When Kavita Krishnamurthy said now ‘attitude’ matters more than 'sur-taal': "now you don't need to sing in tune"

Kavita Krishnamurthy says atittude is more important these days

• Kavita Krishnamurthy criticizes technology's effect on vocal talent in music.
• She contrasts disciplined old recordings with today's fragmented studio methods.
• Modern music values attitude over singing in tune, says Kavita Krishnamurthy

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Veteran singer Kavita Krishnamurthy once spoke with striking honesty about how much the music industry has changed, and her words still resonate today.

At an event in Bengaluru in March 2016, the legendary vocalist reflected on the growing dependence on technology in music and questioned whether true vocal skill is still valued the way it once was.

Looking back on her early years, Kavita Krishnamurthy recalled a time when singers were expected to deliver complete songs in one emotional and musical flow.

She spoke fondly of working with composer Khayyam, whose ghazal-based compositions demanded absolute control and feeling. “A singer like me can sing a five-minute-long song. I have sung for Khayyam saab, and his songs that were ghazal style - you cannot breath in-between a line. (He'd say) 'My poetry will break', you know how Khayyam saab and his poetry were,” she said, underlining the discipline those recordings required.

She then contrasted that experience with modern studio practices, which she described as fragmented and mechanical. According to Kavita Krishnamurthy, today’s recordings often involve singing just a word or two at a time, rather than immersing oneself in the song.

Demonstrating the process, she explained, “So now, when I am called for a song recording..(sings) 'Tumko'..Gaa diya, 'ek aur baar'...Tumko..'Ok Kavita ji next line', (hums a tune) Bus. (I sing one word a few times, followed by a short line and that's it).”

What disappointed her most was being told that perfection was no longer necessary. She shared, “I should sing this line again, in a better tune this time. But, I am told ‘no, that is not needed. What is it about the tune, we have got machines, we will pitch it for you)’.” As she pointed out, “So, now you do not need to sing in tune, or beat.”

Also Read: Kavita Krishnamurthy on music, fusion, and the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival's milestone event

Kavita Krishnamurthy summed up the shift with a sharp but almost humorous observation. “So what do you need in a singer? 'We want attitude, there should be attitude' (I am told). So, if you have a good attitude, you can all try your hand at singing.”

With a career spanning over five decades and countless timeless songs across languages, Kavita Krishnamurthy’s reflections feel less like criticism and more like a heartfelt reminder.