A still from the single, Bana Le Tera

We live in times where the quality of music is often determined by its virality. With Saansein, Aditya Narayan’s newest album, he is offering music as “it should be”. “Over the last few years, as I became a father, a husband, and more grounded than ever, I felt a deep urge to return to music. Saansein was born from that place,” says the singer and songwriter.

Last week, the musician released the album’s first track Bana le tera. He describes the romantic ballad as almost autobiographical. “It comes from that all-consuming space where you’re not just in love with someone, but willing to be theirs in every sense.”

In an age of hook lines, viral numbers, and songs with a shockingly short shelf life, Narayan has decided to release one song every month from Saansein. The decision comes from a desire to let each track breathe, he tells us.

“These songs aren’t meant to be consumed quickly and forgotten. They deserve time, space, and maybe even a quiet room. I want listeners to live with each one, feel it in their own stories, before moving on to the next.” In August, he will release the track, Gehraiyaan, followed by Mizaaj and Tere Bina over September and October.

Over the years, he has worn many hats — singer, performer, TV show host — but this album marks a return to his roots as a musician. After years of being on stage and television, he was yearning for stillness.

“Music has always been my first love. Now, as a man in my 30s, with more clarity, more scars, and hopefully more wisdom, I feel ready to share my truth.”

Ask the TV show host how he had the time to create something while juggling shoots, and he says, “Even on the busiest days, there’s always a late night or an early morning where I sit with my thoughts, my mic, and my melodies.”

While Udit Narayan has been a music legend for decades, his son, singer Aditya Narayan, too, has been rendering songs since childhood and also has some hit playback outings to his credit. Lately, the duo has been performing concerts together. Having done the Bade Miyan Chote Miyan shows in the US last month, Udit and Aditya will take the stage for a charity concert in Mumbai tomorrow. The idea behind the show is to raise funds to support underprivileged kids with cancer. On Children’s Day today, we get the father-son duo talking about learning from each other and sharing the stage.

Udit: Performing together, as a team, has been a rewarding experience for us. As father and son, we share a bond that goes beyond music, and being able to bring that dynamic to the stage is a blessing. Teaming up has allowed us to blend our strengths and cater to a wider audience.

Aditya: It’s given me a chance to learn from my dad’s years of experience.

Udit: I’ve learnt so much from Aditya. His energy, modern approach to music and understanding of today’s audience are inspiring. He brings a fresh perspective that sometimes even challenges me to think differently, keeping me young at heart.

Aditya: From Dad, I’ve learnt discipline, passion and the timeless quality that music can hold. He has a certain warmth and dedication on stage, and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages is something I deeply admire.

Udit: Music has a way of healing and lifting spirits, and if our songs can bring even a small moment of happiness to these children, it’s worth every effort. We wish to create an atmosphere where they can forget their worries and have fun. Our set includes some fun and upbeat numbers.

Aditya: When the chance to perform for kids battling cancer presented itself, we didn’t think twice. We will keep the show very interactive. It’s more than just a performance for us. We’ve put a lot of heart into this show.

What: Bade Miyan Chote Miyan

When: November 15

Where: Shanmukhananda Auditorium, Sion

Timing: 6.30 pm

Singer and television show host Aditya Narayan recently left social media users in shock after a video of him throwing a fan’s phone away during a show went viral.

The incident took place at a college in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. Amid the controversy, Narayan’s event manager has claimed that the man involved was not a student there.

“That boy was not even a college student, he must be someone from outside. He was very irritating and banged his phone on Aditya’s feet multiple times. After that only did he (the singer) lose his cool. He must have taken almost 200 selfies with this student. The whole concert went smooth apart from this. After this incident, the show went on for almost two hours,” the event manager told Zoom on the condition of anonymity.

He also noted how several renowned singers have lately stepped away from performing at college events due to such incidents. “I have been connected with the college for years and they haven’t had a good concert like this ,” he asserted.

Aditya Narayan recently found himself in an unpleasant situation. The singer-TV host, who has crooned chartbusters including Tattad Tattad (Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela; 2013) and Ji Huzoor (Shamshera; 2022), reveals he recorded for a “very big song”, but was replaced last-minute.

“I had sung a very big song this year, but my rendition was replaced at the last minute. This particular time, I was very upset,” he tells us, without naming anybody in particular. “Maybe I will talk about it more when some time has passed,” he adds.

