B-Town celebs on what makes Soumya Vajpayee a respected name in journalism

In a journey of almost a decade, journalist Soumya Vajpayee has become one of the most respected names in the world of music, entertainment and lifestyle journalism, and has earned a lot of love and respect from people from the film and music fraternity. When we reached out to some of the most popular names from the world of music, writing and films, we realised why she is loved and embraced by the fraternity. Here, some of the most popular artistes in the country explain what makes Soumya stand out as a journalist.

	Celebrated singer Sonu Nigam says, “There is a beautiful word in Hindi, an apt and just translation for it, cannot be found in English. It’s called ‘Sadbhaav’. It is a very rare commodity, mind you. Especially in certain professions, like Income Tax officers, Police, Lawyers and Security Guards, amongst many. Incidentally, journalism also falls in the same category! And one has to accept that bluntness is perhaps the default nature of these professions and rightly so. But then you come across someone like Soumya, who is blessed with not just clarity of thought and context, but also the most positive approach towards her subjects and interviewees. The kind of approach that brings out extra something as an outcome. This kind of balance, is rare, and definitely praiseworthy.”
	Veteran ghazal singer Talat Aziz, who has known Soumya for many years, says, “Soumya is a music critic as well as a fabulous reporter. I have known her for many years and she has written some wonderful in-depth and very innovative articles on music and singers. She has a deep knowledge of music and this reflects in her articles that she has written for some of the country’s biggest publications. My best wishes to her and more power to her pen.”
	According to seasoned singer Dr Palash Sen (Euphoria), she has qualities that are rare in journalists today. “Integrity is such a lonely word in these times, but maybe the most important word in the life of a professional, and definitely the most important virtue and the most crucial word in the life of a journalist. I can count the number of journalists I know who are recognised by this one quality and the first name on my list is Soumya. To me, she is not only the harbinger of honest reporting, she is fearless, strong and a true feminist. I have known her as someone who doesn’t flinch before writing what she believes in and isn’t a slave to commercial diktats or whims of the wrong. To say she is the light in the dark, the hope beyond the clouds and the music to parched souls might sound overtly poetic, but that’s how the writer in me can best describe her. She is the journalist for all seasons.”
	Lyricist Irshad Kamil feels Soumya defines a new category of entertainment journalists in the country. “There are two types of entertainment journalists in media. One who write about the entertainment industry, particularly about music/films and second, who write like Soumya Vajpayee. Pick up any article of Soumya about film or film music; it will never come across as half-baked information or less-researched entertainment story. Her words, sentences or paragraphs give the feeling of well-orchestrated symphony. When she writes, she writes with full authority with the fragrance of truth. Whenever I read any article of hers, no question, distrust or doubt ever surfaces in my mind. There are very few journos in the entertainment industry who love and respect their job and in lieu of that earn love and respect. Soumya is heading those few.”
	Celebrated composer Salim Merchant (Salim-Sulaiman) has known her for many years. He says her understanding of what she writes on and empathy with the interviewees are Soumya’a greatest strengths. “I’ve known Soumya as a friend for many years and she is more of a musician than a journalist. She knows exactly what to write about a musician and his/her music. She makes sure her writing is in a very genuine and honest space. When a musician creates a piece of music, it’s a product of creativity, and they feel it should always come out and reach the audience in the right spirit, and Soumya is that zariya (medium) for every artiste in our country. I’m really happy to know her as a friend, who cares about good music and the artiste’s creativity. We are a huge nation and it’s so important to have a medium that can help us reach the right audience. Thank you Soumya for being who you are. I hope and pray that you continue to spread your love and continue with your amazing work,” he says.
	Singer Sukhwinder Singh is a close friend of Soumya. “I have known Soumya for many years. She is an extremely humble, intelligent and beautiful person. She is so skilled as a journalist that she also teaches journalism to post-graduate students. I was invited to one of her sessions and was amazed to see how she shined as a professor and how everybody loved her. There’s a reason why she is such a seasoned journalist. She takes her job seriously and lives up to it with utmost dedication. Main unki bohot izzat karta hoon aur dil se ye khwaish hai ki wo aise hi tarakki karti rahein aur hum unse vabasta (attached) rahein.”
