Being a vocalist is no simple task; it requires constant effort to deliver hit songs, maintain relevance, and remain profitable in a rapidly changing industry. Unlike acting, where a strong debut can define a career, playback singing demands a continuous stream of successful tracks. Beyond singing, composing music introduces a new set of challenges. To create a successful album, a composer may need to produce 8 to 10 potential tunes before discovering the ideal one. This process demands continuous self-reflection and a creatively agile mind. Often, listeners are unaware that each word in a song has been meticulously matched to a melody that struck the composer in a moment of inspiration.
Bilal Saeed is among the few who have excelled in both singing and composing. His catalog of songs—whether playback or singles—boasts record-breaking numbers and continues to attract listeners' affection. However, as fame often brings scrutiny, Bilal has faced his share of controversies. Yet, through his evolving music and personal growth, he has more than redeemed himself. The artist takes us behind the scenes of his creative process, revealing what success truly means to him and how he channels his experiences and emotions into the music we love.
The music scene has undergone significant changes in recent years. I believe digital platforms offer artists more freedom today. They can now connect with their audiences more authentically and build a fan base by simply being themselves. These platforms have also introduced greater diversity to the music scene, and people are more open to different genres. This shift is undoubtedly a positive change for both artists and music lovers.
Legendary singer Asha Bhosle recently stated that technology has blurred the lines between trained singers and those who believe they can sing. I disagree with this perspective. While auto-tune can help a talented singer refine their performance, it cannot replace the inherent ability to sing. If someone lacks natural talent, auto-tune won't compensate for that. Singing is an art that involves emotions, and no technology can replicate the emotional depth an artist brings to their voice. Additionally, while trained singers may excel in classical music, their style might not always fit other genres, which is why specialization in the genre you love is crucial.
Do you think numerical metrics, like the number of downloads or views, are a good benchmark for judging a song's popularity? It depends. If the numbers are organic, then yes, they are a good indicator that the song has resonated with the audience and gained popularity. However, there are also many songs that are extremely popular but don’t necessarily have high digital numbers. So, it varies depending on the song and its reach.
People often say the world is divided between Lata and Asha, and in the male singer category, it's Rafi and Kishore. I wasn’t particularly inclined towards Bollywood music growing up; I used to follow independent artists like Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. That said, I’ve always admired Kishore Kumar’s vocal tone and texture. If I had to choose, I would definitely lean towards Lata Ji for her unmatched elegance and vocal control.
It is said that you can’t create a great tune without experiencing sadness. Sadness tends to bring us closer to our core, to who we truly are. When you’re happy, you're often distracted by the world around you, but sadness pulls you inward. That’s when your emotions are raw and real, and it’s easier to create something that resonates deeply with listeners. But of course, it depends on the artist and the type of music they create.
There’s a belief that when an artist achieves a milestone abroad—like in Bollywood, in your case—they receive more recognition in their own country. Absolutely, it does help. When my song was featured in Karan Johar’s movie, it was a huge milestone for me. Bollywood still holds a massive influence, so gaining recognition there definitely elevates your standing in your home country as well. It's a wonderful feeling to have your work appreciated internationally.
Having conducted many concerts, what are your personal preparations before a live performance? Before a performance, I always warm up my voice, especially when I’m on my way to the venue. It’s also about getting into the right mental space—escaping my personal issues and focusing on the present. I remind myself to appreciate everything I have, especially the stage and the opportunity to connect with my audience. The stage is where I truly come alive.
Fame and success come with baggage, including controversies and trolls. Fame comes with its own set of challenges, and some things get easier while others get harder. People begin to perceive you in a certain way. But it’s important to remember that we all evolve as individuals. Sometimes, I’ve overreacted to situations, but that doesn’t define me. We all have moments when we’re more human than artist. What matters is how we grow from those experiences. The key is to stay grounded and realise that we’re all in this together—performing for the audience while also hoping to feel good ourselves.
How does a tune come to life for you? Nusrat Sahab once said that every artist is blessed with "Aamad." Yes, I absolutely agree with Nusrat Sahab’s concept of "Aamad." Inspiration can strike at any moment, whether I’m with someone else or by myself. Sometimes it’s for a personal project, sometimes for another artist. The process of creating music and writing lyrics is what excites me the most. Once I have the initial spark of an idea, I keep refining it until it feels complete. The challenge is knowing when it's truly "final"—sometimes you just have to trust your instincts and let it go, knowing that each song is a step in your evolution as an artist.
Sadiq Saleem is a UAE-based writer and can be contacted on his Instagram handle @sadiqidas.
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