Soumya Vajpayee is the Senior Editor (Lifestyle & City) for Hindustan Times HT City (Mumbai and Pune) and writes on music, entertainment and lifestyle.
Articles by Soumya Vajpayee
(Exclusive) Badshah mentors Dharavi kids: Felt like I was jamming with budding artistes in a studio
The rapper, who has turned mentor to young hip-hop talent from Mumbai’s Dharavi slum, hopes for them to work with international artistes too
Updated on Jul 18, 2023 10:54 AM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Ustad Zakir Hussain: I cannot thank social media enough
Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain credits social network for giving musicians ‘attention and visibility’.
Updated on Jul 17, 2023 01:32 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Kumar Sanu: Jab Kisi Ki Taraf Dil was ahead of its time
Singer Kumar Sanu reflects on recording the song "Jab Kisi Ki Taraf Dil" from the film Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Sanu describes the song as ahead of its time and feels lucky to have recorded it. He also discusses the collaborative process with composers Jatin-Lalit, who made changes to the song before it was finalized. Sanu was drawn to the song by its beautiful melody and the fact that it would be picturized on actor Ajay Devgn. He also reveals that it was the only track he recorded for the film and felt honored to be chosen by Jatin-Lalit.
Updated on Jul 15, 2023 05:29 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Ricky Kej: Spent two hours with PM Modi and President Macron at the Louvre
Three-time Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej discussed music and environment during a gala dinner with PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Updated on Jul 15, 2023 05:03 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Mohit Chauhan: What’s happening in Himachal is scary
The singer, who hails from the state, is worried as he hasn’t been able to contact his family and friends ever since the floods hit Himachal Pradesh.
Updated on Jul 11, 2023 12:45 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
What makes mainstream musicians release devotional music frequently?
If you think spiritual songs don’t have enough takers, you’re mistaken. Mainstream musicians, who have been releasing bhakti sangeet frequently, tell us why such music interests them and if it’s profitable.
Updated on Jul 09, 2023 10:56 AM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
10 years of Lootera: Amit and I were in Goa when I wrote Shikayatein, says Amitabh Bhattacharya
As Lootera turns 10, lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya talks about penning the songs and shares fun trivia.
Updated on Jul 05, 2023 12:00 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Lootera turns 10: I made Sawaar Loon keeping Piya Tose Naina Laage Re in mind, says Amit Trivedi
As Lootera clocks 10 years, composer Amit Trivedi shares insights about working on the six-track album and shares fun trivia about the songs.
Updated on Jul 05, 2023 11:43 AM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
15 years of Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na: Singing Jaane Tu Mera Kya Hai was life-changing for me, says Runaa
Singer Runaa Rizvii Shivamani talks about working with AR Rahman and her upcoming cover version of Jaane Tu Mera Kya Hai.
Updated on Jul 04, 2023 11:52 AM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Apashe: My first trip to India was a dream come true
Belgian musician Apashe talks about his bond with India and why he didn’t watch Coldplay, DJ Snake and Marshmello’s music videos before shooting his track.
Updated on Jul 04, 2023 11:28 AM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Guru Purnima: Feel proud to have AR Rahman sir as my mentor, says Neeti Mohan
Singer Neeti Mohan expresses her gratitude towards composer AR Rahman, calling him her guru and praising his impact on her personal and professional life. She admires his versatility, spirituality, work ethic, and family values. Mohan appreciates that Rahman allows her to be herself and encourages her creativity. Despite being unable to spend much time with him due to her busy schedule, she continues to learn from him through interviews and remains grateful for his inspiration on Guru Purnima.
Updated on Jul 03, 2023 04:46 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Guru Purnima: My father was my guru, says Rahul Sharma
On Guru Purnima, santoor player Rahul Sharma remembers his father and guru, late santoor legend Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and what he missed about him.
Updated on Jul 03, 2023 04:37 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Guru Purnima: I miss Mr Seth’s constructive criticism, says Kavita Seth
Singer Kavita Seth reflects on her late husband as her guru, missing his constructive criticism. She also credits other musicians as her gurus.
Updated on Jul 03, 2023 04:30 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Guru Purnima: Eminem, Tech N9ne and Lil Wayne are my true gurus, says Bantai
Rapper Emiway Bantai considers American rappers Eminem, Tech N9ne, and Lil Wayne his gurus. He says their songs have inspired him to become a top rap artist in India. Bantai also credits real-life experiences for influencing his music. He has recently collaborated with label Namoh Studios.
Updated on Jul 03, 2023 04:11 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
50 transgenders gather to paint on umbrellas in Mumbai
An upcoming event in the city will see members from the transgender community express themselves by painting on umbrellas.
