Showing posts with label Aditi Singh Sharma interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aditi Singh Sharma interview. Show all posts
I never wanted to be a one-hit wonder and then fizzle out-Aditi Singh Sharma
9:03 PM
Aditi Singh Sharma talks to us about her latest track High Heels from Ki & Ka, why she feels it is good to have healthy competition and more...
Debarati Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; March 27, 2016)
There is a certain sensuous
zing in her voice that sets her apart. Aditi Singh Sharma makes you feel
that the actor on screen is actually singing the song, thanks to the
deft voice modulation and lilt she incorporates. In fact, she has often
been referred to as the voice of Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor Khan.
Her repertoire of work includes not just dance numbers like Touch my
body, Sooraj dooba hai yaaron, Dhoom machale dhoom, but also soft
romantic numbers like Bekhudi and Raabta. Having worked with the likes
of Amit Trivedi, Salim-Sulaiman, ShankarEhsaan-Loy, Pritam, among
others, has enhanced not just her range and quality but has widened her
versatility. In a can did interview she talks to us about High Heels
from Ki & Ka, competition in playback singing and why she loves
Pritam so much...
The original High Heels was a popular song. Was making it look fresh difficult for you?
This is my first song with Meet Brothers. I had already heard the original many times. But it is always nice to give a new twist to an existing song, especially when it is already a chartbuster. I was glad to be a part of it. And knowing that I am singing for Kareena again, was special. I met Arjun Kapoor backstage at one of the awards lately, and he said, 'Your voice sounds just like Kareena's'.
You do not have a conventional voice. Did that work in your favour?
I am not sure what a conventional voice is anymore. Most of my contemporaries have such distinct voices. It just helps to make the songs more diverse and fresh. I have worked with so many composers and looking back I am grateful for the variety of songs that I have sung till now.
Do you prepare yourself differently before you sing for certain heroines?
Sometimes I don't know who I am singing for, but a lot of times I do. For Ki and Ka, I did try to swing it just a little bit because I was singing for Kareena. I try to visualise the actor and it helps. But then on the other hand, songs where I didn't know the actors, have also worked well.At the end of the day, it is about your connect with the song. I am sure the actors also listen to the song and then try to do the same.
There is massive competition in playback singing. Does it make it tough to make a mark?
It's always good to have healthy competition.These days there are various platforms like reality shows, social media, among others that are available to showcase your talent. I don't sit back and go 'OMG so much is happening so what about me'. In fact, I feel lucky that I have been able to make my presence felt, despite all this.
You have a special equation with Pritam. Tell us about it.
I have been touring and performing with Pritam for a long time. Travelling with him is incredible; he is such an amazing person and musician. There is so much to learn from him on a daily basis apart from the recordings. I have worked with many music directors but I haven't interacted with them as much. I absolutely love and respect Pritam and feel blessed to be a part of his team.
Who would you like to work with in future?
I have worked with many legends and stalwarts. They are all my mentors and I have learnt something different from each of them. I would love to work with A R Rahman. My deal is that I want to work with everybody - Sachin-Jigar, Sajid Wajid, Mithoon and many more.
It's been a while since Dev D - how has the journey been?
Dev D released in 2009 and it's been an amazing journey. I have worked with the best composers, sung the best songs for the best heroines and performed on the best stages. Success to me is the ability to work with people you love the most. I never wanted to be a one-hit wonder and then fizzle out. I keep trying to be better at what I do.
The original High Heels was a popular song. Was making it look fresh difficult for you?
This is my first song with Meet Brothers. I had already heard the original many times. But it is always nice to give a new twist to an existing song, especially when it is already a chartbuster. I was glad to be a part of it. And knowing that I am singing for Kareena again, was special. I met Arjun Kapoor backstage at one of the awards lately, and he said, 'Your voice sounds just like Kareena's'.
You do not have a conventional voice. Did that work in your favour?
I am not sure what a conventional voice is anymore. Most of my contemporaries have such distinct voices. It just helps to make the songs more diverse and fresh. I have worked with so many composers and looking back I am grateful for the variety of songs that I have sung till now.
