Known for his exceptional love songs in Bollywood films like Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2 and Muskurane from City Lights, Arijit Singh says he is very romantic is real life too.
You are famous for love songs. What is the secret of the emotion in your voice?
(Laughs) There is no secret as such. I don’t know... I don’t plan my songs; it is beyond our calculation. I am very happy about my singing.
The joke goes that ‘Jab aapka beta Arijit Singh ke gaane gana shuru kar de ... samajh lo he is in love.’ What’s your take on your image?
That’s a surprise for me (laughs). Most of my songs are about love, maybe that’s the reason. I still remember when my mother thought I was in love too.
Are you a romantic person?
I am very romantic; at least according to my definition of being romantic. If you ask my wife, she could tell you better.
Did you woo your wife with singing?
I have been doing that since so many years now. Initially, she used to react like a butterfly, now she is used to it. She knows my work and compositions well and she is happy and calm when she listens to my songs.
Tell us about Guddu Rangeela’s song Suiyaan.
Yes, I love that song ... I am a fan of Amit Trivedi’s work. The way he brings emotions to the composition is amazing. I am excited; it is one of the songs I am closest to. Director Subhash Kapoor said no one could have sung it better than you.Well, he is generous and nice. Subhashji was present during the recording and I am happy he liked my work. It sounds good but I don’t agree with him, there is always room for improvisation. It’s difficult to sing these kinds of songs. Amit sings the entire song while composing it and when I sing it, I wish I could have sung it better than Amit. He lends a unique emotion and I try to sing it like him.
How do you feel about winning a Filmfare award so early in life? Do you think it was luck?
Yes, I think it was luck. A lot of people haven’t received it yet. Jatin-Lalit have not got the award even after giving excellent music. There are a lot of other singers too who deserved it. I think God has been generous.
What do you think about the competition?
I don’t compete with anyone. They are all my friends. I admire them and get inspired from them. I love the work of Shalmali, Shefali and Irfan. My current favourite is Chinmayi.
Which hero do you think your voice suits best?
I thought it wouldn’t suit anyone because of my nasal voice. But I think it’s going with everyone. The scenario has changed. It’s not about the hero’s voice anymore; it is more about how good the song is. Bollywood actors are pulling it off well.
Which music director is your favourite?
I love Pritam, Vishal-Shekhar, Mithoon, Amit Trivedi and of course A. R. Rahman .Pritam made you sing a ghazal in Barfi.
Which genres are you exploring next?
I would like to explore classics. I have been trying to do that. I was desperate to sing for Bombay Velvet as it was a classic album. The kind of composing Amit Trivedi did for that film was outstanding. I was really hoping I could sing for that film but that’s a different chapter.