Dubbing it the “biggest song” of his career thus far, Aditya adds, “It is out and a big hit. At the last moment, the makers — and not the music composer — decided to go the conventional way and pick another singer. I was looking forward to the song... But they replaced me with the best, so it’s not a bad feeling really. I am just happy that these composers are calling me. I’m very particular about the songs I associate with.”

This isn’t the first time an artiste has spoken about being replaced without notice. Aditya clarifies there’s never a contract in place which ensures that the song featuring a particular singer will be the final version — recordings are done in good faith.

“It happens to the best, it’s not a new thing. My father (Udit Narayan, singer) saw this in his time, too. The thing with Bollywood is, you are not the creator of the song. In our films, it isn’t just one person taking the call — actors, producers, everyone is involved. Time time ki baat hoti hai,” he reasons.

Doesn’t this lead to ill relations with the people who replaced you? “It could,” says the 35-year-old, adding, “I am absolutely okay with it now. I was upset then, for four or five days, when the song was playing everywhere. I knew I had done an equally good job [as the one who sang it eventually]. But at the same time, I thought, ‘Kahaan maine itne gaane gaaye honge jo doosron ke liye honge’.”

Last year, Aditya Narayan announced that he would quit hosting shows and move on to doing other things after fulfilling all his commitments towards reality shows. Aditya is currently hosting Indian Idol 13 and says that he is certain about his decision to quit hosting for a while.

He says, “I am not trying to break free from hosting, that’s not how I look at it. I’ve been hosting shows for 17 years now, have given it my 100 per cent and thoroughly enjoyed it. But God has blessed me with other talents too, and everybody knows that primarily I am a musician. Therefore, the current season of Indian Idol will be my final one for now. It is not a permanent retirement, but I wish to move away from hosting reality shows for some time.”

Aditya started singing when he was a child with his father Udit Narayan in Bollywood films. Ask him if he will focus on playback singing now and he says, “Times are different now. When we were growing up, every film used to be a musical and had six to seven songs— the entire soundtrack used to be sung by two-three singers with music by a composer duo. Now, there are fewer songs in a film and there are hundreds of singers waiting for an opportunity to sing for a film. There is clearly a disparity between the amount of talent versus opportunities available.”

He further adds, “Most music labels have their own artistes who are signed for a period of two to five years and are paid a certain percentage. Obviously they will be given priority. As for me, I won’t be happy working under a contract for years. I wish to pick up different opportunities, so that I am not boxed in and can create my own path.”

Talking about his plans ahead, he says, “I have become a music video producer, have an album lined up, have lent my voice to a Hollywood animation film and have sung for a big Bollywood film. So, life has organically moved towards a new direction.”

Sharing his thoughts about musicians taking to online platforms these days, Aditya says, “Today, independent music is at par with film music and I believe in making my own content and music. I am open to singing for films and just a call away for anyone who wants to collaborate or offer me an opportunity, but it’s not a priority now. Online platforms have discovered so many new musicians and the music industry has evolved and is headed in a new direction.”

An adorable picture of singer Udit Narayan with granddaughter Tvisha was posted by his daughter-in-law Shweta Agarwal Jha on her social media handle recently. Udit is seen holding little Tvisha and was all smiles.

Ask him about his granddaughter and he says, “She is my jaan. After so many years, God has given us a gift and she has brought immense happiness in our lives. My whole day is spent with her. At times, when I am recording songs in the studio, it does get difficult, but as soon as I finish, I run to Adit’s (Aditya Narayan) home, who stays just opposite to play with her.”

Udit shares how his grandchild has already started singing. He says, “She keeps humming a tune and we are all surprised that she already connects with music. She is also moody at times and starts kicking (laughs). Watching her do all this keeps me happy all day. My favourite song for her is Choti Si Nanhi Si Pari from the film Anaari and Oh I Love You Daddy (Akele Hum Akele Tum), which was sung by Adit and me.”

He further shares, “Tvisha sometimes looks like Adit and Shweta. But there are times when I feel she looks like me and her grandmother. I am sure that she will become a singer. Adit was a very lovely child when he was born. Tvisha is even better and makes us 10 times happier (smiles). Woh kehte hai na asal se jyada sud pyaara hota hai.”

