From being someone who preferred to be in the background and quietly let his work speak for himself, musician Shekhar Ravjiani (of the Vishal-Shekhar) fame, no longer believes in keeping a low profile. The past few years have seen Shekhar acting, writing songs and judging reality shows. Currently, the composer is judging the devotional music reality show, Om Shanti Om, with Sonakshi Sinha and Kanika Kapoor. While talks about him throwing tantrums on the set have been doing the rounds, Shekhar clears the air in an exclusive interview with BT. Excerpts:

Till recently, you maintained a low profile and weren't comfortable in the limelight. Now, we see you singing, judging shows, acting in films and more. What made you undergo this transition?
There was no conscious effort. I just went with the flow. You sustain in this industry only because of good work. So, if I get an opportunity to act or sing, why wouldn't I? It's true that I kept a low profile earlier, but later, I got many opportunities to do different things.

There are stories of you throwing tantrums on the sets...
That's not true. Why will I throw tantrums? I am a positive person and I only focus on my work. I don't waste my energy on people who spread such stories about me.

There are also rumours that you share cold vibes with fellow jury member, Kanika Kapoor. Seems, you joke about her linguistic skills on the sets...
Kanika has trained under a veteran musician like Anup Jalota, and I respect her for what she brings to the show. We are having a blast, and there are no cold vibes.

The decision by the makers of a dance reality show, to choose writer Chetan Bhagat as a judge, had become controversial. As a musician, what do you feel about actors judging music reality shows?
We are all artistes; so, it would be unfair to say that only musicians can judge reality shows. If I can act, Sonakshi (Sinha) can judge a music reality show. She comes from a family that has seen it all in showbiz, and she has sung a couple of songs, too. So, I don't see any reason why that should be questioned.

There were also reports of you not getting along with Shaan on another music reality show...
That's not true at all, we had a blast.

A few months back, there were strong talks about you and your music partner Vishal Dadlani splitting...
Vishal and I have fought many times. In fact, we are planning to fight again and then perform at a reunion concert together. It has taken us 20 years to understand each other, and we plan to kill all these rumours by remaining together for the next two decades. We are both creative and eccentric and believe in doing good work. Even if we have fought, it was only for making a better product.

From a career point of view, is it sensible to stay together? If Vishal and you don't split, it will result in more and better projects...
I have not really thought about that. But yeah, it is in our best interests to be together. We can create good music together.

Recently, there has been a lot of debate over children participating in reality shows. While some feel strongly against it, others are cheering for it. What's your take?
I think reality shows are a holiday for kids. Not all children are seeing it as a career option. Many artistes, including Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghosal, Kunal Ganjawala and I, have participated in music reality shows. These days, schools are supportive, and if a child has the talent, and his/her parents are encouraging, what's wrong with it? I would like to do anything that makes my child happy.

On the personal front, it was a tough year for Vishal, who separated from his wife...
Vishal is a close colleague and a family member. I will stand by him, no matter what happens in his life.

Do you feel that showbiz takes a toll on your personal life?
I don't want to comment on my personal life.