Sexed-up women singers

The Indian music scene has suddenly turned fashionable. Singers like Anushka Manchanda, Anusha Dandekar and her sisters Apeksha and Shibani, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shruti Haasan, Shreya Ghoshal, Manasi Scott and Akriti Kakkar are attracting a lot of attention with their good looks coupled with singing talent. They are even bagging many high-profile stage shows and are giving the boys a run for their money.

Anushka says, “To start with, you need talent. You have to be able to sing. Also equally important is the need to be a good performer. If you look great, that’s a super bonus. What better than a woman who looks hot, who can sing and perform like a rockstar? It’s the complete package.”

Anusha adds, “It’s essential (to look good) because people like visuals as well as vocals. It’s a perfect combination. It helps women get shows if they have more to showcase then just vocals but I don’t think it’s just got to do with looks.” Sunidhi states further, “Even today people and the industry at large focus on talent as it is the utmost priority of being a performer.”

Since the arrival of all-girl bands like Viva and female performers like Sona Mahapatra, the spotlight has moved to their looks and style. Many, have thus, reinvented themselves.

Sunidhi says, “I have been making consistent efforts to maintain a certain shape as I wanted to wear outfits and sport looks and hair dos that I haven’t done before. Audiences who pay money to watch shows want to hear a great voice and enjoy a great performance.”