Tell us about the making of Gallan Goodiyaan.
I was invited by Shankar Ehsaan Loy, with whom I have worked on more than 7-8 songs, to sing this number. Believe it or not, I was shocked when I first heard Gallan Goodiyaan for Dil Dhadakne Do. It was a very difficult scale for me to understand and sing to. But Shankar convinced me I could do it. By this time, even Farhan Akhtar entered the studio. I know him because I had done playback for him in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Farhan hugged me with so much energy and warmth that I was inspired and got some ideas. So, I took permission from Farhan, Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy, if I could add some of my own inputs and they obliged.

While working with big music directors, do you give your inputs?
Yes. As singers, we have to give our inputs. There was a time when Lataji, Ashaji, Kishore da, Raj Kapoor, Rafi saab used to sit in recordings and discuss every song. But today, there is so much aggression and most singers don't have that much time. But I have time, because I believe in going slow, so that I can enjoy everything. I don't want to miss out on life. I can observe better. I believe I am the tortoise, who will the race in the end.

We hear you're doing a non-film album.
Yes, it's called Mastila. This is my dream project. Technically, I have worked on this album for six months, but if you ask me, I have given it my entire life's experience till date. Yet, I won't say it's something that hasn't been attempted before because that would be foolish. It's a romantic and flirtatious album. I am singing in whispers throughout! A lot of talented artistes - lyricists, composers and female singers - have also worked on this project with me. The album has four videos, which will be shot in Kashmir, Amsterdam, Paris and Ukraine. I plan to release it this month.

Why did it take you so long to come out with this album?
I sang Nasha Hi Nasha Hai more than 12 years ago. After that, I was busy doing playback for films. During this phase, music companies started asking singers for money to release their non-film albums, which I thought didn't make sense. Also, I couldn't understand digital marketing. The moment I did, I decided to come out with my own album.

Did you expect to win a National Award for Bismil?
Not really. I missed getting it for Chak De! India. At that time, I thought it was very deserving because it's a patriotic song. But the experience of getting this award was amazing. I performed to Bismil (Haider) with a guitar and got a standing ovation. Even the President acknowledged it. I got to meet talented people from all over the country. After the ceremony, I met everyone at the after-party. I specifically carried a camera so that I could take pictures with them! Even if I hadn't sung Bismil, it would have won because it was created by people like Vishal Bhardwaj and Gulzar.

Many musicians and singers from Bollywood are coming out with non-film albums. Is it for better visibility?
Maybe it's their strategy; maybe they are getting a good response. I don't know about others but I don't have that greed, because if I work keeping this in mind, I won't be able to concentrate. When I sing, whether it's a recording or live on stage, I dedicate all my energy only to singing. Visibility doesn't matter.God has blessed me with a good voice. My voice is my identity. Earlier, one of my music videos was converted into a film. People thought I was a hero of a movie. That's why my new album won't be picturised on me alone.

Your style of singing is earthy and rustic. What are your thoughts on new singers who are also following this style?
I take it as a compliment. There are so many singers in this industry; some of us are bound to sing in a similar fashion. I don't believe in competing with them. Competition works only in school, not in the music industry.

What are your upcoming projects?
There is an interesting number called Patli Gali, which I have sung in Meghna Gulzar's upcoming film Talwar. I have also done a song for Beyond Bollywood, an English musical play that will be performed in London.