Jubin Nautiyal hasn't spent many years in the Bollywood music industry, but he has been lucky to have lent his dreamy voice to beautiful numbers like Bandeyaa (Jazbaa) and Meherbani (The Shaukeens). His career's turning point, however, was singing Bajrangi Bhaijaan's journey song Zindagi kuch toh bata. Jubin credits his achievements to his love for good lyrics, soulful music and destiny. The singer opens up about making it on his own, his title track in Ishq Forever and the fact that he still does not know many people in Bollywood. Excerpts from the tête-à-tête...

Can you explain the soundscape of Ishq Forever?
When I was offered this number around eight months ago, it was just a theme song. Nadeemji (Saifi) wanted to try out my voice. But when they heard me sing the song, they decided to make it into a full-fledged track. I interacted with Nadeemji through video chats because he is in Dubai and I was working here. Till then, I had heard only about him through my parents who hold him in high regard. I never knew I would work with such a big composer some day.

Do you feel the industry has been kinder to you than it is to other young composers?
I belong to the small town of Dehradun, so I didn't have a network of people to promote my work. My life follows the saying, 'The fool did not know where to go and he followed his destiny'. I just followed my music and my heart. After I sang Meherbani (The Shaukeens), I was approached for Zindagi kuch toh bata (Bajrangi Bhaijaan) and that became a turning point. When you sing for a big banner film, people start noticing your work. I have a stock of around 300 scratches for people to hear my music and give me work. I travelled to Benares and trained under Pandit Chhannulal Mishra and learnt many different genres of music from him. Then, I went to the UK and learnt how to jam with other musicians because the country has produced some of the finest bands. It was an educating experience for me. I am fortunate to have worked with composers like Pritamda (Chakraborty) and Amit Trivedi. Besides a little bit of luck, it is also important to understand good music.

Shreya Ghoshal had judged you in a music reality show a few years ago and you recently sang a song with her. Life has come a long way...
Yes, I sang the only romantic song in the film, Samandar (Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon) with Shreyaji. I had no clue that I would ever get this opportunity. When I participated in the music reality show where Shreyaji and Sonuji (Nigam) were judges, it was an eye opener. I found that there was so much of good talent in the country and I was nowhere among them. After the show, I decided to work hard towards my passion in music. Maybe, that's how I got this opportunity.

Having sung so many romantic and slow songs, would you want to break the stereotype and sing an item number?
I would love to break the mould but I would not sing something which does not have any meaning. My songs are my way to express and I feel the lyrics in my heart.

What are your future plans?
I love playing progressive sound in live concerts. There was a time when independent music had completely vanished from the scene, so if I get an opportunity I would love to do a music video or a single. I also enjoy sufi and semi-classical music and am in awe of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. I want to work with many more composers and people here.