I think the one thing that no one knows except for the people who are really close to me is that I cry very easily . I am a very emotional person . Even when I am reading a book and someone parts away or meets again , I really feel bad . I sometimes even cry when I hear a really good story or a good song . So yes , I am extremely emotional and not many know about it .
would comprise some Punjabi folk and a slew of originals along with lots of collaboration planned out for the remaining year . So hey , there ' s loads coming up ! different capacities . I would also wish to team up with choreographers , who are great dancers or singers . Trust me , I love scouting talent and doing my small bit into that direction to render people with a real chance at art .
Any national / international collaboration lined up ?
An array of collaborations will be unveiled very soon , one of which is not my own venture but a project in association with a channel . Also , another lies on the anvil , surprisingly not with a singer but a very famous actor-dancer . This apart , some synergies are coming up at the national level . As far as international alliances are concerned , I would really love to deliver one but nothing is in the pipeline to speak of for the moment .
Currently , your version of ‘ Dil Diya Gallan ’ is also winning accolades all over . What ’ s so special about this song that it ’ s already a superhit love anthem and everybody ’ s humming it day in day out ?
I think ‘ Dil Diya Gallan ’ is one of my favourite songs I have ever lent my vocal chords to . I absolutely love the composition and have even complimented Vishal and Shekhar sir on their magical score . I told the duo that I simply marvel at the way they set the song into tune and the words written by eminent lyricist Irshad Kamil too descend soulfully on the ears . I feel that I couldn ’ t have been more blessed to gain an opportunity to do a beautiful unplugged version of the melodious romantic number .
I think the one thing that no one knows except for the people who are really close to me is that I cry very easily . I am a very emotional person . Even when I am reading a book and someone parts away or meets again , I really feel bad . I sometimes even cry when I hear a really good story or a good song . So yes , I am extremely emotional and not many know about it .
You also have an affinity with Punjabi folk songs . How did it get ingrained in your system ?
I grew up listening to Punjabi folk songs sung by my mother , grandmother and all the women in the family . My mom and grand mom were great singers with a godgifted voice . I think that element is in my DNA . Folk music is something that happened to me by destiny and I have a natural liking for it . I thoroughly enjoy while performing it and feel a sense of empathy and responsibility to take it forward and cement it into the hearts of the current generation . Folk as a tradition , should be carried forward I personally believe .
Do you want to someday produce good music in order to promote true and pure talent ?
I am creating a sense of consciousness by producing high-quality , wholesome music . I like to think of myself as an idealist and a purist . With regard to springboarding other talents , yes ! I keep trying to empower people on the digital podium . I also coordinated with a dancer from the USA on this front . She is a YouTuber and not many people knew about her . I had a wonderful opportunity to vibe with her and bring her aboard to connect to my songs . I do look forward to working with people of
Arranger Sameeruddin with whom I do all my folk songs deserves a line of special mention here . He has designed and produced the earthy sound and music of my spin-off of the chart-bursting track . It warms up my heart every time I perform it on stage and something always stirs me up internally when I sing that song . It is always a fulfilling experience .
Talk to us about your recent performance at Goa Fest 2018 .
Performing at the Goa Fest 2018 was definitely a dream come true tryst for me . It is because the local audience is the kind of mob I , as an artiste , usually yearn to belt out songs for . There the masses understand my music , comprehend my eccentricity as an artiste , understand my bizarre fashion sense , appreciate the mismatch of audio-visual appeal that I put up while chanting out folksy flavours yet wearing wacky clothes at the same time . I would like to say that I am kind of in and outof-the-box and they are open to it . They are the kind of audience that I love . Their applause still resounds in my senses ! Besides , the organisers were admirably great and true blue professionals .
The Score Magazine
14 highonscore . com