Win VJ Raageshwari's Latest CD
Part Indipop princess, part Bollywood bombshell and part vivacious VJ, Raageshwari rocks at everything she does! She charmed us in such films as Aankhen and Tum Jiyo Hazaro Saal, and by the time she traded in the big screen for the small screen as a VJ – first on Channel V and then on MTV – we were hooked on her gift of the gab and perky personality. But, even though we love going on those crazy theme trips with her on MTV Baar Baar Dekh, it's her own music that excites us the most! Maturing since she recorded her smash-hit debut album, the danceable Duniya, "Raags" is letting listeners hear a different side to her sound by veering off the mainstream in her latest release, Sagari Rayn. Described on www.IndiaExpress.com as "a medley of Hindustani Ragas and Indipop interwoven with generous bhangra and folk remixes", Sagari Rayn is a mellow, melodic album that you'll find yourself humming along to.
But don't just take our word for it. Listen to it for yourself! We're offering you a chance to win autographed CDs of Sagari Rayn and autographed petaDishoom T-Shirts! Just complete the form below for your chance to win!
But first, check out what Raags had to say in our exclusive interview.
Tell us how you started out as a singer.
When I was very young, I was very fascinated with the stage. Even in my dad's office when he would have a press conference with his staff, I would look at the mike and say, "Dad, can I sing a song?" That's the kind of free-spirited person I was as a kid. And not to forget, I have my father's genes. He was a National Award winner and always wanted to be a singer and a musician. So that desire to be a singer, to perform, to act and mimic, was always there in me. One day, when I heard my dad composing a song, "Duniya", in my room, I said to him that it's a beautiful song, and he told me that I could sing it and that I had a lovely voice – I only had to work hard and practice and I could make a career as a singer. Dad has been a great source of inspiration for me.
You are very fond of animals. Have you ever had a companion animal?
Yes, I am a complete animal lover. I have had many animals at home, generally strays. My first was a stray cat named "Nonie". Then I had another abandoned cat, "Poncho". I have also had an abandoned parrot, "Ganga Ram". Finally, I had two Pomeranian dogs, "Fiddle" and "Leutty". Although Fiddle died at a very young age, Leutty stayed with us for 18 years. She was an adorable dog, thoroughly pampered. She used to eat with us, sleep with us. I used to give her asparagus. I want to tell all those who have dogs that asparagus is extremely healthy for dogs. When Leutty became very ill, I took off from work for four months. My room almost turned into a hospital. We used to have bhajans for her. But she was in too much pain. Much against our wishes, in order to put an end to her misery, we had to put her down. I have not kept a dog ever since. But I guess we will bring back another Leutty in our lives soon.
Who is your favourite music composer? Why?
I am fond of many music composers, so it's very difficult for me to choose one. Vintage music is my all-time favourite. I like S D Burman Sahab, who has done fabulous work. I love R D Burman, too, who is a youth icon, as his music has stood the test of time. I also love my father because he is so gifted. He composes, writes and sings beautifully. He is really blessed. I have learned a lot from him not because he is so talented, but because he is so positive despite facing so many hurdles in his life.
Why do you think it's important to support animal protection?
Imagine a world without animals. We wouldn't have anything, because it is an entire circle of life and animals form a big part of this circle. They bring vibrancy, colour into our lives. I don't think we should need to tell human beings to be kind to animals, because that should be a way of life – to be loving animals. So it's sad that we have reached a situation where we have to ask people to be kind to animals.
Why are you supporting petaDishoom?
I simply love animals. That's why I love PETA. I love all my friends at PETA because I can see the integrity and dedication that they all work with. petaDishoom is a lovely concept aimed at the youth, who I believe are the future of tomorrow and can bring about a change. If young people are told how important it is to value animals – to be kind to them, protect them, treat them as our equal – then we will succeed in making a huge difference. The youth are at an impressionable stage and can be easily moulded.
Do you think it is important to preserve wild animals' natural habitats? Why?
One hundred per cent! Imagine a desert without a camel, a sea without marine life. We can't go against nature. I think what we are forgetting these days is simplicity. It's imperative to keep nature in its place. Global warming and pollution are all happening because we humans have abused nature. It's a huge cycle that we should respect. The biggest part of this cycle is animals in their natural habitat, so let them be there, and the world will be a better place to live in.
Music is about expression. What do you have to say about animals imprisoned in cages, who cannot even express their natural behaviours?
I don't deny the fact that as a kid, I did go to a zoo. Not everyone can go to a forest or a wildlife sanctuary to see animals. But I disagree with the cruelty the animals are subjected to in zoos. That's where PETA comes in. But it's sad when I see that zoo authorities don't involve institutions that actually know about animals and their welfare. If authorities cannot improve the standards in which the animals are kept in zoos, they have no right to create the standards.
Would you like to say something to zoo authorities about zoos?
I would like to say that we all need to come together and make a statement that supports petaDishoom and learn from people like you all on how we can bring about a change. I would like the authorities to look into this issue with a little more seriousness, and if they need help from us celebrities, we are only a phone call away.
These days, tigers are endangered because they have been killed for their skins. Elephants are killed for their tusks for ivory. What do you have to say about the illegal trade in wild animal products?
All I can say is that we humans have a devil and saint inside us, and when I hear people doing such things, I know that the devil in them has taken over. I can't imagine how people can make a livelihood out of hunting animals. I think there is a need to spread awareness about this issue amongst the youth.
What do you have to say about animals who are forced to perform out of fear of being whipped or beaten, such as animals in circuses?
I don't support circuses. I went to one when I was 5 years old. I guess that's when my parents realised what goes on in a circus. You must have heard people saying, "Don't make a circus out of a situation". It's not easy what these poor animals are made to do – jump through fire rings, elephants made to balance on small stools, etc. It shows the sadistic side of human beings. I am sure there are alternative sources of entertainment. I urge you – please do not go to a circus, because there is so much chaos backstage which you are not aware of.
What would you like to say to young people about protecting animals?
The easiest thing for all of you is to log onto www.petaDishoom.com in huge numbers and spread the word, because knowledge is power. If we have complete knowledge, I believe we can fight any kind of cruelty. So gain knowledge, come meet the people at PETA, meet me and create a huge movement. We will have a better future and a beautiful world for all of us to exist in.
Tell us something about your new album.
Sagari Rayn is about moving on in life. It talks about love, broken relationships and how difficult it is for a girl to move on. But according to me, even boys find it difficult to deal with such situations – they just don't express themselves. But talking subjectively about the video, it's about a girl's closure. My dad plays the role of a sufi sutra dhar who is telling this girl wise words that you have stayed awake the whole night [Sagari Rayn], and now it's time for you to move on. Finding love, the pursuit and the richest form of love exists in our mind and heart.
If you're a resident of India, complete the form below by 31 January 2007 for your chance to win cool autographed stuff from Raageshwari. If you live outside India, don't get depressed – www.peta2.com will hook you up with contests!
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