In conversation with Sunidhi Chauhan
Please share us your experience working for ‘ Here is Beautiful ’ with Shalmali .
My involvement in the project was absolutely spontaneous and was not planned . Shalmali told me she was working on her first English album and she wanted this song to be released first . I was very happy to work with her in the studio , in fact , I really followed her instructions relating to the song . I love being in that position because we both think almost the same when it comes to music and we share similar passion . It was challenging for sure because it is only the musician who has put her complete heart to the song . The recording session was of course memorable . I was very skeptical about being in the video as I hadn ’ t done it in a long time . But with her and the whole unit ’ s support , I felt very comfortable and faced the camera confidently . Shalmali is a fantastic actor too while fac-ing the camera , a rare quality .
What were some of the challenges you faced singing for this one ?
It was challenging because the song has a lot of scope to do many things but this particular song didn ’ t need too many improvisations . The song had to be heartfelt and passion driven and that is the reason why we kept it as raw and natural as possible . When too much freedom is given , we get blank on where to actually stop but I just followed Shalmali and her vision for the song .
What was your first reaction when you heard the song ?
I was amazed . I called her immediately and told her how beautiful and fantastic the song was . I knew the singer inside of Shalmali but I didn ’ t know about her exceptional composing skills .
What ’ s your take on the independent music scene in India ? How have you em-braced it ? Can we expect more independent music from you ?
In the past ten years , people have started to listen to non-film music and attend concerts as well . It is definitely a good time to go Indie . I am not talking about remixes but about such artists who are passionate about songwriting and other skills as well . Earlier , people used to run behind a reality show as a platform to get noticed , but thanks to streaming sites , a platform is automatically created for such artists .
Rapid Fire :
Your best Bollywood song you ’ ve sung so far : It is difficult to choose
one song but I ’ d say Le Chale for my brother Nikhil and Aa Zara .
Is there a composer you want to work with , and haven ’ t worked so far ?
I have worked with so many musicians already but there are so many wonderful people to work with .
A song that plays often on your playlist ?
Betaab Di Ki Tamanna- this song was nonstop playing in my mind while I was do-ing household work during the lockdown !
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