	Neerja and The Tashkent Files actor Prashantt Guptha says that Soumya’s work is special. “Soumya is no ordinary journalist! Not only does she hold this position with utmost regard for her family’s legacy, but truly treats the pen as a humble instrument to add glory to the lives of all artistes she graciously highlights. Having worked with her, I find that her genuine goodness to cover true journalism, help artistes of all levels and stay grounded as a human being are all great attributes of hers.”
	For singer Akriti Kakar, Soumya is a friend. She says, “My hugest fear talking to the media has been ‘being misconstrued.’ Soumya has forever been a rare case of thankfully saying it as it is and making sure it’s printed just the way the artiste has spoken. Whenever I speak to her, I always let my guard down and share insights because I know it will never be sensationalised and that I could trust her with a respectful, real and responsible article. She means business and approaches it emotionally and as someone who has been interviewed by her over the last so many years, I feel her passion and commitment to her trade has only grown. I’m fortunate to now call her a friend too.”
	Composer Gourov Dasgupta (Gourov-Roshin) says, “Soumya is probably one of the few true ‘journalists’ left in the media biz. I’ve grown up with my mother who was heading Asian Age back in the day and I’ve seen her dismay as good writers have left their pens and given into ‘yellow’ journalism for the sake of TRPs. But after doing several interviews with Soumya, I can proudly say that she is definitely a torch bearer and a saving grace for the press in these strange times. She has never misquoted anyone in order to create sensationalism, has never run behind meaningless stories amidst peer pressure and has always believed in putting forward meaningful issues. Lately, I have been a fan of all the articles, social issues and relevant stories that she’s been putting forward. I personally do not know too many people who are taking such an active step towards creating good and honest content and bringing ‘good journalism‘ back on the map.”
	Padma Shri, singer Kailash Kher is all praise for Soumya. He says, “I would like to tell you all about a lady of substance, someone who is not only an inspiration to many aspiring journalists, but to whoever has come across her. She is Soumya Vajpayee, a writer who puts passion in what she does and respects the tradition, authenticity and facts that revolve around her information. She respects humans and the news that are related to it, she is among the few journalists in India who still write about music and its form. I, as Kailash Kher, can stand here today and say this because I have known about her passion and work since the start of my career and have seen her remarkable work during all these years. May she always stay compassionate and truthful to what she does. Thank you Soumya for respecting and understanding music.”
	TV-theatre actor Imran Khan says, “Soumya has truly been an inspiration for budding journalists. I belong to Lucknow and so does she, so I’m very proud of her. Both of us are making our lovely and prestigious city proud, and I love Soumya for that. When I took a step towards doing theatre, she was one of the greatest supports. That’s the reason she is highly respected by many actors I know. We are fortunate that there are journalists like her, who want Indian theatre and music to reach global audience. I wish she attains all that she aspires for, because she’s truly deserving.”
	Lyricist Manoj Muntashir says, “Even before I came in personal touch with Soumya, I knew her through her articles and music reviews. What differentiates her from the regular columnist, is her unconditional love for music and poetry. When she likes a song, she finds interesting adjectives to describe it, when she doesn’t, her disappointment can be smelled in her words. From analysing shades and moods of music to writing about Mumbaikars attending coffee-making workshops, whatever subject Soumya picks, she puts her pen to its best use. Far from the clan of ruthless critics, she is poignant, respectful and full of the signature ‘Lucknawi tahzeeb’. Quite honestly, I look forward to her reviews and write-ups.”
	Ghazal singer Sudeep Banerji says, “Soumya’s articles on music and musicians are very different, as she gets deep into the character of artistes and their creation. Soumya’s writing reflects her insight and knowledge about the subject she chooses. I never miss reading her articles. Whether classical music, ghazals or film music, she is flawless when it comes to writing. She is one the most serious and hard-working music journalists in recent times. Her experience over the years with all top musicians has made her the most celebrated writer.”