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Bhushan Kumar talks about the year gone by, plans for 2008 and winning the Music Magnate of the year award

By Bollywood Hungama News Network, January 31, 2008 - 14:43 IST

When it comes to music, he is the man with the Midas touch. Taking reins from his father at a young age, he has transformed his company T-series into a force to reckon with in the Indian Music industry. We are talking about none other than the dynamic Mr. Bhushan Kumar who was recently awarded the Zoom Glam Award for the Music Magnate of the year. In a chat with Bollywood Hungama, Bhushan talks about the successful year gone by, his criteria before choosing his projects and lastly what's in store at T-series in the New Year.

Congratulations, you have indeed begun year 2008 on a high. How does it feel to be awarded the Zoom Glam Award for the Music Magnate of the year?

It obviously feels great and I hope this coming year will see a lot of T-Series films in the market. In music, we have Subhash Ghai's Black and White, Rohit Jugraj's Superstar to start off with, and in albums we have just released Pankaj Udhas's album, 'Endless Love' which has been directed by my wife Divya Khosla Kumar. Other than that, we have a few films on the floor this year, namely Himesh Reshammiya's Karzzzz and Pooja Bhatt's Kajraare.

The year 2007 saw your company, T- series, deliver some super duper hits like Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Aap Kaa Surroor and even OSO which is among the top soundtracks of the year. You seem to be having the Midas touch when it comes to choosing the right films. How do you actually zero in on a particular project?

I've been blessed to have a father like Gulshan Kumar who devoted his life to music and was also a visionary. He taught me all that I know. Even now when I select a particular project, there are many factors that I look into - commercial viability, mass appeal, the music director etc. being a few of them.

What lies in store in 2008? Any particular soundtrack which you are immensely banking and which you feel would top the chartbusters this year?

I think Karzzzz is all set to break records. If I've got the Midas touch, Himesh has got the golden voice! Till now each of his songs have rocked the nation and become chartbusters. And now with Karzzzz, the masses will not only see a new Himesh but his songs will also set a new precedent.

The original Karz had great music and with Himesh handling the music here, the expectations are gargantuan. How do you feel the music is coming up? Have the songs already been recorded?

Yes, the expectations are tremendous but that's what makes it even more interesting and challenging. There will definitely be comparisons and the music will find some critics too, but I'm supremely confident about the songs of Karzzzz. If there is anyone who can rise to the challenge, it is Himesh Reshammiya.

Your wife Divya Khosla is also making her presence felt with her music- videos, any plans for her to direct full length feature films in the future?

Well, she does have some ideas and she will probably venture into it when she feels she's ready. But it's unlikely to be this year.

Last year, you even joined the fight against piracy by introducing VCD's / DVD's of hit movies at rates as low as Rs.49 and Rs.34. How has been the response been so far?

The response has always been good and contrary to public perception, T-Series has always offered VCD's and DVD's at reduced prices but had never advertised this fact. But now with new companies entering the fray, this has become more visible. But we are not bothered as we have nearly 10,000 titles in our library.

Where do you see the Indian Music industry heading considering various new revolutions happening in the world of music be it online music or mobile downloads etc?

This is obviously a great opportunity as there are more channels and more avenues for content distribution now. Simultaneously, there should be increasing vigilance in order to avoid piracy. But otherwise this spells good news for the industry provided it is done through proper distribution and marketing channels.

Lastly any other new terrains that you plan to venture into in the New Year 08?

T-Series has predominantly been seen as a music company. We plan to change the Vox Populi (public opinion) and enter into film production in a big way. The success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa has spurred me into getting into filmmaking in a big way and the coming year will see quite a few T-Series projects.