Singer Shalmali Kholgade feels it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the Indian music scene today is crowded, overcrowded even. And she finds that in such a situation what becomes challenging is sustainability, since everything is so fleeting — including the audience’s taste in music.

“It is getting harder to stay in the game now. There is so much stimulus and the listeners are so distracted. Today, they might like something, tomorrow something else. I feel that for longevity, an artiste needs to find their voice. And that does not mean you are trying to sound different, but it could be the style of singing, kind of songs or the tone,” she elaborates.

The 32-year-old, who is the voice behind hits like Balam Pichkari (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani; 2013), Lat Lag Gayee (Race 2; 2013)and the recent Beqaaboo (Gehraiyaan), believes that it helps to have a certain niche.

“It helps because people recognise you amid other musicians. I feel blessed that my tonal quality is what marks my voice from others... There are so many incredible singers out there, like Sunidhi Chauhan, Neeti Mohan, Jonita Gandhi... And they all play by their strengths,” she continues, “It is not advisable keep changing the style of singing. I don’t think it is as important to be versatile; it is not a good thing. I feel it is important to be good at one thing and keep working on that thing, so that no one can touch you in that space. I feel that works for an artiste’s longevity.”

What has also helped singers establish their names and stand out from the crowd is the indie music space. Even Kholgade launched her solo English album last year.

“This is a welcome change! There is a market now and people are listening to independent music more. It gives you the confidence to do it again without questions, like, ‘Will I be wasting my time doing this and not playback and stage shows?’ You can do both. That’s what I am doing and I want to do it more,” she wraps up.