Reality shows on TV of no help: Singer Tochi Raina

Mumbai: At a time when several music reality TV shows are being applauded for giving a platform to talent from different regions of the country, playback singer Tochi Raina says they are of no use. He said here that reality shows on TV are only "misguiding new youthful talent". "Music is 'sadhna' and hard practice on a daily basis. There are no short cuts, and no 'phataphat' (quick) fame here," Tochi told IANS. He said that in the past 25 years or so, many young singers came through reality TV shows, but questioned "where are they today". "Many of them, because of exposure on TV, developed a wrong attitude. They don't learn, practice or demonstrate 'guru-bhaav'," said the singer, known for tracks like "Kabira", "Gal mithi mithi bol" and "Iktara". "For me singing is a spiritual experience that connects me to the Creator," he said. Raina also said "songs these days do not smell of local soil". "Western influence has deprived music of local flavour. Even bhajans are being rendered to western beats. I feel so sad. A song that touches the core of the heart and helps one to rise above everything base and crude, is close to my being," he said. He says he has been choosy about selecting the kind of songs that would do justice to his soul. "Seekhna aur samajhna (learning and understanding) are basic requirements. A singer has also to be a philosopher and his thinking should be positive. The state of the inner being gets reflected in singing," said the singer, who was here to launch a book by journalist Piyush Pandey.