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The glamourous world of music often hides a sinister secret: the prevalence of substance abuse. Renowned Bollywood singer Shaan, known for his soulful voice and chart-topping hits, has spoken candidly about his experiences with drugs and alcohol in the industry.
Shaan’s words serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the pros and cons of substance use in creative pursuits. “I have experienced it so I know what you are talking about. But don’t do it in depression and don’t do it for an advantage. Don’t use it professionally, in fact you shouldn’t be doing anything that becomes like a crutch,” he told Ranveer Allahbadia on his podcast.
While acknowledging the temporary creative high that substances can provide, Shaan emphasised on the long-term risks of substance abuse. “In the long run, this monkey brain, you start feeling that it’s helping, but you are actually burning your grey cells. It’s injurious.” He recounted his own experience with bhaang during Holi, which sparked a flurry of graphic ideas and thoughts, but stresses that relying on substances for creativity is unhealthy.
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Shaan then drew a parallel with athletes, noting that musicians shouldn’t rely on substances to perform either and urged artists to tap into their inherent talent rather than seeking artificial stimulation. “Just as athletes are not allowed to run if they are on drugs, the same way musicians shouldn’t be allowed all these things. Do it on your merit, why do it before the show?”
On a lighter note, Shaan shared his observations on singing under the influence of alcohol. “When you sing after one drink, woh kamal hota hai. After two drinks the emotional quotient of your singing heightens even more.” However, he warned that excessive drinking leads to a decline in performance quality, joking that after four drinks, “only you are singing, no one is listening to you sing.”
Shaan candidly shared his insights, offering a glimpse into the industry’s darker side, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and responsible choices. He also gave a warning to aspiring artists that substance abuse may provide fleeting creative highs, but it ultimately undermines talent and jeopardizes health. He said, “In the long run it’s not good. Forget long-term, you can’t think without it, so imagine the handicap. You know doing it is not going to help your health, so why do it?”
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