More than 15 years ago, Meiyang Chang became a household of sorts when he was part of singing competition Indian Idol. Since then, the show and music have remained an inseparable part of his identity, even as he moved into other T.V. gigs including hosting and competing in (separately, of course) reality shows as well as anchoring live telecasts and acting in Bollywood films like Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! and Salman Khan-starring blockbusters like Sultan and Bharat.
The whole time, singing has always been a part of Chang’s focus, even if it’s mostly his take on popular Indian film and pop songs as part of his series #SingChang. There have been singles and collaborations like “Hanju” with Tony Kakkar and Neha Kakkar, plus his recent singles “Safarnama” from 2021 and “Mujhe Tum Nazar Se” earlier this year, all of which prove that Chang still values not just his vocal ability but also a deeper appreciation for music. In September, he released his heartbreak song “Jhoothi Chai,” with lyrics by Manan Bhardwaj and music produced by Rajat Kumar via Namyoho Studios. Eschewing the high-energy dramatic proclamations of love or an intense tear-jerker tale of woe, Chang instead makes a comforting, reflective romantic song that flows in a fairly mature way. “Jhoothi Chai” is part of an upcoming EP called Returning, coming up in 2024.
In an email interview with Rolling Stone India, Chang looks back at the journey since Indian Idol in 2007, the state of reality T.V. and the music industry in India, his latest song and what’s next. Excerpts:
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SPICE WORLD
Ice Spice ignored the haters, commanded our attention, and became a new kind of star. Next up: a great debut album
Pritam: THE HIT MAKER
INSIDE THE MIND OF HINDI FILM MUSIC DIRECTOR PRITAM CHAKRABORTY, WHO RECENTLY WON HIS FIRST NATIONAL AWARD FOR BRAHMASTRA: PART ONE - SHIVA, ON HOW HE CREATES SCORES THAT ENDURE AND SONGS THAT CLOCK MILLIONS OF STREAMS
K-Drama Flashback: 'My Name'
'My Name,' starring Han So-hee in the titular role, deftly subverts gender norms in society via a story of relentless fight for revenge
LAST NIGHT I DREAMT I WENT TO SILENT HILL AGAIN
The 'Silent Hill 2' Remake has you returning to that restless dream from 23 years ago
FIFTY FIFTY: 'WE'LL CONTINUE TO SHOW OUR BEST SELVES'
Fifty Fifty's single 'Cupid' was a viral hit. The K-pop girl group is back with renewed vigor, releasing its new album, 'Love Tune.' The following interview covers details, insights, and anecdotes
EXCISE DEPT: 'IT WAS IMPORTANT TO CREATE STRONG, BOLD CONTRASTS'
From An Armory Of Instruments To Personal Stories Told With An Uncharacteristic Straightforwardness, The Delhi/Goa Band Are Taking Over The World With Their Latest Full-Length
Mali is Heading to SXSW Sydney in October
For the longest time I have known that my music has a significant market outside the country,' says the Chennai/Mumbai pop artist
Ji Chang-wook, Lee Jun-ho, and Cha Eun-woo to Star in Superhero K-Dramas
Features the upcoming 'Twelve,' 'Cashero,' and 'The Wonder Fools' with the Korean stars in exciting new roles
Yoon Seobin Makes a Stylish Comeback with 'Rizz'
The Korean actor and singer well-known for starring in the K-drama Kissable Lips' returns to the music scene after a 10 months hiatus
Markio Tanaldo Pours Out Emotions in 'Mera Koi Na'
The Arunachal Pradesh singer-songwriter's second release is a poignant Hindi song that pays tribute to his late father
