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‘MY USP IS THAT I AM VERSATILE’

Alisha Chinoy was truly one of the pioneers of Indipop. Her superhit album 'Made in India' had an unprecedented sale in millions. Famous not just for her singing but also her 'Madonna' and 'Baby Doll' persona, Alisha intrigued one and all with her rebellious attitude and scandalous image. After all these years she has once again sent India into a frenzy with her hit song 'Kajara re' from the film Bunty aur Babli.

Alisha will be performing in the 'Anu Malik Nite' to be held on February 16. The event organised by Signature Events also features Anu Malik, Abhijeet, Vinod Rathod and Sunidhi Chauhan. Excerpts from a telephonic interview with Alisha.

What do you think of the current music scene in India?

It has progressed and evolved a lot. Earlier only film music was prominent in the Indian music scene but now there are so many genres and categories in music. There's Punjabi Bhangra, folk, Sufi and ghazals so it's really come a long way. It is very exciting and challenging. There's a lot more competition which keeps you on your toes, which is good.

The hit song Kajara Re presented you in a completely different style. Was this a revelation for you as a singer?

I think it's a miracle from up above. It was so unexpected and out of the blue and it was just so wonderful. I was very apprehensive about singing the song initially but the composers Shankar-Ehsaan -Loy were very certain that I could push my voice and sing it. They had the faith and I am really thankful for that. It was a discovery of sorts for me because even though I knew that I had the potential to do it, I needed someone to give me a push. It resurrected my whole career. Made In India sold more than 5 million copies and Kajara Re has surpassed that. Today Kajara re is an anthem just as Made in India once was.

What would you attribute your success to?

My USP would definitely be the fact that I am so versatile. I can change and modulate my voice to suit the song and the style. Normally it is very difficult for an artist to reinvent and change drastically but I have been able to successfully manage the balance and maintain a parallel career with my solo albums and film songs.

As an artist what do you prefer, playback singing or solo albums?

I think both have their own importance. Solo albums are personally very gratifying to me as an artist because they establish my identity and are a reflection of my music and me as a person. Film soundtracks are also wonderful because you can get to work with different producers and it really reaches the masses.

Having started you career in theatre with Evita do you have any plans for doing theatre?

Not in India for sure, if given a chance I would go westwards because the incentives there are greater. It's more professional and lucrative there. There is absolutely no money here in theatre in India. One would have to do it for the love of it only. It’s too time consuming and I have so much other stuff to do.

Any solo album in the pipeline?

I have a new album coming up which will be released in April. It has been recorded in Birmingham, UK and we have worked with different composers to get that international crossover edge on Indi-Pop.

Can you explain the periodical breaks in your career?

I feel it is my prerogative as an artist to take time out for myself, so that I don't get repetitive or burnt out so that when I come back I am as fresh as ever. In fact that is really the secret of my success.

Considering the serious allegations (sexual harassment) made in the past by you on Anu Malik, how would you explain your working together today?

I don't want to comment. We are working together professionally and that's good enough. At the end of the day I am a professional and you have to put your differences aside. It's been a long time and people change.