Despite the success of songs like Sunn Raha Hai Galliyan, Ankit Tiwari is and clear that he composes music only for the love of it. Though fans are crazy about his mellifluous voice, he prefers composing to singing. Ankit opens up to Bombay Times about his musical journey, his faith in hard work and why he feels that a performer's real challenge lies in singing live on stage. Excerpts:

How did it all start for you?
Music runs in my family. My mother used to sing jagratas. I earned a Sangeet Prabhakar in classical music, but I always had stage fright. I would play the instruments, but shy away from singing on stage. I learnt a great deal during my initial days in Mumbai, when I sang as a part of chorus and at weddings and hotels to sustain. I won't associate struggle with anything bad. It helps you evolve as a person and makes you stronger. You always learn from difficult times. People used to make fun of my style back then, but perseverance pays off. One should have a high threshold for patience and never compromise on ethics.

Since you have been through a struggling phase, what would be your advice to aspiring composers?
If you want to make a career out of music, pursue it wholeheartedly as there is no dearth of opportunities. You could feel helpless at times, but handle it and work hard. If your work is good, you will connect with listeners, no matter what others say to bring you down. Earlier, when I wore normal denims, people thought that I had no style. Now, even if I turn up in half pants, they find it cool. Success makes you a trend. What's important is to not let it get to your head.

How do you strike a balance between singing and composing?
I came to Mumbai with the dream of becoming a composer. Tigmanshu Dhulia and (Mahesh) Bhatt sahab heard me while I was presenting songs to them. They liked my voice and made me sing. By rule, I sing the composition live and never make directors listen to a recorded version. Composition is my priority. As a listener, I also value the production of the song equally. Hence, I get involved in that aspect too. You enjoy what you do from the heart. And I want to breathe my last while singing on stage.

As a composer, what do you look for in a singer?
I should like the overall personality of a singer because that reflects in the song. But in a creative field, you can't stick to any rule book. You make alterations depending on the requirement.

How is singing for others different from crooning your own composition?
As a singer-composer, I am involved in the song right from the word go. I understand its emotion, flow and feeling better than anyone. If I am singing for someone else, I have to abide by the music composer because it's his song and he knows about it more than anyone. Now, I like to sing for others more. You absorb and learn new things through their distinct music style.

Now that you have started performing on stage, what do you prefer: live singing or recording?
I can't choose one over the other. When you are recording in a studio, the involvement in the song could be gradual and you can redub if you are not happy with the first product. But you are required to be bindaas on stage. There is a direct interaction with the fans and you get an immediate feedback. You understand what they like and dislike. My fans are my biggest achievement. Mujhe meri aukaat se zyada mil gaya hai.

Melody is your strength. Would you break away from it and try other genres?
I won't ever leave melody, be it dance, emotional or romantic numbers. I would like to try disco numbers, but would veer towards melody even in that.

Many of your songs are melancholic. Any particular reason?
(Laughs) I am not sentimental in real life. I just feel that when a song is emotionally rich, no matter what feeling it carries, it will connect with the audience immediately. Dard baantne se ghatata hai. Every genre of music enjoys a loyal audience.

Is there any particular process you follow while composing?
There are times when I compose to a set of lyrics and then there are times, when I have composed first and lyricists have worded it with poetry later. I wish lyricists and technicians got their due like us. They often go unnoticed.

What do you have to say about this sudden trend of having multiple music composers in one film?
The composers of today don't know the script. It's like window shopping. The concept of multi-music composers has been there since long. If a director involves you in the script as a composer, you learn better about the requirement and the flavour: mitti pata hoti hai gaane ki.

And the latest fad of actors turning singers?
I don't see a problem in that. It helps in movie promotions as actors make an immediate connect with the audience because of their face value. When Shraddha (Kapoor) recorded Galliyan for us, we had decided that if the version isn't good enough, we won't use it. But she sang really well.

Do you think the music industry relies a lot on auto-tuning these days?
Auto-tuning has been there since long and I have learnt it on the job. It's like a plug-in. Today, we are exploring so much, including electronic music and international instruments. I don't understand the fuss about it. We should get rid of everything then that exposes us to new things and enjoy new kinds of music.

You are constantly compared to Arijit Singh. Comment.
I don't believe in numbers. Everyone is good at hisher work. I want to be known for my good work, but don't want any tag. The number game comes with its pros and cons.

What has been your biggest learning from life so far?
Keep working hard and live for the moment. Don't let stress and tension bog you down. I try to brave difficult times with a smile.