'Dil Besabraa' For More
As a kid, Prashant had just two choices. Follow the footsteps of his father Chander Mehta, who was a trained Hindustani and Ghazal singer. Or, become a doctor, which most parents wanted their wards to be, and allow his ‘in-born singing talent’ to perish.
It, indeed, was a tough choice, he recalls: “Like most parents, my father, who besides being a singer also worked with a PSU, wanted me to study medicine and become a good doctor. But since music was in my genes, my heart was always into singing. Moreover, I was also inspired by my father’s singing talent who was my first music teacher.”
One who doesn’t shy away from taking difficult decisions in life, Prashant went for both the choices and destiny too favored the brave. His instincts were bang on, proving many of his critics wrong. None had predicted he would excel in the two extremely different streams. But for Dr. Prashant Mehta, it was only then that he realized that music complements the medical profession.
“Music is a great stress-buster. Music therapy does heal and improve the quality of life for patients. For patients with chronic diseases and even cancer, music can reduce pain perception and provide palliation.
“I do believe strongly that music should get a space in the holistic care of patients with chronic diseases,” says Dr Prashant (39), a well-known oncologist at Asian Hospital in Haryana’s Faridabad and a promising singer who released his debut music album ‘Besabraa’ online last year.
There’s no stopping him. Five of his songs are lined up for release with music label, Dhamaka records, supported by singers like Priyaank Sharma, Paras Mehta, Padmini Kolhapuri, and Shraddha Kapoor.
He knows pretty well what his audience wants, the challenges from various social media platforms, and the fast-changing preference of the listeners who have a very less attention span.
“Recall value depends on melody, context, and content (lyrics). To keep music relatable for the new generation music composers, singers have to keep changing all the time. Old classics have a great recall value due to the context, warmth, lyrics, and minimalist arrangement. But the problem is, if songs with similar sounds and structures are created in this era, the new generation will not be able to connect.
“See how the length of songs is reducing every day. Instagram reels are in and we want instant gratification. Old songs are also being repackaged with a new feel and sound to stay relatable. The composers and singers in this era are also brilliant and versatile,” he points out.
Dr Mehta cites the examples of AR Rehman, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Himesh Reshamiyya, Vishal and Shekhar, Amit Trivedi, and some newer ones like Vishal Mishra. “They are amazing. Indie music is also doing well and Prateek Kuhad and Aditya A have been making waves. Singers like Arijit, Jubin, Sunidhi, Nikita Gandhi, and many others have given a new sound to the music industry and have been part of some amazing and classic creations,” he says excitedly.
Then there non-Bollywood Initiatives like Coke studio which has produced some legendary songs, avers the father of a 3-year-old kid.
The medico, who has recently also delved into philanthropy, feels that music can not only help reduce pain perception but also help raise funds for the treatment of needy patients. His wife, Dr Swati Pabbi Mehta, too inspires him in this direction, says the doting husband.
“Singers like Palak Mucchal have already raised funds. I personally have been able to do the same by doing shows and my album ‘Dil Besabraa’ is dedicated to people with cancer,” the singer, performer, doctor underlines.
—As told to Archana Jyoti
(Medicos may write to us at healthp100@gmail.com)
