Many celebrities have spoken about the pressures of being judged on social media for their looks, fashion choices and lifestyle. Singer Akriti Kakar couldn’t agree more. She says that even as a vocal artiste, she has been judged more for her looks than her talent. Akriti shares, “It was different when I first participated in the reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, but today, when a contestant is on stage, he is thinking about a lot of things other than singing — thoda sa aapne kuchh galat kar diya, aapka make-up ajeeb hai, lighting ajeeb hai, ya aapke kapde aise hain jo kisi ko pasand nahi aaye toh people troll you. Unfortunately, physical appearance supersedes talent nowadays on social media. In my case, just because I look a certain way, people have commented — without even hearing me — ki ye achha nahi gaati hogi. Well, if I look good, it’s because of my parents’ genes.”

The singer emphasises the importance of striking a balance between professional and personal life. “I can’t be constantly thinking about work. Music is my life, but my career isn’t. If I make my career my life, it will drive me crazy,” she says.

Akriti, who is currently a part of Indian Pro Music League 2021 (IPML), says that youngsters today are fortunate to have an opportunity to showcase their talent through these shows. “Reality shows today have so many budding singers and they should treat it as a learning experience. It’s amazing how they are getting a crash course on how to project their voice on the mic, how to sing and interact with the camera. They should absorb everything and use it to their advantage later. You can’t take it easy just because you are talented. At some point, you will have to ask for work and that doesn’t make you small. I ask for work even today,” she ends.

Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 14, 2020)

In a recent conversation with Mirror (May 8), Shaan had informed that to celebrate the silver jubilee of his first television show as a host, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, the makers have come up with a musical marathon. The singer will return as a host for a three-hour special, Ek Desh Ek Raag, across all Zee channels, including Zee TV. Several artistes associated with the franchise, including Himesh Reshammiya, Udit Narayan, Javed Ali and Richa Sharma, will perform in the celebration of 25 years.

Now, we have learnt that joining the list of performers are ’90s singing sensations, Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik. The two, along with Udit, have been judges on the ongoing season of L’il Champs, which started in February, but came to a halt following the Coronavirus lockdown.

Singer-composer duo Armaan Malik and Amaal Mallik, too, are on board. Incidentally, Armaan, who recently released his first international single, started his singing journey as a contestant on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs in 2006. He finished as one of the finalists in eighth place. The Malik brothers will get into a friendly face-off, with Shaan also hosting the games they will play in the show, including dumb charades and a rapid-fire round. All the artistes will be performing a medley of their popular hits from their homes, while Shaan will take the artistes on a trip down both memory and melody lane.

Reality shows have now adopted the straight-from-home concept in a bid to get more viewers and participants from across India
Radhika Bhirani (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 11, 2020)

The reality of present times is driving a ‘new normal’ for reality TV shows. Entertainment channels are tapping into digital opportunities to set the ball rolling for their non-fiction content, in an attempt to not just woo a new set of viewers, but also to open up an alternate gateway to push participation from across the country.

For the first time, Kaun Banega Crorepati, for its 12th season, has rolled out a 100% digital selection and screening process for its contestants, amid the lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

“The fact that a large number people are homebound and spending long hours on TV and digital media, made it conducive, says Ashish Golwalkar, head — Content, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) and Digital Business. “We expect the participation to grow exponentially,” he adds, revealing that a digital process will soon be announced for their shows Super Dancer and Indian Idol, too.

There’s also Dance Deewane 3, which is employing a virtual screening process, enabling participants to stay safe and audition from their homes, through an app. The response has been “overwhelming”, says Manisha Sharma, head of content, Colors, adding: “We clocked 1,000+ entries in just two days. There’s no reason one should lose hope. We want our viewers to stay motivated during these tough times.”

Apart from that, viewer engagement is a key reason why MTV has formulated original content. While a first-of-its kind virtual audition for a wild card entry is happening for Roadies Revolution, the channel is also showcasing straight-from-home concepts such as Hustle From Home, a six-part series with rappers jamming from home, and Ace Quarantine, which has contestants trying to ‘ace the quarantine’ with specific tasks.

