UNSUNG HEROS OF BOLLYWOOD
(Part 1 in a series of many!)

Unfortunately not much is known about most of the individual musicians involved in Bollywood orchestras. Its such a transient industry that getting hold of studio notes or log books is a dead end and believe me I’ve tried.

I thought I’d write the occasional blog to tip a hat to some of the musicians that I have found out about, whose recored work has been etched into our collective memories, even though their names and faces are perhaps anonymous.

So step into the spotlight the man who is arguably Bollywood’s greatest guitar hero... Bhupinder Singh.

Some of you may know him for his occasional forays into playback singing. But all of you should know him as the man with the funky breaks in classic songs like Churalyia, Mehbooba and the almighty Dum Maro Dum

Yes indeed, it was none other than Bhupinder Singh who came up with the eternal hook that launches Dum Maro Dum and the solo in Yaado Ki Baarat. Like every great guitar player, he had his own individual style, tone and feel. Instantly recognisable in those classic old- skool Bollywood tunes, they always sound like they belong in a Tarantino soundtrack.

Anyway, the guy was an amazing talent and highly underrated. As well as the guitar he played the violin and sang. Check out his melancholic tones on Dil Dhoondta Hai. And he was the musical pioneer who bought the Spanish guitar into Ghazal music.

Enough talking... go check him out, whilst I gather more info on my next subject!

Ajay