Last year, when actress-singer Suchitra Krishnamoorthi and filmmaker Shekhar Kapur's daughter Kaveri made her singing debut, legends like Amitabh Bachchan and A R Rahman took to the social media to rave about her talent. After all, at 17, the young musical prodigy is already hitting the right notes - she has written, composed and sung three singles, Did You Know, Half A Heart and Again. Her captivating voice and soulful melodies have also gained her a sizeable fan following online. In a joint conversation with BT, the mother-daughter duo talk about Kaveri's musical leanings, the inspiration behind her mature compositions and why she doesn't mind giving acting a shot. Excerpts...

Suchitra, with Kaveri starting out so young, do you worry she will burn out and lose interest in music?
Suchitra: When she wrote her first few songs, she was just 11, and I wouldn't have been surprised back then if it had fizzled out. But she's 17 years now and has sustained her passion for music all these years. I think she has found her calling. She has a long way to go, but I don't think she will lose interest in what she is doing.
Kaveri: Actually, I wrote my very first song when I was just nine years old! And I am still writing everyday. It's something that I really enjoy doing, so I don't think I'll burn out.

When did you first realise that she was musically inclined?
S: I always knew Kaveri had exceptional talent. She started her Hindustani vocal training with my guruji when she was just six years old. So, I knew she had a good voice, but her song writing abilities took me by surprise. It's one thing to sing, but to write lyrics and compose melodies is very different. By the time she was 11, we started taking her to recording studios because she was writing full-fledged songs.
K: I have been introduced to music because of mom and her background, but song writing came to me rather spontaneously. I remember when I was younger, I would suddenly come up with melodies. And I didn't want to share them with anyone.
S: She was so shy, I had to literally pry those songs out of her!

Kaveri, you'd said in an interview that you hope people appreciate your music because they like it and not because of who your parents are. Do you still think people praise you because you're your parents' daughter?
K: I am definitely in a position of advantage because of who my parents are; there's no denying that. But after a certain point, I hope people like my music because I have talent. I work really hard and put a lot of effort into what I do.
S: I find the whole nepotism debate amusing. It exists in all fields. People are bound to get certain opportunities and exposure because of their backgrounds. But if they don't deliver, they will be rejected like anyone else. One must not grudge others because of their opportunities; ultimately, life is a level-playing field.

The lyrics in Kaveri's songs are rather deep... they're about heartbreak. Kaveri, have your personal experiences made their way into your music?
K: I haven't really experienced anything...
S: Well, you have friends who have just started to date.
K: Oh yes! I know it's normal, but I am a weird case, so I just got left behind. Sometimes, I draw inspiration from my personal experiences and dramatize it in my songs. Other times, I look at people around me. There are times when I just start writing a single line and then build up on it.

Does your mom help you with your lyrics?
K: Not at all. I don't go to anyone.
S: That's one department where she is completely independent - her lyrics and melodies. Sometimes when she is recording a song, I tell her, try singing this line in a particular way, but that's about it.

How do you strike a balance between your academics and musical pursuits?
K: It's really hard. I used to think I'll manage but now that I am studying IB syllabus, there's so much to do. When I come home from school, I just want to sleep, but I realise I have to study for six tests the next day and also practice on the piano.
S: There are times when I have to wake her up in the night for her vocal practice. But she is so dedicated, I don't have to tell her what to do. In fact, I tell her to relax and take it easy!
K: That's true, I've never felt any pressure from my parents; my hard work comes from own passion.

Last year, you collaborated with the British band The Vamps. How was the experience?
K: It was amazing, but also terrifying. I had never performed live before and then, suddenly, I was going to sing along side The Vamps. I was about to have a nervous breakdown. But just being on stage in front of a live audience cemented the belief that this is what I want to do forever. Also, they were nice and took a lot of effort to make me feel comfortable.
S: I didn't expect her to be so comfortable on stage, because she has always been a shy kid. But I guess when she is singing, nothing else matters to her.

Kaveri's father has expressed his desire to direct her, so will she give acting a shot?
K: My priority is music; I think it's something that I am good at. But I am open to acting in the future.
S: She should definitely give it a shot. In the past, she had a very good acting offer. In fact, it was a singing role, but she said a flat no. That was her state of mind then, she is more open now.
K: Obviously, I was just 14 na!
S: Well, you might land up having fun. Or maybe you'll realize that it's not your scene. But till you try it, you will never know.

What's in store for the future?
K: I like to sing what I write, so my goal is to be a singer-songwriter. In the past year, my writing has really evolved. I want to do more in my videos. I want my songs to have a story. I am very shy but I have grown up a lot.
S: I really believe in Kaveri's talent. She just has to give it her best and go with the flow. She has enough time to figure out what's working and what isn't. We're also looking at various music schools in England schools in England and USA, where she can study music production.