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
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