Singer Najim Arshad has carved a niche for himself in the playback industry. He arrived on the big stage with a win in the music reality show Star Singer in 2007. Some of his famous numbers are Ente Pranayathin Taj Mahalil (Chempada, 2008) and Thotte, Thotte (Diamond Necklace, 2012). Najim has sung to the tunes of veteran music directors and newcomers alike. Last year, Najim released an album, I’m Here, which turned out to be a big hit. This year, he entered Bollywood by belting out a number for Kaafiron ki Namaaz. This Thiruvananthapuram lad shifted to Kochi to concentrate on his film career.
The 27-year-old in a freewheeling conversation reminisces the good old days at Swathi Thirunal College of Music in Thiruvananthapuram, where he pursued his bachelor’s and master’s in performing arts specialising in music.
What did college teach you?
In college, I understood that studies alone could never earn me a living. It’s good that we learn music, yet it never assured me a job. This prompted me to participate in the reality show.
What was your proudest moment in college?
The kind of reception I got on returning to college after the first round in the reality show was unforgettable. It happened when I was in the final year of my master degree. I, who was just another student until then, suddenly became the centre of attraction. Everyone started noticing me. Classmates and collegemates showered me with appreciations. That was the kind of fame I had been longing for.
Have you had any embarrassing moments in college?
I was a very shy boy. Even when a girl smiled at me, it sent shivers down my spine. I did not dare to speak to them over phone.
How did you score points with the opposite gender?
During postgraduation, I was often the only boy in a class of 10. Gradually, I had to shed my shyness as I had none to depend on for notes. I also helped them in every way I could. The girls in my class encouraged me to take part in the reality show and they all wished me to succeed and make it big in the music industry.
Was bunking a part of your college routine?
I had nightmares of getting caught red-handed by my father and elder brother while bunking school. Once when I was in a queue to buy a movie ticket, my father was waiting in the bus station opposite the cinema and my brother was sitting in the back row of the same hall! Thankfully, I did not see both of them. After this, I decided not to bunk classes.
Did you have any rifts with your professors?
No.
Where did you hang out in college with friends?
Each and every corner of the college was filled with music so it was a perfect setting to sit and relax.
What extracurricular activities were you involved in?
I played cricket. Drawing was another craze. Being a fan of fairy tales and children’s comics, I was happy to draw my favourite characters like Aladdin and Genie.
— meera.manu@newindianexpress.com