Do you prepare yourself differently before you sing for certain heroines?
Sometimes I don't know who I am singing for, but a lot of times I do. For Ki and Ka, I did try to swing it just a little bit because I was singing for Kareena. I try to visualise the actor and it helps. But then on the other hand, songs where I didn't know the actors, have also worked well.At the end of the day, it is about your connect with the song. I am sure the actors also listen to the song and then try to do the same.
There is massive competition in playback singing. Does it make it tough to make a mark?
It's always good to have healthy competition.These days there are various platforms like reality shows, social media, among others that are available to showcase your talent. I don't sit back and go 'OMG so much is happening so what about me'. In fact, I feel lucky that I have been able to make my presence felt, despite all this.
You have a special equation with Pritam. Tell us about it.
I have been touring and performing with Pritam for a long time. Travelling with him is incredible; he is such an amazing person and musician. There is so much to learn from him on a daily basis apart from the recordings. I have worked with many music directors but I haven't interacted with them as much. I absolutely love and respect Pritam and feel blessed to be a part of his team.
Who would you like to work with in future?
I have worked with many legends and stalwarts. They are all my mentors and I have learnt something different from each of them. I would love to work with A R Rahman. My deal is that I want to work with everybody - Sachin-Jigar, Sajid Wajid, Mithoon and many more.
It's been a while since Dev D - how has the journey been?
Dev D released in 2009 and it's been an amazing journey. I have worked with the best composers, sung the best songs for the best heroines and performed on the best stages. Success to me is the ability to work with people you love the most. I never wanted to be a one-hit wonder and then fizzle out. I keep trying to be better at what I do.
Pritam Chakraborty recording me had made it so much easier to sing the songs-Aditi Singh Sharma
7:43 AM
Singer Aditi Singh Sharma is on a roll with Sooraj Dooba Hain (Roy) and Touch My Body (Alone)
Kasmin Fernandes (BOMBAY TIMES; January 30, 2015)
How did Sooraj Dooba Hain happen?
Amaal Mallik (the song's composer) called me and said there is a song he needs to record and that he would email it to me before we hit the studio. Knowing that Amaal is an absolute king at EDM, I remember opening the email with immense excitement as he had mentioned it's a dance track. I was even more excited because he had told me it's a duet with Arijit Singh. I instantly fell in love with the track and was grooving in every direction possible, sitting behind the steering wheel. I was literally obsessed with the song and kept listening to it over and over again. When I went into the studio, Amaal's brief was: 'Do your own thing'. After my solo parts were done, we worked on ideas for suitable harmonies for Arijit's lines, for the chorus as well. I also recorded the song by Armaan Malik (whom I lovingly call Justin). Both brothers are so talented they sing, play instruments, compose, produce, dance. It was amazing to work with them.
Tell us about Touch My Body from Alone.
(Composer) Raghav Sachar called me, saying that we need to record a song which is a remake of Dr Zeus's Kangna. I went into Raghav's studio and it literally took us an hour to finish recording the entire song. While I was trying to dress the song up with my style and ideas, he thought of some really cool variations for it. We added layers, spoken bits, harmonies. It was so much fun and so nice to have finally worked with him. It was even better to sing the song live with Raghav, (lyricist) Kumaar, Bipasha (Basu) and Karan (Singh Grover) clapping along at the music launch of Alone where Bipasha said she thinks my voice is very sexy which she also put out in a tweet. That was very nice of her, considering it's the first time I've sung for her.
You also did Blame The Night with Pritam Chakraborty.
I am honoured that Blame The Night (Holiday) is my fourth song with Pritam after I'll Do The Talking, Raabta (both from Agent Vinod), and Dhoom (Dhoom 3). I love going into that studio and trying out a new song for him. It's a new challenge every time. I am fond of Pritam and love being on stage and in the studio with him.Arijit Singh had recorded me for Blame The Night and Raabta when he was assisting Pritam. Him recording me had made it so much easier for me to sing the songs. I can't explain this in words, but whoever has recorded with him would know what I am talking about. He is a huge reason why I was able to sing both songs with such ease. He liked my tone change on the 'na na nana' part in Blame The Night. It's what helped me bring in the right attitude into the song. I was excited about reuniting with team Raabta again.
