'I want to be remembered as a versatile singer'

What is your favourite kind of music? What's your view on remixes versus original compositions?

Well, when I came to Bombay, my intention was not to start my career with remixes but that's what I did eventually - since the current state of the music industry does not bank on original music, even from established artists. My breakthrough track was the remix of 'Rangeela Re' from the album Baby Doll Chapter 2. With the welcoming response to this, the music company went ahead with another solo remix album titled A-Teen since it was released when I was 18 yrs of age. This one too got a good response but ultimately got me no recognition as a serious singer and this was when I realised that however difficult a song one might choose for remixing, it leaves you no serious avenues for further work though it does help in breaking the ice. I am completely in favour of original compositions since they give an artist a wider and more respected platform and sing with complete liberty. My kind of music is not confined to a particular genre. I love collecting all kinds of music while travelling...right from the bhajans of Kishori Amonkarji and Praveen Sultanaji to jazz by Nat King Cole and B.B.King, South Indian recordings, old Lataji Ashaji film songs, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Toni Braxton, Michael Jackson, my favourite Mariah Carey and obviously the contemporary music of today.

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How do you feel about achieving fame at such a young age and sharing the stage with renowned artistes?

I feel very fortunate to be a part of such moments where I am sharing the stage with the likes of Shankar Ehsaan Loy on their shows. It's a great learning experience for me. Another important opportunity that came my way was a show on Sahara one 'Jhoom India' where I was one of the mentors along with the likes of Suresh Wadekar, Sudesh Bhosle and Jatin Pandit.

What are your long term goals?

I want to make myself a recognised and respectable name in the industry by say three years from now. I would want to build a bigger house to comfort my parents in their ageing years also want to set up a studio for audio recordings. I want to be remembered as a versatile singer.

How easy is it for you to strike a balance between being a complete entertainer on stage and at the same time staying focused on quality singing?

Performing on stage live for audiences gives me a high. I feel good singing is the core element in each performance. Something very interesting had happened at a show I was doing in Delhi for a leading daily newspaper's 50th year...knowing how most performers today do not sing live on stage, the General Manager of the same newspaper came up to my manager asking him if I was actually singing live!! He didn't believe it till the time he actually went up to the sound console to hear the music separately on another channel and my voice separately on another! The entire gathering was asked to give me a standing ovation!

Any albums in the pipeline?

I am working on an original album right now and have requested Shankar Ehsaan loy to compose a few songs for me. It should be out in four or five months from now.

How do you find Dubai?

Dubai excites me completely since I fully freak out on shopping... I can shop till I drop! The place is beautiful, the audiences are so encouraging, the people are so warm and welcoming... what more can a performer ask for?

Would you agree with the view that reality shows are a last resort for instant publicity - for either upcoming artistes or unsuccessful ones?I can't really comment on this since I am too new in the business but I can say one thing for sure... they present your true persona, your real character and who and how you are as a person.