Singer-anchor Aditya Narayan is enjoying fatherhood and calls the phase “surreal”. He shares that taking a break to be with his daughter, born in February, is what is on his mind. “We all need a break, and for me, it has to be around my daughter, Tvisha, and my wife, Shweta. This is the best phase of my life. It not only made me more responsible, but I feel elatedly content with life,” he tells us.

Excited about a vacation with his family next month, he shares, “I had planned the Maldives vacay well in advance as a self-reward after days of hard work, completing my commitments.”

On the subject of his professional future, Narayan, who has been seen hosting reality shows, shares that he will soon be back to acting after a gap of 12 years.

“After Shaapit (2010), nothing much came my way. But my innings as an anchor gave me a new lease of life. And now, I also have my first OTT series slated in the second half of this year. In fact, 2022 is a year of many firsts for me! My first album will also be launched this year. I am filled with deep sense of gratitude at the moment,” he concludes.

Singer Udit Narayan is on cloud nine. Why? Because he’s loving his life as a grandfather. Ever since his son, singer Aditya Narayan and daughter-in-law, actor Shweta Agarwal, were blessed with a baby girl last month, Narayan has been quite busy. “Being a grandpa is a great feeling. I’ve never felt like this before! I can’t believe Tvisha (Narayan Jha; granddaughter) is almost a month old now. I always wanted Adi to have a baby girl. Humein bahut khushi hai ki humare ghar Lakshmi aayi. Adi ke hone par mujhe khushi hui thi, par Tvisha jab aayi, tab zyada khushi hui,” says the 66-year-old. 

The Padma Bhushan recipient has a feeling that the baby has an inclination towards music. He explains, “I sing a lot for her. She sleeps instantly when I sing Choti Si Pyari Si Nanhi Si Aayi Koi Pari (Anari; 1993). Music sunkar woh bahut khush ho jaati hai.”

Does that encourage him to think that she might take up music professionally when she grows up? “I feel music is something you are born with. Aditya mein mujhse aaya and I feel Tvisha will take our lineage forward. She has a very energetic vibe and I have a feeling that woh bahut honhar bacchi hogi,” the singer says.

Meanwhile, amid his busy personal life, Narayan has also started travelling for live shows. The fact that things have started to open up again after two years makes him feel relieved: “Last Sunday, maine Khurai (Madhya Pradesh) mein perform kiya tha. Close to two-three lakh people turned up. I have a busy international travel schedule coming up with Australia in April and the USA in July. I am so glad things are getting better.”

Ask if there’s a difference in the way the audience turns up at his shows, and the Jaadu Teri Nazar (Darr; 1993) singer says, “I haven’t felt any difference... I’ve only seen excited music lovers.”

Aditya Narayan and his wife, actress Shweta Agarwal, are all set to embrace parenthood and welcome their first baby. Says an elated Aditya, “Shweta and I are looking forward to this new phase in our life. It feels surreal. I have always been fond of father someday. Now, Shweta might be in for more work because I am not less than a child, and we recently even adopted a naughty golden retriever. Our house will be booming with high-octane energy soon.”

The singer says that this is a dream come true for them. He shares, “It may sound filmi, but on my 30th birthday on August 6, 2017, when Shweta and I were not even engaged, I had this dream of seeing Shweta standing in a nursing home with our child in her arms. I am glad that my dream is coming true. In fact, very soon, we are going to have a godhbharai with just our family members in attendance.”

Aditya and Shweta acted in the film Shaapit (2010), and after a long courtship, they tied the knot on December 1, 2020. He further adds, “I have also worked very hard in the past few years because I wanted to provide my wife and family with a good lifestyle. It’s great that we are starting a family now.”

Aditya hopes that they are blessed with a baby girl. “I would love to have a daughter because fathers are closest to their daughters,” he says. His parents, too, are excited about the new addition to the family. “My father and mother are both excited that they will become grandparents soon, but my father (singer Udit Narayan) is a little shy like me when it comes to expressing himself,” he says.

Talking about taking all the precautions during the current pandemic, he says, “We are taking extra precautions and haven’t stepped out at all due to the pandemic. I am a very private person when it comes to my family and don’t believe in talking much. I am just happy that we have been blessed.” 

Aditya, who is currently hosting Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, had sung many songs with his father when he was a kid. Picking his favourite father-child song, he says, “My father and I have sung many songs dedicated to the father-child bond, but among all of them, my personal favourite is the title song of Akele Hum Akele Tum.”