Be it amid the lockdown or even for the immediate future, straight-from-home content is becoming the norm, believes Ferzad Palia, head of Voot Select, Youth, Music, and English Entertainment, Viacom18. “Our properties have bridged the gap for new content on television. We’re adapting to the new normal,” says Palia, adding that shows riding on repute, such as Roadies, will continue to get traction.

Talking of that, to mark 25 years of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Zee’s flagship music reality show, the channel has planned a 25-hour music marathon on the web, with a concert with well-known names singing from the confines of their homes. “It’ll surely help uplift the mood of people across the world during the lockdown,” says singer Udit Narayan.

Shaan explains why he is MIA in Hindi playback, reveals celebrations are in order for his first show as host, which has completed 25 years
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 8, 2020)

In recent years, Shaan had been missing in action as far as Hindi film playback goes, but the singer has been a part of several fundraisers to raise money for the needy during the coronavirus pandemic. Ask him why he is not singing more songs and he retorts, “I accept every work I get. But I won’t go asking for it. I’m not singing simply because I’m not getting too many offers.”

He points out that he recently lent his voice to “Tujhe Rab Mana” in Baaghi 3 and has also sung for the upcoming John Abraham-starrer Mumbai Saga. Recently his song, “Dus Bahane”, was also recreated for Tiger Shroff’s last actioner. “Recreations, if justified, make sense, but using them just for the heck of it seems senseless. If something works, don’t go for an overkill,” Shaan cautions.

The singer rues that composers are limiting their creativity today. “A song that can be easily strummed on the guitar is what works today. Everyone is talking of the science of creating a chartbuster,” he laughs, admitting that he has dropped the plan of recreating his father’s Bengali compositions in Hindi for this very reason. “I don’t want my father to get angry up there for diminishing the value of his work by presenting it at a time when people don’t like that kind of music anymore.”

In 2002, Shaan started his career as the host of the musical talent hunt, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. “It was Sa Re Ga Ma before I joined, I added an extra note to it,” he laughs, admitting that he had never thought he’d be associated with the show for so long. “Even before my first son was born, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa adopted me. People knew me as a singer before that, but it was this Zee show that made me a TV personality and helped me improve my Hindi as there were no teleprompters or earpieces at that time. There were times when I’d wake up shouting, ‘Aap sab ka swaagat hai is pratiyogita mein jiska naam hai Sa Re Ga Ma Pa,’ leaving my wife stunned,” he reminisces fondly.

The franchise completes 25 years this year and Shaan reveals there is a big celebration in store. “Many of those associated with the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa franchise, including Himesh Reshammiya, Javed Ali, Udit Narayan and Richa Sharma, will be seen performing from their homes. In fact, 350 artistes will be a part of the 25 hour long musical marathon titled Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Live-athon which is taking place on May 23. The next day, the Ek Desh Ek Raag concert takes place and I will be returning on the show as the host and there will be lots of stories and plenty of nostalgia,” he promises, adding that the Live-a-thon would be telecast on the network’s Facebook pages and the three-hour concert will be played across all Zee channels, including Zee TV.

Any plans of returning to the show as a regular host? “In three years, I’ll be 50. My eyesight is getting weaker, so, I don’t see that happening. I just hope that people remember my smile,” he signs off and though you can’t see him, you can visualise his trademark smile.

In conversation with Javed Ali, Himesh Reshammiya on unconventional singers and tackling negative feedback despite rendering multiple chartbusters
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; August 26, 2019)

We catch Javed Ali and Himesh Reshammiya in the midst of an unusually long day. As they take a breather during the shoot of a reality show, it will only be moments before they step into another equally long leg before the day comes to a close. They will be weary, we're certain, and also partly disappointed. But put them together to discuss music, and they are anything but that. If we meet them again, we'll certainly ask them what keeps them fuelled during days that run this long. For now, we let them do the asking.

Javed To Himesh

Having judged so many reality shows, what do you think about the talent in Superstar Singer?
I've done so many reality shows, which have got good TRP ratings. After a point, you begin to wonder how the team will scout for better talent than the ones we see. But this team has sourced such fine singers. There are so many reality show singers doing well now, including Aman Trikha and Mohammad Irfan. But, this team got us to notice how talented kids can be, despite the skilled singers we've seen in the past. And indeed [we were impressed].

