Once I ’ m on stage , we deliver an ad lip portion of the song that ’ s being performed and I sing something that seamlessly goes into the groove of that track . It ’ s like bringing on another partner on board to deliver something special for the audience , in the moment . Often times , after the ad lip portion when I look at my father , he gives me a wide smile and nods his head … in acknowledgement of me having done a good job ! That response from him is priceless and gives me tremendous confidence and satisfaction to dial up my own performance . I feed off his infectious energy and positivity . It ’ s those invaluable moments during such live performances that I consider a blessing …
Who are your earliest influences in singingapart from your father and why ?
When I started embracing the world of music and contemplating the idea of becoming a singer , my learning was mostly a 3-step process . Listening closely , repeating , and improvising to add my own individual flavour . In my early days of learning music , I drew great inspiration from Lata Mangeshkar ji for her timeless voice and beautiful compositions in Bollywood and Ghulam Ali Khan Sahib for his Ghazals . These aren ’ t just prominent musicians in India ; but continue to remain global artists that many artists look up to and learn from on their own journeys . Learning from what they used to sing was very crucial in my initial
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16 highonscore . com years of musical education . I used to just listen to them and replicate what they sang . So , they would definitely be my early influences ; but I continue to learn from so many other musicians across genres and nationalities . That ’ s the only way to keep evolving and growing as an artist .
How is your daily singing regime like ? Can you take us through the process of riyaaz ?
My daily regime of singing is simple - don ’ t stop singing ! I ensure that there isn ’ t a single day when I haven ’ t sung anything or exercised my voice . It ’ s akin to speaking . To speak or communicate , you have to talk . And , to sing as a vocalist , you just have to do more of it . And , that ’ s always been my focus . This is also to ensure that my voice doesn ’ t get rusty , remains well-groomed without losing its individuality . With regard to Riyaz , my father has always told me that I need to perfect my “ Sa ” like in “ SaReGaMa ”. The rendition of the “ Sa ” note has to be pitchperfect , should not shake , and must be practiced for the first 15 minutes of a session before moving to the other notes . That ’ s just a part of my Riyaz that I religiously work on everyday .
What are some of your biggest learnings from your father and brother considering you belong to a family deeply rooted to music ?
The biggest and most important lessons that I ’ ve learnt from my father and brother is to remain true to my music , constantly listen to great musicians , and immerse myself in a musical environment without disconnecting . To be always engaged in some kind of musical activity , to constantly create new music and keep singing has only helped my passion in and interest in music . These are cardinal realities that they ’ ve lived by and that ’ s been instrumental in shaping their creativity and consistent performances over the years .
So , with them as constant sources of inspiration , I ’ m focused on always learning and grooming myself to become a musician with a solid educational foundation having learnt from the greats themselves .
What was the best ever compliment you received from your solo performance till date ?
I do receive regular compliments for my singing and am eternally grateful for all