“I am shocked to see so many reports stating that I have lost my voice. It’s ridiculous and I am really unhappy,” says a distraught Bappi Lahiri. The singer-composer, speaking to us from his studio in between a recording, adds, “I was shooting three days ago with my grandson for a documentary film. How can I be unwell and without a voice? I have been working in the industry for 50 years and I’ve never experienced something like this. I have slight cough, I’m taking syrups and tablets for that. It’s a minor thing and I am much better.”

For the unversed, a few media reports recently claimed Lahiri has been unwell ever since he recovered from Coronavirus in April and has now lost his voice. Refuting the same, the veteran wrote on Instagram, “Some media outlets are spreading false news about me and my health, which breaks my heart. By the grace of my fans and well-wishers, I am completely healthy (sic).”

Speculation is rife that the singer-composer is keeping it low in terms of work. But, Lahiri clarifies that he is swamped at present. “I recorded and composed three songs, one of which is Ganpati Bappa Morya, that released recently. I’ve also recorded a song for Durga Puja with actor Rituparna Sengupta, and finished the soundtrack for a Bengali film two days ago, featuring Shaan, Alisha Chinai, Aditya Narayan, Armaan Malik and I. My fans are my God. With their blessings and by the grace of Ganpati Bappa, I’m totally alright,” says the 68-year-old.

After hosting 12 reality shows, currently seen anchoring the 12th edition of Indian Idol, Aditya Narayan has decided to hang up his boots as a host. The singer-actor feels that it’s time that he moved on to bigger responsibilities. But that’s not it, he also plans to give the small screen a break after wrapping up his prior commitments, which is most likely to happen early next year.

Aditya tells us, “2022 will be my final year as a host on Indian television. I won’t host after that. It’s time to do bigger things. I am bound by prior commitments, which I will complete in the coming months. I have such beautiful associations and relations in the industry that agar main abhi chhod doonga toh it will be like abandoning the ship midway. I am laying the foundation for my way out.”

Talking about his plans, he further elaborates, “I will take a break from TV next year. I feel great about doing multiple things at a time, but it’s also exhausting. As grateful as I am to Indian television for being my cocoon through the past 15 years, it is time to move on to other things. I was a teenager when I started hosting on the small screen, and by the time I am done next year, I will probably be a father (smiles). The TV industry has given me a lot — name, fame and success.”

Aditya says, “It has enabled me to build a house in Mumbai, own a car and have a great life. It’s not that I will abandon TV, but I will do something else like participate in a game show or judge one. But my time as a host is coming to an end. After all these years of hosting, main apne pairon par khada hoon, par pairon par khade ho kar abhi pair mein thodi problem hone lagi hai. Ab seat par baithne ka time aa gaya hai (laughs!).”

Aditya will announce his decision on Indian Idol soon. He says that would stop people from approaching him to host shows. He adds, “Every year, I tell people that I don’t want to host anymore, but some production houses convince me to change my mind. I have four more reality shows lined up. If I don’t announce it, I will keep getting such offers. As much as I love hosting, I have to start thinking about the bigger picture. I still want to sing, jump around and dance on stage, perform all over the world, and I don’t want anything to hinder that.”

Controversy surrounded the ‘love angle’ between Arunita Kanjilal and Pawandeep Rajan on Indian Idol 12

On Indian television, reality shows are great crowd pullers. And while they showcase real talent from all over the country, their entertainment factor is what often makes headlines. With judges being asked to praise contestants regardless of merit and ‘fake’ content being churned out in form of love stories and emotional and funny anecdotes, is the ‘real’ factor disappearing from reality shows?

Singer Rahul Vaidya, the second runner-up of Indian Idol 1 and a Bigg Boss participant, maintains that while “some emotions could be scripted to make the show interesting, the talent is real”. “The nok-jhok between contestants, judges and hosts and even link-ups are often fabricated to spice up the show… If a show is in the news, it means the audiences are watching it and it is working,” he says.

Indian Idol 1 winner, singer Abhijeet Sawant recently pointed out that reality shows are often in the news for controversies and not talent. From the wedding angle between singers Neha Kakkar and Aditya Narayan in Indian Idol 11 to Indian Idol 12 contestants being trolled for singing Kishore Kumar songs with a twist, Sawant feels such elements take away from a talent’s performance.