You have rendered about 700 blockbuster songs. How do you deal with criticism?
I don't react to it because if someone criticises the song, it is because that person has a point of view. It's not necessary that his point of view is right. The verdict is always given by the audience. Ninety-nine per cent of the time, my songs have not faced criticism. But for that one per cent who harbours that point of view. More than criticism, it is a point of view. For instance, when Aashiq Banaya Aapne released, people found [my voice] nasal. But in the same year, I rendered 50 hits. Yet, the awards came in for the first song only. The fact that it was nasal was a new aspect. After that, 5,000 nasal singers came, and they were all accepted. I'm happy that the audience's verdict [was in my favour]. And I'm still trying to win over that one per cent who has that point of view.

Given that there are so many biopics being made if you had to pick an artiste whose biopic you'd like to work on, who would it be?
A 100 per cent, even though it will take a lot of effort to pull off, it will be Kishore Kumar's. Who wouldn't want to work on a biopic of Kishore da? Being a musician, I understand his mindset. Now, I have done almost 10 films as an actor. I am trying to learn the nuances of getting into the character. That's also what I've tried to do with my upcoming film, Happy Hardy And Heer. You'll notice an improvement in me as an actor. My journey started from a singer to a judge, then a live-performer and an actor. I like the music of the film too, and I hope people like it. I play two characters. One is an NRI Gujarati, Hardy. Another is a sardar. All the characters are very Indian, at heart. Whether or not it is a double role is something we'll learn through the film. We did several workshops for it.

Your wife Sonia ji [Kapur], is also a Punjabi. Did you take any tips from her?
Yes. My wife is a Punjabi, and my heroine Sonia Mann is also a Punjabi.

Since we're on that subject, tell us how you met her?
She was hosting my shows. There was an emotional connect. We'd known each other for a while, and friendship grew into love.

Himesh To Javed

We have an old connect, since Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, and I really like the way you sing. We will also work on a lot of songs, and we will work on a hit song together very soon. Since we're currently associating on Superstar Singer, tell me which contestant is likely to win?
Everyone in the top 16 is distinct in their own way. Personally, my favourite is Sneha. She is learned and belongs to a family that's [known] for their music. Sometimes, some people perform in such a way that it takes you by surprise. I think Konkona is good too, as is Nishtha. Among the boys, I'd pick Mauli, Shoaib and Fazal.

Is there a song from the '90s that you'd like to remake?
While I have done a few recreations in films like Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. But a song like Pehla Nasha from Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander, which is very close to my heart.

I think it will sound great in your voice.
When I came to the industry, I had rendered several remixes, which became superhits. These include Bin Tere Sanam and Kya Khoob Lagti Ho. My [career] began with remixes. But perhaps I'd remake a song like Pehla Nasha, or Kuch Na Kaho [1942: A Love Story].

Having done so many stage shows, has there ever been an incident related to a show that was odd?
I've always earned love from audiences. A long time ago, I was performing for a college event. You can understand the kind of energy that the crowd has. A few students had lost control. They began breaking chairs. I won't forget that experience. But, they apologised for it later.

Have you ever had a fistfight when you were back at school?
When I first arrived in Mumbai, I used to live in Andheri. We didn't have a car then, and on one occasion, my father and I had to travel by bus. As soon as the bus arrived, it didn't stop and kept driving ahead slowly. My father had caught the handle and because of the movement, was about to fall. I lost my cool and slapped the conductor. The people in the bus supported me.

What have you learnt from your guru Ustad Ghulam Ali?
To always do what your heart pleases.

Said to be annoyed by the press prying into her personal life, Fakhri leaves Amavas promotions midway, flies out of the country leaving producers in the lurch
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; January 30, 2019)

The horror flick, Amavas, was being touted as the comeback vehicle of Nargis Fakhri, who had gone missing from the big screen after Banjo (2016). The actor had flown down to India in the first week of January to promote the Bhushan Patel-directed movie that is slated to hit screens on February 8. However, after honouring her promotional commitments for a week, Fakhri, we hear, has quietly slipped out of Mumbai, leaving the producers and actor Sachiin Joshi in a lurch.

