This year marks the silver jubilee of Sunidhi Chauhan’s musical journey, and she believes “it’s just the beginning”. The singer, who began her career at the age of 11 with the song Ladki Deewani Ladka Deewana (Shastra; 1996), says, “Completing 25 years has given me the confidence to keep doing what I love to do.”

Looking back at her first film song recording, she tells us, “I had five to six cups of tea before singing to calm myself down. I was so excited about singing before a microphone for the heroine of a big film!”

However, Chauhan reveals that becoming a singer didn’t top her bucket list. In fact, as a little girl, she dreamt of becoming a dancer: “I wanted to learn dancing. But my singing was noticed a little more. When people around me kept telling me that I sing well, I realised I wanted to learn it.”

The Maskhari (Dil Bechara; 2020) singer, who turned 38 yesterday, admits that she learnt music by listening to songs. “Kids learnt singing in groups, but I wanted a special kind of attention from my guru. Instead, I started doing shows. Once I started singing in films, I didn’t get the chance to learn music,” she shares.

In 2016, she added a new feather to her cap by starring in Playing Priya, a short thriller. Ask about her acting plans, and she reveals, “I was supposed to start something but lockdown changed the situation. I’m open to acting and look forward to exploring a new side of me.”