Narayan, who has been a part of reality shows for 15 years now, feels every show is sincere. He says, “The goal is to give talent a platform and that is the ‘real’ part, rest of the things happen impromptu on the sets. Contestants, crew and judges work together for three-four months, so it leads to pranks, teasing and masti-mazak.”

Singer Shaan has judged many reality shows and admits that he is fine with light and fun banter but not any gimmicky stuff. “The creators are under pressure to get TRPs, so they go for popular stuff that works... I have also been asked to create stories, connect with contestants or have a takiya-kalam, but I refrain from doing so. In 24 years of being a judge on numerous reality shows, I have stayed real,” he shares.

Though he doesn’t believe in broadcasting it, Shaan says he has given many contestants a break. “Arunita Kanjilal from Indian Idol 12 toured with me all over the US after winning Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs 5 in 2013. Indian Idol 12’s Pawandeep Rajan stayed with me in my house after he won The Voice in 2015.”

Singer and Indian Idol host Aditya Narayan and wife Shweta Agarwal Jha, who had quarantined themselves at home after testing COVID-positive, have now recovered. Aditya clarified that he wasn’t hospitalised, as certain reports claimed.

Aditya said, “Thankfully, both Shweta and I have tested negative now. Our staff is also safe. The first four-five days were horrible and I used to get severe body pain. Before undergoing tests, I thought it was muscle pain due to my exercises at the gym. I had suffered a calf injury a few weeks back, that’s why I went to the hospital to get painkillers. However, people assumed I was in the hospital for Coronavirus.”

Talking about the time he tested positive, Aditya said, “I had to go for a concert to Uzbekistan and Shweta accompanied me. We tested negative before leaving India, and we tested negative again when we left Uzbekistan. Our flight was via Delhi and at the Delhi airport, I got tested and the reports were positive. A few days later, Shweta also tested positive. I called people in Uzbekistan and inquired about their health, in case I had given the virus to them. But thankfully, they were all safe.”

The singer added, “While I was recovering for 15 days, many people felt I was keeping away because I wanted a holiday. I don’t understand what will it take to make people understand that the virus is not a joke and people need to practise extra caution. I am happy that all in my family are safe and we are finally out of it.”

When the Tattad Tattad singer was recuperating, Jay Bhanushali and Rithvik Dhanjani stepped in to host episodes for the current season of Indian Idol. He said, “I missed hosting Indian Idol. I had FOMO (fear of missing out) for the past few weeks, since I have been hosting the show for many years now. In my entire journey as an anchor for many reality shows, there could be someone stepping in for one odd episode, but it has never been for such a long stretch. I’m glad that I have recovered, and can’t wait to get back on the sets.”

With the lockdown, shootings have come to a halt, Ask Aditya how he is dealing with it and he said, “Safety protocols and following the guidelines are important. In these unprecedented times, what’s most important is your health. It is the most important wealth, so we all need to be safe.”

Aditya Narayan and Shweta Agarwal are a happily married couple and have quickly settled into their marital routine. Ask Aditya how it feels to be a married man and he told us, “It feels great. I still can’t believe that we are married to be very honest. It took us a month, but we have settled in well. After about four months, we plan to move into our new apartment.”

The singer and anchor, who is currently seen in Indian Idol, also spoke about yesterday’s episode of the show, in which Shweta made an appearance. When Aditya was seen lifting her in his arms, fans instantly went ‘awww’ on social media. Talking about it, Aditya said, “Shweta made an appearance for the first time on the show, so it was an emotional moment for me. The good thing about being married is now every time I am out of the house for work, I am always in a rush to reach home!”

Aditya also shared how the two of them are different in their own ways, but still have many things in common. He said, “We dated for a decade, but never lived with each other, barring a sleepover once or twice or a few trips, so it feels great to have each other around. We are different in many ways, yet we have several things in common. I love the fact that we can be in the same home together, do different things and yet find time to do things together.”

Aditya also commented on how Shweta is good at managing their home. He said, “She is great at managing the kitchen and I’m very good at keeping the house clean. We work out and watch shows together. We both love trying different cuisines. The best part is that despite being together for so long, it feels like a totally new relationship.”

The duo, who returned from their honeymoon in Gulmarg recently, shared several pictures of their trip on their Instagram accounts. Aditya said, “Gulmarg was amazing! Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I would recommend all Indians to visit it at least once in their lifetime. Shweta and I are both nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, so we enjoyed the snow and skiing. The nights were very cold and it was a welcome break from the heat and humidity of Mumbai. We enjoyed the food, too, and the people there were very nice and welcoming. We completed our beginner’s course in skiing and look forward to completing the advanced course next year.” 