Says a source close to the production, "Nargis was present at the trailer launch on January 5, post which a string of interviews and promotional appearances on reality shows were lined up for the next 10 days. While she did her round of interviews on January 6 and 7, she refused to answer questions regarding her alleged break-up with Matt Alonzo, and the supposed rekindling of romance between Uday Chopra and her. Her tantrums started over the next two days - during one of the interviews, presumably irritated by the press prying into her personal life, she back-answered a reporter when asked about Uday. She also cancelled a few interviews that were slated for January 9."

Joshi and Fakhri were to make an appearance on the reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. However, she did not show up for the shoot. "The film's team was shocked when they heard that she had left the country. Since then, they have been requesting her to return, but there has been no response from her end." Buzz suggests that the movie's release was pushed for Fakhri. "The film was earlier scheduled to release on January 18. But the makers postponed it because they felt it would benefit from her presence at promotions."

The spokesperson of the production house confirmed the news, saying, "Nargis was supposed to stay back in India till January 15, but she left on January 11. She refused to inform us about it. Since then, we have been trying to reach her and get her dates, [but she] hasn't given any clarification on her availability." Fakhri remained unavailable for comment.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 28, 2019)

Sixteen-year-old Jabalpur girl Ishita Vishwakarma has won the latest season of the singing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Interestingly, the teenager was up against her mother, among several others, in the top 15. “My mother has been training me in classical music since I was four. I had some other gurus as well, but my mother is my main teacher. When she got eliminated, her dream was to see me win. Now, it’s a double celebration for us,” she says.

Ishita admits that she hadn’t expected to win the prize money of Rs five lakh, a car and the winner’s trophy. “When I auditioned there were lakhs of brilliant singers competing. I was the youngest contestant, barely making it to the minimum age required to enter the competition. This win is a huge achievement,” she gushes.

Recalling her most memorable moment on the show, she says, “It was my dream to meet Shah Rukh Khan and perform in front of him. I sang 'Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai' for him and he said he would keep me in mind whenever an opportunity for playback turned up.”

What about future plans? The winner reveals that she had already landed a playback offer. “I want to be a successful playback singer but I hadn’t imagined I would land an offer on the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa sets itself. As soon as I won, Amaal (Mallik) sir announced that he wants me to give playback for a film,” she signs off. 

Dhaval Roy (DNA; November 18, 2018)

Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani (better known as Vishal-Shekhar) have had just one release in 2017 (Tiger Zinda Hai, TZH) as well as in 2018 (Telugu film Naa Peru Surya, Naa Illu India), but 2019 looks big for the duo. Apart from Salman Khan’s Bharat, they have Karan Johar’s Student Of The Year 2 (SOTY2) and YRF’s as-yet-untitled film starring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. Right now, they can be seen as judges of music reality shows Indian Idol and Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, respectively. They spoke to After Hrs about their upcoming movies, their partnership, creative differences and solo works.

THREE BIGGIES NEXT YEAR
Even though TZH was their only movie album last year, Dil Diyan Gallan and Swag Se Swagat were both chartbusters, with the latter being the first Hindi track to cross 600 million views on YouTube. Quiz the composers why they have been missing in action of late and Vishal replies, “SOTY 2 was supposed to come out sooner, so we spent a lot of time working on it. On a few occasions, release schedules go for a bit of a toss. We normally do two films a year, but next year will be three.”

Shekhar reminds us that they composed for Fan, Befikre, Sultan, and TZH back to back. “So, it might look like just a couple of films a year but suddenly for us it was a lot of work,” he says. Having fewer films does not bother them. In fact, the former states that it works well for the two. “We like to focus on what we’re doing, and give it the time and love it deserves,” he avers.

Describing the three projects, he says, “SOTY 2 is young and hip while keeping its soul intact.  The Hrithik-Tiger film is a dance-action flick, so there are just a few songs, but they are quite cool. Bharat is rooted and large in terms of the number of songs as well as the scale of the sound. So, what we are trying to do is like leading three different lives simultaneously.”

