Abhijeet Bhattacharya, renowned for his captivating melodies, has been amiss from Bollywood's musical landscape for an extended period. As recently revealed in an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, the legendary singer lamented the industry's politics that have hindered his opportunities.
Bhattacharya's exclusion from several high-profile projects, particularly those featuring Shah Rukh Khan, stems from a perceived threat among music directors who believed they would lose control over their compositions. They would often bluntly refuse to collaborate with him, despite their prior closeness, effectively ostracizing him from the industry.
This prejudice emerged following Bhattacharya's prestigious award win for Yes Boss. Despite the film's lack of commercial success, his song stood out among the blockbusters of that era, like Border, Pardes, and Dil To Pagal Hai. Bhattacharya believes that his recognition ignited a sense of insecurity in music directors, who feared he might eclipse their own contributions.
They perceive themselves as master craftsmen, Bhattacharya explained, adding that they fail to recognize that the artist is merely an instrument through which the song is realized. Just as a jeweler transforms raw materials into exquisite designs, they should embrace the collaborative nature of their craft.
Despite the setbacks, Bhattacharya remains gracefully connected to the industry. Additionally, he has continued to lend his voice to various ventures, including The Purvanchal Files, Love You Loktantra, and Coolie No 1, showcasing his enduring talent and versatility.