Singer-actor Aditya Narayan got married to his fiancée, actress Shweta Agarwal at a temple in Mumbai on Tuesday. Aditya, who was dressed in an ivory-white sherwani with a turban, was spotted dancing with father, singer Udit Narayan, and other relatives at the baaraat. The bride was dressed in an ivory lehenga with a pale pink dupatta.

Aditya, who has been dating Shweta for 11 years, told BT, “It feels surreal that Shweta and I are finally married now. It feels like a dream, which has come true.” Happy that he is married to his soulmate, he added, “I can’t imagine spending my life with anyone else, but Shweta. She has helped me become a better version of myself, she is someone with whom I can be myself.”

Aditya also shared how they could not invite many people for the wedding due to the pandemic. He said, “Keeping Coronavirus restrictions in mind, we had to settle for a small wedding. My parents are really happy. It was nice to see my father dancing at the wedding.”

The couple will have a reception in Mumbai today. “Shweta and I will dance to the song Pehla Nasha at the function. It will be a small function again, but we will make it a memorable one,” he said.

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For veteran singer Udit Narayan, son Aditya’s wedding was a double celebration as it was his birthday as well on December 1. Speaking ahead of the nuptials, he said, “My son Aditya is getting married on my birthday and that is the biggest gift to me. This journey has been wonderful so far. I had struggled a lot and God has really blessed me. Whatever I got, is due to him.”

While talking about the stream of congratulatory wishes from friends and fraternity members, he revealed, “I received a letter from PM Narendra Modi shubhkaamnaon ke liye. I also got a letter from Amitabh Bachchan ji sending wishes on behalf of the family. The Governor of Maharashtra also said, ‘Zaroor koshish karenge aane ke liye’.”

On November 3, Aditya Narayan announced that he is getting married to the lady he had been dating for 11 years, Shweta Agarwal, in December, calling himself “the luckiest man alive”. The couple met on the sets of the 2010 film Shaapit. On Monday, the groom-to-be uploaded a pic from the tilak ceremony on Saturday, ahead of their December 1 nuptials.

“The mehendi was on Sunday,” informs Udit Narayan. “At around 11 pm, Aditya, some of my friends and I sang ‘Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna’ and ‘Bole Chudiyaan’. The haldi ceremony on Monday was a family affair, and the wedding today will be at a small temple with just 50 guests in attendance, followed by a reception. I’ve invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha ji, Dharmendra ji, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Madhuri Dixit, but with Covid-19 cases on the rise, I don’t know if they will be able to attend.”

Udit is all praise for Shweta, “a cultured and caring girl” and is thrilled that the wedding is happening on his birthday. “That’s the best gift they could have given me,” he exults, promising to host a bigger bash to celebrate the newest addition to his family, once the situation is better.

That insiders have the upper hand in showbiz is a notion that seems to be gathering steam. Aditya Narayan, son of singer Udit Narayan, says those who feel it’s easier for insiders must understand the grass is always greener on the other side.

Talking about the debate, the singer-actor says, “There have been times I’ve wished I wasn’t Udit Narayan’s son, people would’ve taken me more seriously. I’ve also thought if my father was not one of the most accomplished musicians, there would have been things left for me to achieve. And above everything else comes the pressure of expectations and comparisons.”

He adds that those who are doing well in their profession are mostly outsiders. “I agree, it’s easier for us to get the first opportunity, but this industry is commerce-driven. Only people who can churn out profit will be employed. Talent is essential, but unless your films or songs make profit, you are nothing,” he asserts.

Citing his own example, Aditya explains, “TV shows I’ve been hosting have been doing well. I might be a good host, but what’s working is my shows getting good TRP and sponsorship.”

Singer-actor Aditya Narayan is all set to walk down the aisle with his long-time girlfriend, Shweta Agarwal on December 1. The wedding festivities will be a three-day affair starting with the mehndi function on November 29, followed by a temple wedding on December 1 and a reception on December 2 at a five-star in Mumbai.

In an exclusive chat with BT, Aditya revealed, “Shweta and I are extremely excited to finally get married after being in a relationship for 10 years. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the wedding will only include family and close friends. We are planning to have a sangeet function on the day of the reception, which will include performances by the entire family. Our wedding outfits are designed by Shweta because along with being an actress, she is also a fashion designer. For many years now, she has been designing my outfits.”

