New Delhi, July 17 -- How does one describe Bhupinder's voice? Was it the voice of a wounded heart; did the heavy bass in his throat represent the weariness of the soul; did his nasal tone echo mystical romanticism; were his velvety renditions a balm for parched souls? It was all of the above, and then some. Left to me, I would describe it as my ideal companion on a cold winter day, next to a fireplace, hot cognac in one hand, cigar in the other.

But this God given gift also made his voice stand apart. It made it atypical. It made it non-commercial. And that had its own consequences.

Hindi mainstream cinema only accepts a commercial voice. Niche voices are also welcomed, albeit in a limited manner.

Commercial voices are generally chara...