Reality shows draw youths to instant fame, says Tochi Raina

New Delhi - Sufi singer Tochi Raina, who lent his voice to chartbusters like "Pardesi", "Gal mitthi mitthi" and "Saibo", says reality shows have urged the youths towards instant fame and hence, drawn away their patience to learn music under a guru.

"At the age when people should sit, spend time and learn music with a guru, they go on to music reality shows. The format and concept of reality shows is very good, but people want to come in limelight and get popular. This is what makes an artist lose his way," Raina told IANS.

He says it is essential for youngsters to first devote time to learn music rather than taking the easier route.

"When you give 10 to 15 years to your art of music, that is when you understand the depth of music. A good teacher teaches and guides, but today's generation does not have that much patience to spend time with their guru," he added.

The 46-year-old, who came to Mumbai in 2003, has learnt music under the tutelage of Pandit Vinod Kumar, a disciple of Indian classical singer Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.

A specialist in Sufi music, the versatile singer said: "My connection with Sufi music goes back to the time I opened my eyes in this world. I just want to give a message to people to live in love and harmony without disturbing nature."

He comes from a musical family, and he promotes Sufi music worldwide through the digital medium of ArtistAloud.com.

Raina, who is member of a band named Bandagi, says an artist or band's personal music album is very different from a film's music album.

"The songs in a film are the concept of a director, but an artist's album is his or her entire journey of what all he or she has gone through," he said.