Talking about Shweta, who has acted with opposite him in his debut film Shaapit, Aditya shared, “Shweta is an extremely calm and polite girl. I am just the opposite, highly energetic and sometimes impatient, too. But, she has been extremely patient, and I can say she is the balancing factor in my life.”

While the wedding is still being planned, it seems Aditya has the playlist ready. “Shweta and I will dance to my father’s song Pehla Nasha from Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar because, for me, it was love at first sight when I met her. I recently bought a new apartment, and I am excited that Shweta and I will start our new life in the new house.”

A few days ago, the couple went on a short holiday to a retreat near Lonavala. Aditya planned the romantic getaway to propose to Shweta officially. He said, “Maldives was my first choice. I had planned to propose to her at the exotic beach destination in March 2020 and I had kept the ring ready since December 2019. Our flights were booked in March, but eight hours before our departure, we got the news that Maldives was under lockdown. So, I could not officially get engaged then. When we went to Lonavala, I surprised her by popping the question and slipping the ring on her finger.”

The two plan to go for their honeymoon to Gulmarg, Kashmir. He said, “Shweta loves skiing and I felt it would be ideal to go to Gulmarg in the winters. If everything goes well, we plan to go there.”

Aditya also dismissed rumours around his father Udit Narayan’s recent comment, where he said that his son should be doubly sure before getting married. Aditya explained, “My father was just kidding when he said that I should be doubly sure. Obviously, if you are getting married, it is a responsibility that you are accepting, and he felt that I should be ready for it. People blew the entire comment out of proportion. I am the only son and my parents couldn’t have been happier that their son is getting married.”

It’s official! Aditya Narayan is tying the knot with his long-time girlfriend and actress Shweta Agarwal by the end of the year. The couple met on the sets of their debut film Shaapit in 2010. Talking about their relationship of 10 years, the actor-singer said, “I have never kept my relationship a secret. But at one point there was too much being said about it. So, when I decided to not talk about it, people left me alone.”

He revealed, “I met Shweta on the sets of Shaapit and we hit it off instantly. Slowly and gradually, I realised I was head-over-heels in love and started pursuing her. Initially, she wanted to be ‘just friends’, because we were both very young and needed to focus on our careers. Like every relationship, we have seen a lot of ups-and-downs over the last 10 years. Marriage is just a formality between us now, which hopefully should also happen by November or December. My parents know Shweta and like her a lot. I am happy that I have found my soulmate in her.” Aditya feels that it is important that people do not invade a couple’s privacy when they are in a relationship. He says, “I remember a few years ago, how people had assumed that Shweta and I had a big spat on the street and had broken up. After that it was so difficult for me to even go out with her.”

“I accept that there can be issues in a relationship, but that doesn't mean it's the end of the road. Marriages break easily these days, so we were both taking our time to know each other. Now, after a decade, I feel it is the right time to take the plunge,” says Aditya. Besides singing and acting, he is also a popular anchor of reality shows on TV, while Shweta has done films in the South opposite actors like Prabhas and Kichcha Sudeep among others.

Singer Neha Kakkar, who’s been linked to Aditya, is also set to tie the knot with singer Rohanpreet Singh. Dismissing the rumours that linked him with Neha during the last season of Indian Idol, Aditya said, “It started with a joke that was in the script of the show. People assumed so many things after that. There was no truth to those rumours. Neha is a dear friend and I am happy for her. I have known Rohan since he was the second runner-up of a music reality show I hosted in 2008. I am thrilled that two of my good friends are getting married.”

However, Aditya is not sure of attending Neha’s wedding. “I would have loved to attend it, but the wedding is happening in Delhi. I have a bad shoulder injury and I am not sure if I can make it. But almost everyone from the show, including Vishal sir (Dadlani) and Himesh Reshammiya are attending it,” he informed.

He also defends father Udit Narayan’s comment that he wanted to see Neha and Aditya getting married. “I had told my parents to not talk about Shweta, so when the rumours of Neha started, my father casually mentioned how if there was a possibility, he would love to see us together. Audiences watch a fragment of our lives and make assumptions. But I’d like to say that people, most of the time, do not know even five per cent of a public figure’s life,” said Aditya.