GOING STRONG SINCE TWO DECADES
Remind the duo that it’s been almost two decades since they debuted in Bollywood, with Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1999) and he exclaims, “Is it? Damn! Time flies!” Shekhar beams with pride and says, “We have done about 450 songs and been together on stage, television as well as in the studio having a blast. It feels like we’ve just got started.” The Chennai Express composers say that they have stayed on top of the game by never treating their work as a contest. “We have a duty to elevate each film that we do, both emotionally as well as at the box office, and that’s what we focus on,” Vishal emphasises.

CONFLICTS GALORE
Though they dish out crackerjack tunes together, differences between them are inevitable. Shekhar explains, “I have my views and he has his, but that’s how music is created. It’s all about jamming. Sometimes, I sing the first line and he nails the next one and vice versa.” At other times, one dislikes what the other has created and he adds, “We have creative differences in almost every single song, but that makes the number bigger and better.” These days, however, their greatest fights are about nuts and coffee! “I keep stealing almonds and walnuts that Shekhar stows away to snack on in a hunger emergency,” Vishal states. “And I slink his coffee,” the latter laughs. Their last explosive fight was back in 2009-10, when Vishal was going through a bad personal phase and it percolated into work. “Thankfully, Shekhar kept a cool head and was patient with me. That was the last big one,” he recalls.

SOLO WORKS
Vishal frontlines one of the biggest Indian bands Pentagram while Shekhar has a solo career, too. However, in the indie space, they haven’t collaborated yet. “That’s going to happen soon,” reveals the soft-spoken singer-composer, adding, “There will be an announcement of something big.” The musicians have co-judged Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge in 2007 and Indian Idol Junior in 2013 among others, but now they stick to separate shows. “There is no one else I’d rather judge a show with. But, production houses or channels always try to get us as a ‘package deal’,” Vishal reasons candidly. Shekhar adds, “He is my best and the most ideal co-judge. If someone pays us a fat cheque, we will do a show together.”


Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani (left); and Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in a still from the song Swag Se Karenge

MUMBAI MIRROR (July 7, 2016)

Popular TV anchor-actor Annu Kapoor will be hosting a special 'Golden Era' episode on the talent hunt contest, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, on July 10. The current host Aditya Narayan will take a three episode break due to prior commitments. Kapoor had earlier hosted another music reality show Antakshari. The 60-year-old actor will reminisce about his popular show as the crew and musicians are the same. The episode will also feature an 'antakshari' between the mentors, jury and the contestants of Deewane, Mastane and Perwane.

Jay Bhanushaali will also be hosting two episodes of the show, including an Eid celebration episode, with Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan. The show has singers Mika Singh and composer Pritam and Sajid-Wajid as mentors.

Narayan will return for the finale scheduled to go on air on July 17.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; May 27, 2016)

The gifted, visually impaired singer Jugpreet Bajwa, a hot favourite on this season’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, was in for a huge surprise recently. He had none other than Salman Khan dropping in on the sets, especially to meet him!

Says a source from the sets, “The contestants of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa were rehearsing on the sets at Filmcity and Salman was at the venue for the trailer launch of Sultan. After the event, Salman was returning towards his vanity van when he saw the posters of the show and got to know the team was rehearsing there. He walked onto the sets and on spotting Jugpreet, hugged him tight. However, when he saw there were a lot of cameramen outside. He thought it was the media and hurried away, but when told that they were part of the music reality show, he went back on the sets. At that time, Jugpreet was singing the title track of Rang De Basanti and Salman went up to the stage and even shook a leg.”

Jugpreet is obviously over the moon. He says, “It was a complete surprise. I am on top of the world having met Salman. I felt special, that among everyone, he chose to meet me. I’m truly blessed that he likes my singing. He said he watches the show with his mother and looks forward to my performances. What was especially memorable was, when he said ‘Inshallah, hum kabhi saath mein kaam karenge.’ It made my day!”

Jugpreet, who hails from Canada, battled cancer at a tender age, and tiding over visual impairment, has been training rigorously in music.

Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; May 24, 2016)

Looks like it is not just Colors that is miffed with Mika Singh for appearing on The Kapil Sharma Show on a rival channel. The singer is said to have rubbed authorities of Zee TV the wrong way too — he features in their popular show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa as a mentor.

