Let’s explore the evolution of Himesh Reshammiya and how he became a pop-culture icon of Indian music.
In the ever-evolving world of Indian music, Himesh Reshammiya is one artist that has become one of Bollywood's most recognizable voices. From composing hit tracks in the early 2000s, he has managed to carve an unconventional path for himself that’s been successful at the same time. As the music maestro celebrates his birthday on July 23, let’s take a look at his journey that transformed him from a composer to a household name and front-stage performer.
Having begun his career in the late 1990s, he worked in television before making a mark as a Bollywood music composer. He got his first break with Salman Khan’s Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998), when he composed the popular track Odh Li Chunariya. He solidified his reputation with the 2003 blockbuster Tere Naam, where the tragic melodies impressed millions.
His turning point came when he picked up the mic himself. In Aashiq Banaya Aapne (2005), he introduced his voice that was unorthodox, nasal, and raw. While the audience was divided, most of the public couldn’t get enough. He soon delivered a series of chartbusters: Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, Tera Suroor, Aap Ki Kashish, and Hookah Bar, and he became a pop culture phenomenon. Be it his signature cap or the melancholic gaze, people could not get enough of him.
In 2007, Reshammiya forayed into acting with Aap Kaa Surroor: The Moviee. Despite lukewarm reviews, it performed well at the box office. He then went on to act in films like Karzzzz (2008) and Tera Surroor (2016). While his acting career didn’t reach the same stardom, he turned out to be a multi-talented performer.
In recent years, he has been back to his roots, and composing music for the new-gen Bollywood projects. He has also been a popular television mentor, and his stints as judge on music reality shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Indian Idol have got admiration.
To say the least, Himesh Reshammiya may have his share of criticism, but he changed how a Bollywood playback singer could sound like. On his birthday, let’s not forget that the industry always has space for talent who dares to be different.
