How to Become a Bollywood Singer

Bollywood is the Indian version of Hollywood. These films are characterized by elaborate song and dance numbers and intriguing storylines. Bollywood singers are perhaps the most important element in a Bollywood film. With an average of six or seven full-scale musical numbers in each Bollywood film, singers have their work cut out for them. If you have a good singing voice and can speak Hindi then you have a good shot at being hired as a Bollywood singer.

Instructions

1. Study Hindi. Bollywood films usually require their actors and singers to speak Hindi fluently, or at least good enough to deliver their lines. There are a lot of Hindi courses you can sign up for. You can learn Hindi free online by using online courses like the ones offered by "Let's Learn Hindi" or you can learn Hindi by taking a study at home course like the one offered by Rosetta Stone.

2. Decide if you want to be a Bollywood actor/actress that also sings, or if you want to be a professional playback singer. If you are interested in acting as well as singing for Bollywood films then you will need to learn how to dance, sing and act. However, if you want to be a playback singer, then all you have to learn is how to sing, as playback singers are pre-recorded. They are never seen on film, as the actors lip sync to the pre-recorded tracks.

3. Create an audition tape. This tape will need to demonstrate your range and your ability to perform Bollywood style songs. You can sing a popular Bollywood song or you can use an Indian pop culture song for your audition. Just remember that you need to sing in Hindi.

4. Submit your audition tape to Bollywood casting agents either through your U.S. agent or through your Bollywood agent. You can also go to Mombai (formally Bombay) and audition during open casting calls. If you audition in person you will still need to bring your audition tape, your resume and a headshot. Be prepared with a couple of Hindi Bollywood songs to perform.