Your first song with Silk Route, Dooba Dooba from the album Boondein is being hummed by youngsters/music lovers even a decade after its release. Of course that song was followed by numerous musical hits, every piece different from the other. How would you rate your journey in music so far?
I started with my own music initially, worked as the lead vocalist for a band and have continued with film songs. I have to say it has been an interesting journey and I’m happy people like my voice.
How did the transformation happen from a Science graduate in Geology to a music man?
Music was always a part of me. In my city of Nahan in Himachal the folk music and the beauty of nature can influence anyone to pursue music. My grandfather, a bureaucrat, was a good singer. But music was not chosen for a career in those days. So you can say music was in my genes.
What happened after the super success of Boondein? Your second album Pehchaan (also with Silk Route) wasn’t equally hit and then the beautifully composed Kalaam came after a hiatus of a good eight years.
After the second album the band (Silk Route) decided to stop and I continued alone with few film songs and jingles when I had to do this patriotic song for a news channel. I did not wish to pick up the regular songs so a friend suggested Vision by Kalaam Saab. I loved it so much that I met the former President, took his consent and created Kalaam.
Do you feel there’s a difference in the pop music scene in regard to quality as compared to ten years back?
There’s not much of a difference. After all the country has so many talented artistes in this field. It’s just that the number of albums and singers is increasing rapidly.
Fitoor released in October and has been admired by music critics for its acoustics. What’s special about it?
This is my first solo album and apart from singing and composing the music, I’ve written most of the songs. Babajee in the album is a special song where you can hear a piece of live recording in the beginning and end. It so happened that when we were all practicing in the hills of Nahan, a bird sang by in symphony with the tune I was humming. So we recorded it on a mobile phone and used it as it is. Moreover, the Silk Route drummer features in a couple of songs and we have also used the xaphoon, mandolin and other interesting instruments.
Of so many of your hits, which would be your favourite film song?
Masakalli was an instant hit but I like Tum Se hi and Kuch Khaas Hai.
What are the upcoming projects?
I’ve recorded for Deepti Naval’s Do paise ki Dhoop Chaar Aane Ki Baarish, and Ken Ghosh’s Chance Pe Dance.
Would you mind sharing the secret of your ‘cap’? You always sport it.
It’s a Himachali tradition to wear caps. I like to put on a jacket and believe a cap goes well with it! There’s no other secret in particular! (Laughs)
It’s your first visit to Bhubaneswar. What are your expectations?
Well, the city surprised me with a hot Sun when I guess it’s supposed to be winter even here. But really, performing for a young crowd is always exciting. The energy of the youth is infectious.
Any message for your fans…
I would appeal youngsters to be aware and take care of our environment. Each of us is responsible towards it. Moreover, spread peace and love.
panda.namita@gmail.com