Avatar singer lends voice to Lahore
IBNS | Monday, 15 March , 2010, 12:36
Singer Lisbeth Scott – who has lent her voice to several blockbuster Hollywood
films likeAvatar, King Kong, Chronicles of Narnia and Shrek - has sung the
opening alaap in the Warner Brothers-Sai Om Films' forthcoming film Lahore. She
talks about the experience, the film and why, when it comes to Bollywood,
Lagaan remains her favourite movie. Excerpts:
What made you decide to sing for a Hindi movie?
The composer, Wayne Sharpe, liked my work in several films he had seen, and he
contacted me about singing on his score for Lahore. When I heard about the film
and its compelling subject matter, I knew I would love to sing in it.
How was the experience?
It was a wonderful and intense experience working with Wayne on his beautiful
score for Lahore. It was cold in New York when I arrived and I was working on
another project in the city during my visit as well. We had all been working
long hours and were a bit bleary eyed.
When Wayne and I first got together, he decided to start by giving me an idea
of the film and showed me the first fight scene. I was mesmerised and realised
what an important and special film this was. We worked steadily after that for
several days and had a very easy and organic creative interaction. I am very
excited to see and hear the final results!
Did you have to sing any Indian melody or raga?
I have sung in Hindi before and I have used Indian-based styles for the film
and not the raga.
Is what you have sung quite similar to what you have done in Hollywood
projects- since it is part of the background score.
It is quite interesting and it is not exactly the background score because
sometimes there is voice, too. But yes, it’s not a song situation for the cast.
It’s the opening soundtrack of the film.
If given a chance to work with an Indian singer, whom would you prefer?
Personally, I would choose AR Rahman who did the score for Slumdog Millionaire.
I love Indian sound and I have always been drawn to classical music.
When you were singing for Lahore, was there something new you did which you
haven’t done before in Hollywood projects?
The nice thing about Wayne Sharpe’s score is that he manages to blend the
styles and sounds differently and he also has sense of world music. I used my
voice differently as there was an Indian flavour to it and the wonderful part
of this movie is that it has a universal message about cultural borders and
healing conflicts.
Did you find any similarities between your singing in Avatar and Lahore?
Yes there were similarities in the approaches. There were several scenes in
Avatar which I watched and listened to the music, which was written by the
composer, and created certain melodies. I did something similar with Wayne
Sharpe, too. He allowed me to create my own melody and give my response.
Have you watched any Indian films to understand the genre of music?
My favourite movie is Lagaan. That was the first Hindi movie I saw. For me,
musically, it was a dream come true. The music that was played was fantastic
and an eye opening experience. The film had intense passion that made me love
Bollywood movies.
What attracted you to Indian music?
The first time I got interested in the Indian music was when I was a child.
When I was 12 year old, I had a jazz music teacher and he was an Indian. One
day he played Pt. Ravi Shankar’s signature music and I remember I was so
fascinated and speechless as the music was fantastic. After that I had this
immense love for Indian music.
As you are big fan of AR Rahman? What do you like about his music?
When I heard his music in Slumdog Millionaire, I was completely blown away
[laughs]. One thing that I love about his music is that he sings a song and
creates a melody in such a way that it takes the listener through a harmonious
journey and it opens your heart. He creates a world of his own that is very
powerful thing for an artist and he is a master of that.
What inspires you to work in Hollywood instead of creating your own album?
I have already done lot of work as a solo artist and I do have nine albums of
my own. When I came first to Hollywood, one of my friends heard me singing and
that friend knew a film composer and he asked me to sing for a Hollywood movie.
That is how I entered Hollywood.
I love being a part of musical world. I think that passion for your work makes
you successful and I love whatever I do. I love the intensity of expression,
languages and I just love singing and listening to music. I love to take all
the challenges that I come across.
http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=14935209&cid=2359
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