A source close to the creative team says, “Kapil’s show is aired at the same time as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, so, they are direct competition for Zee. The least Mika could have done is inform channel officials about his plans to make an appearance on a Sony TV show. It was unprofessional on his part.”

We hear Zee is yet to decide about taking action against the singer. However, it is also to be noted that while Colors has a policy preventing one from associating with a rival channel, Zee apparently lays down no such clause in artistes’ contracts. Zee TV authorities refused to comment on the issue.

Mika, who shot with singer Kanika Sharma and West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle for Kapil’s show, explains that his contentious appearance was just to promote his recently released songs. “Currently, I am a part of two big ticket shows on TV — Sa Re Ga Ma Pa as mentor and Comedy Nights Live, and I am deeply attached to both. I have put in my best efforts for the two shows as a thorough professional and will continue to do so. Both my shows are topping the charts in their own genre. My visit to Kapil’s programme was part of the film (Housefull 3) promotions, and not to undermine any of my shows. My intention was not to hurt anyone, but just promote the movie as a singer,” he says.

Stand-up comic Krushna Abhishek, who is associated with Comedy Nights Live, says he is “very upset” with Mika for going on arch nemesis Kapil’s show. “I don’t know what the channel has decided, but this is breach of contract.” Told about Mika singing praises of Kapil’s show being the best, he said, “Ask Mika to tell Kapil to replace (Navjot Singh) Sidhuji with him. I challenge Kapil to make Mika sit in his show.”

Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; December 25, 2013)

Shreya Ghoshal, 29, is most attached to her father. She is emotional and expressive, but is her own emotional anchor. She is simple and sorted and will not hesitate or regret saying no to a song with bad lyrics. She has sung a whole range of songs this year from the romantic Sun Raha Hai from Aashiqui 2 to Nagada Sangh Dhol from Ram-Leela to the most recent Drama Queen from Hasee Toh Phasee. In an hour-long conversation over a Rajasthani lunch in her house, she talks to Bombay Times about her relentless father, the musical Bhatts and why she would not date a musician. Excerpts:
 
How did you get your first break in Devdas? I was born in Murshidabad at my nani’s house, but lived the first 13 years of my life in Rajasthan, where my father worked as an engineer with the Nuclear Power Corporation. Every family had a scientist or engineer and our township was a little cut off, where our source of entertainment was what we ourselves created. It was a little paradise with lots of greenery and the Chambal river passing through it. My parents being Bengali, we always had music in our house. My nani was a trained classical singer, who taught my mum, who, in turn, was my first teacher. Later I would travel almost 70 kms to the nearest town Kota to learn music from my guru Mahesh Sharmaji, who was also the principal of the music college there. Even now, I dream of my old home, which had a big garden, lots of time to play with a regimented time for riyaz. When I was eight, I participated in a local competition with the Sangam Kala group (that also gave Sonuji and Sunidhi). I won and from there participated at the state and finally national level. That was the first time I had gone out of my own circle and sung in front of Rajan Sajan Mishraji and Anandji bhai. It gave my dad a lot of confidence and, despite the fact that all my friends were pursuing studies to become engineers and doctors, my dad unconventionally supported my talent and made me participate in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. It went like a dream and I got a lot of applause. It paved my path ahead and I did Sa Re Ga Ma Pa till I won the mega final at the age of 14. I met Kalyanji bhai and with his encouragement, papa took a transfer to Mumbai in 1997. I regularly went to Kalyanji bhai’s place and learnt music there. I started singing cover versions of Marathi and Bengali songs that became quite popular. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s mother saw me singing on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and asked Sanjay to hear my voice. He was shooting Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam at that time. He remembered my voice and when he was making Devdas, he called me to sing Dola Re. He has given a chance to so many musicians including Ismail Darbarji. I adore Sanjayji. He is amongst the few who have always had bharosa in music. His music in Ram-Leela is commercial, but is so beautiful.
 