Updated on Jun 30, 2023 01:16 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Sonu Nigam on Major Saab turning 25: Sona Sona was an impactful inclusion in my song list for concerts
25 years of Major Saab: Sonu Nigam recalls recording 'Sona Sona' with Amitabh Bachchan and late Aadesh Shrivastav; says the atmosphere was festive.
Updated on Jun 26, 2023 05:38 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Abhijay Sharma on Riar Saab becoming the face of Obsessed: Felt good for him
When asked if Riar Saab being the face of Gaddiyan Uchiya Rakhiya bothers him, this is what Abhijay Sharma has to say.
Updated on Jun 26, 2023 05:27 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
It’s Dr Shankar Mahadevan now: Composer receives honorary doctorate
Shankar Mahadevan receives honorary doctorate from University of Birmingham; credits his love for music and hard work for recognition.
Updated on Jun 26, 2023 04:37 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
I had to cut my Goa vacation short to record Tum Tak: Javed Ali
The singer reminisces how he wasn’t prepared to record the song when he was called by composer AR Rahman
Updated on Jun 22, 2023 12:45 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Visited Banaras ghats to seek inspiration for Raanjhanaa: Irshad Kamil
For the lyrists, from writing during a vacation and travelling to Banaras to indulging in good food, there’s a lot of fond memories associated with the film
Updated on Jun 22, 2023 12:39 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
World Music Day: It’s not Bollywood vs independent music anymore, say musicians
On World Music Day today, Sonu Nigam, Salim-Sulaiman and Sameer reason out the blurring lines between film and non-film music.
Updated on Jun 21, 2023 01:27 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Sameer Anjaan: Aamir would come for every music sitting
Lyricist Sameer Anjaan reveals that lead actor Aamir Khan was heavily involved in the music of the film Ghulam, attending every sitting to enjoy the process. Anjaan also shares his experience of penning the hit song Jaadu Hai Tera Hi Jaadu.
Updated on Jun 19, 2023 05:56 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Rani was asked to laugh the Aati Kya Khandala way wherever she went: Alka Yagnik
Singer Alka Yagnik reflects on the cult status of the song Aati Kya Khandala from the film Ghulam, praising its sweetness and cute picturisation. She also recalls how actor Rani Mukerji's laugh at the beginning of the song became memorable. Yagnik adds that working with actor Aamir Khan on the song was impressive, and that all the songs from Ghulam remain popular during her stage shows.
Updated on Jun 19, 2023 05:52 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
(Father’s Day Exclusive) Karan Singh Grover: I am a hands-on dad
In his first-ever interview since embracing fatherhood last year, actor Karan Singh Grover talks about his bond with daughter Devi and how she’s his first priority.
Updated on Jun 18, 2023 01:10 AM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Arko on working with Chris Gayle: He might take up rapping full-time
The Indian composer-singer collaborated with cricketer Chris Gayle on a song recently; praises the West Indies player for his talent as a musician and how it was like being in the studio with him.
Updated on Jun 08, 2023 01:50 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Vicky paaji’s support helped: Gaddiyan Ucchiyan Rakhiyaan hitmaker Riar Saab
The Obsessed singer talks about Vicky Kaushal’s contribution in making his song go viral; says artistes don’t need music labels anymore to shine .
Updated on Jun 06, 2023 10:58 AM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Raghav Mathur: People crave authenticity today
Musician Raghav Mathur talks about his love for the music from the early 2000s and why Bollywood musicians are releasing independent music
Updated on Jun 05, 2023 12:53 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
We would love to explore Bollywood music: Almost Famous
Los Angeles-based electronic DJ duo Almost Famous, of Indian origin, have a love for Indian music and use Indian instruments in all their western songs. The duo recently collaborated with American rapper and singer Tyla Yaweh for a hip-hop track, and expressed interest in working on a Bollywood soundtrack or collaborating with Indian musicians in the future.
Updated on Jun 01, 2023 05:44 PM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Shaan celebrates friend KK: I can’t believe it’s been a year since he left us
On singer KK’s first death anniversary today, his close friend and colleague Shaan talks about their bond and what made KK unique.
Updated on May 31, 2023 10:50 AM IST
Soumya Vajpayee
Sidhu Moosewala 1st death anniversary: Why’s he still a chart-topper?
On Sidhu Moosewala’s first death anniversary today (May 29), we find out why his songs continue to top music charts of streaming platforms.
Updated on May 29, 2023 10:54 AM IST
Soumya Vajpayee