Baat nikalegi to fir singer, felt that Ghazals were also lacking media patronage.

Talking about his idol, Pakistan's famous Ghazal singer, Mehendi Hassan who is reportedly facing an acute economic crunch said, "Government cannot take care of everybody. Successful singers should invest at the right time to secure their future and then come forward to promote others as well."

His latest album was launched 35,000 feet above sea level in an airplane by sitarist Anoushka Shankar. Singh said, "The album coming after two years was long due for my fans."

All 8 tracks of the album, comprising mostly romantic songs and some inspired by philosophy of life, will be released in DVDs and VCDs. "Today it has become important to make videos of the songs to attract the young crowd. In a way its a good effort as it exposes youngsters to Ghazals and generate their interest in this, otherwise neglected genre of music."