You sound different in each of your current songs - Sooraj Dooba Hain, Touch My Body and Blame The Night. How did you manage it?
Working with a different music director on a different song, picturised on a different actor in three different movies. How can you play the same role in all? I have always wanted to be a versatile singer and I'm fortunate to have got songs on which I have been able to sound a little different (based on what the audiences say). I have absolutely no control over who calls me to sing which song, but once I'm in the studio, I make sure I give it my all, no matter what the genre.
What style of music do you enjoy singing the most?
I am loving them all. I have just crossed 30 songs as a playback singer. I wait every single time to go into the studio and try something new. I hope to work with every single person possible. With this ambition, it is hard to choose one style as I want to attempt them all.
Who are your friends in the industry?
Singer Apeksha Dandekar is my closest friend here. Lyricist-singer Amitabh Bhattacharya has been a dear friend since we met while recording for Dev D. They are both a phone call away if I need them. Music producers Sunny Sanour and Abhijit Vaghani have been like big brothers who have endlessly given advice. Their respective better halves Jenny and Suriya have always welcomed me into their loving homes. I am lucky to have so many friends here. It's a blessing!
What next?
I have done some recordings for Amaal Mallik and Ram Sampath. I am concentrating on gigs, film songs, travel, mom's health and mine as well.
Amaal Mallik (the song's composer) called me and said there is a song he needs to record and that he would email it to me before we hit the studio. Knowing that Amaal is an absolute king at EDM, I remember opening the email with immense excitement as he had mentioned it's a dance track. I was even more excited because he had told me it's a duet with Arijit Singh. I instantly fell in love with the track and was grooving in every direction possible, sitting behind the steering wheel. I was literally obsessed with the song and kept listening to it over and over again. When I went into the studio, Amaal's brief was: 'Do your own thing'. After my solo parts were done, we worked on ideas for suitable harmonies for Arijit's lines, for the chorus as well. I also recorded the song by Armaan Malik (whom I lovingly call Justin). Both brothers are so talented they sing, play instruments, compose, produce, dance. It was amazing to work with them.
Tell us about Touch My Body from Alone.
(Composer) Raghav Sachar called me, saying that we need to record a song which is a remake of Dr Zeus's Kangna. I went into Raghav's studio and it literally took us an hour to finish recording the entire song. While I was trying to dress the song up with my style and ideas, he thought of some really cool variations for it. We added layers, spoken bits, harmonies. It was so much fun and so nice to have finally worked with him. It was even better to sing the song live with Raghav, (lyricist) Kumaar, Bipasha (Basu) and Karan (Singh Grover) clapping along at the music launch of Alone where Bipasha said she thinks my voice is very sexy which she also put out in a tweet. That was very nice of her, considering it's the first time I've sung for her.
You also did Blame The Night with Pritam Chakraborty.
I am honoured that Blame The Night (Holiday) is my fourth song with Pritam after I'll Do The Talking, Raabta (both from Agent Vinod), and Dhoom (Dhoom 3). I love going into that studio and trying out a new song for him. It's a new challenge every time. I am fond of Pritam and love being on stage and in the studio with him.Arijit Singh had recorded me for Blame The Night and Raabta when he was assisting Pritam. Him recording me had made it so much easier for me to sing the songs. I can't explain this in words, but whoever has recorded with him would know what I am talking about. He is a huge reason why I was able to sing both songs with such ease. He liked my tone change on the 'na na nana' part in Blame The Night. It's what helped me bring in the right attitude into the song. I was excited about reuniting with team Raabta again.
You sound different in each of your current songs - Sooraj Dooba Hain, Touch My Body and Blame The Night. How did you manage it?