Post Devdas, did your career take off? In your formative years, there are few people who have trust in your work. Vishesh Films was my support system in my struggling days. Whenever I meet Bhatt sahab, I feel like sitting down and spending more time with him. He loves Urdu poetry and ghazals, which he makes me sing whenever he meets me. It’s beautiful to have successful filmmakers who, at the same time, inherently have a musicality in them. Despite Devdas, due to the existing panel of singers and composers, I did not get to sing for a year till MM Kreem gave me Jism. That also broke the ice as I had got stereotyped as a classical singer.
 
Let’s talk about your dad? My dad is the reason why music played in our house and our house was the hub for all cultural activities as he appreciated all forms of art. I owe everything I am to my dad. He never gave up and never got scared despite all the advice he was given. He is a brilliant person, but left his ambition to be with me to help me pursue my career. He is extremely logical when it comes to solving day-to-day problems and is always right and honest along with being efficient at the same time. He is 60 and yet he learns everyday by reading and from others and passes it on to me. He wants me to be proactive about my own business and life as he feels I leave everything on him. He does not like the fact that I get disturbed with paper work. In reality, it’s not that I don’t understand it, but I like to take my mind off that and be just a singer. I know that my dad likes taking care of it and I let him. I like his involvement in my life and I don’t want to take it away. I like him being the boss. With his vision and wisdom, I have never had any trouble in my life. He never judges any person. I have had silly stuff happening in my life and he would get angry inside, but remain silent about it. Next day he would come to me and just give me such beautiful advice. A child can easily become a rebel, but the way he preaches is what touches me the most. Every parent can learn from him.
 
Do you have friends in the industry? I am very good friends with Shantanu Moitra. If I am low, he is just a call away. I hang out at least once every week with him, his wife and son. He is a musician, but I feel envious in the way he is so detached and can do things that he wants. I am detached from success, but saying ‘no’ to a song is a difficult thing for me, but I am extremely ethical. A bad composition cannot be called unethical, but bad lyrics can be said no to. I have said no to singing many super hit songs which had bad lyrics and have never regretted that.
 
Do you see a change in the music of Bollywood? It is changing all the time. The good thing is that there is a constant need for innovation, which is important in the evolution of music and sound. But that is also bad as it has become a factory and there is a pressure of churning out commercially successful products which also kills innovation.
 
Do you see yourself getting married? Yes, I have always wanted to get married since I was 20. I am a very romantic person and have fallen in love plenty of times. I adore people and get smitten by some people and have made my mistakes. I like men who have their own voice, are opinionated but are not rude. I don’t like very serious people as I believe that there must be a fun element to life. I get bored very easily and have a very short attention span and I am restless. Thankfully, as artistes, we travel a lot to perform in different places and that is a relief in life. I have experienced everything. I have been obsessed, passionately in love, hurt, been deceived and have deceived. I don’t like to be taken too much for granted. Everything should be in balance. I may have also taken my relationships for granted and suffered. It has helped my music. Probably, I have sung my best item songs when I have been the saddest in my life. I have never dated a singer or a music director. People that I have dated have been from the world of technology or entrepreneurs. I want to experience the other world through the other person.
 
What are you like? It’s very difficult for me to appreciate my own songs as I criticise them a lot. Every time I am on TV today, I rush to my room and don’t watch it. Devdas was a big turning point in my life and when the premiere happened at Sterling and Silsila Yeh Chahat Ka where Aishwarya was introduced came on, I was not looking at the screen but was only looking at my parents thinking what they must be thinking. I cherish that first excitement in my life. I cannot go back in time, but I can recreate that time by doing something more special. I am simple and sorted and know what I need in life. To me, it’s important to be with my family, come back home on time and stay connected to my middle- classness. I know that people who have done anything in their lives and who have lived for decades, not the short lived people, are actually very simple people. And that is the mantra. Be sure that you are here because of certain people. It’s easy to disintegrate and get swayed by the audience in a concert. I know that I must have done good deeds in my past life that I have got this. Barring the small mistakes, I have made, I feel even more sure about my principles and ethics. Fortunately for me, my dad was always there to not allow me to make mistakes. There is a very big forgiving side in me that keeps me very light in my heart and happy. It’s easy to burn out in the industry as there is a lot changing all the time. What stays with you is your foundation. To me, music is oxygen and I know that someday even if I can’t sing, I can always continue listening to it.