Working with a different music director on a different song, picturised on a different actor in three different movies. How can you play the same role in all? I have always wanted to be a versatile singer and I'm fortunate to have got songs on which I have been able to sound a little different (based on what the audiences say). I have absolutely no control over who calls me to sing which song, but once I'm in the studio, I make sure I give it my all, no matter what the genre.
What style of music do you enjoy singing the most?
I am loving them all. I have just crossed 30 songs as a playback singer. I wait every single time to go into the studio and try something new. I hope to work with every single person possible. With this ambition, it is hard to choose one style as I want to attempt them all.
Who are your friends in the industry?
Singer Apeksha Dandekar is my closest friend here. Lyricist-singer Amitabh Bhattacharya has been a dear friend since we met while recording for Dev D. They are both a phone call away if I need them. Music producers Sunny Sanour and Abhijit Vaghani have been like big brothers who have endlessly given advice. Their respective better halves Jenny and Suriya have always welcomed me into their loving homes. I am lucky to have so many friends here. It's a blessing!
What next?
I have done some recordings for Amaal Mallik and Ram Sampath. I am concentrating on gigs, film songs, travel, mom's health and mine as well.
I went straight from the airport to the studio to record Offo-Aditi Singh Sharma
7:48 AM
Aditi Singh Sharma, who has sung Offo from 2 States, on music, Mumbai and her friends in the industry
Kasmin Fernandes (BOMBAY TIMES; April 4, 2014)
We hear you’ve lived all over the place...
I was born in New Delhi, lived in Warsaw (Poland) during my kindergarten years and in Moscow for five years after that, since my dad was working there. I joined high school in New Delhi, and later went to Sri Venkateswara College.
Chart your musical journey.
I trained in Hindustani classical music when I was four years old before moving to Moscow. I tried taking piano lessons there, but soon got bored. Back in Delhi, I sang at various intercollege competitions. I fronted two rock bands, Crimson and Level9, after college and did a few jingles. I met Ehsaan (of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy) at an awards ceremony I was hosting. He played my songs to Shankar (Mahadevan) and that’s how I landed Chhoti Si in High School Musical 2. Amit Trivedi once attended my gig in Mumbai and called me to his studio to try out my voice for a song, which turned out to be Yahi Meri Zindagi from Dev D.
Which songs are you happy with?
It’s a battle between Raabta, Dhoom Machale, Dhat Teri Ki, Choomantar, Main Heroine Hoon and Dilli.
How did Offo from 2 States happen?
I had just landed in Mumbai after a three-city tour with rock band Parikrama and Friends, when I got a call from Ehsaan asking me to test a new song. I went straight from the airport to the studio. I heard Offo there and loved it, it’s very me.
What challenges do playback singers face today?
All of us have our own battles. I had to work on my diction and accent, balance out my western style of singing and adapt to a more Indian style. I’m still working on it. Living in a city you have never even visited before becomes challenging. Mumbai is not an easy city to live in all by yourself, however once you work hard and are slowly able to make a home here, it keeps you going.
We’ve seen you cheering other singers at gigs. Who are your friends in the industry?
I am all about the love and support. It’s what keeps me going. Whenever I get a chance to show my support, I take it to the next level. I make sure I stand right in front when my friends are performing on stage. What’s the point of going to a gig to show your support if the artiste is on stage while you are chilling outside the venue? That doesn’t make any sense to me. I’d rather not show up! The truth is I have a one-on-one relationship with almost all the singers. With all fellow playback singers, I have either shared stage with, travelled for gigs, cooked for, shopped, watched movies and partied with. It feels great that I can actually call anyone from my phonebook and say, ‘Hey, how you doing?’ Among close friends who know about my personal life, struggles and achievements, ups and downs, there is (lyricist) Amitabh Bhattacharya, (singer) Apeksha Dandekar, and music producers Sunny Sanour and Abhijit Vaghani and their families.
Would you rather be known for chartbusters or songs you believe in?
Out of the 25 songs I have sung, some are chartbusters and some are really good tracks that just didn’t get noticed. The kind of songs you get called to sing are out of your control because that’s something the music directors take a call on. But I would love to sing the songs I believe in and hope they all become chartbusters.
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