Sugandha Mishra has the voice of a nightingale. But she has used that voice not just to render melodious numbers but also to make people laugh their lungs out! In fact, she started as a stand-up comedian and mimicry artiste quite a few years back with Laughter Challenge and went on to become a popular singer after being declared the third runner-up in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar. Then, followed anchoring and acting on television.
How it all started
I belong to a family where music has always been an integral part. I learnt music from my grandfather from the age of four. I have done my masters in classical music. Presently, I am pursuing my doctorate in music. But then my family is very conservative, particularly my grandparents. So, I had never thought I could come so far in life. I used to mimic too from an early age. I did that in several college shows and youth festivals. My mimic skills landed me a job as an RJ which I did for a year and only my mom knew about it. And, then Laughter Challenge auditions happened in Punjab and they heard about my mimic skills on radio and contacted me. I remember my tauji had lied to my grandpa to get me to Mumbai. The rest is history.
Comedy to singing
I never had thought I could continue so long doing comedy. But even here, my singing helped me as I started doing a lot of parodies. However, the focus was always on singing as that was my ultimate aim, my passion. So, when Sa Re Ga Ma happened, I grabbed the opportunity.
My grandpa was angry when John Abraham was on the sets and had confessed he had a crush on me and had even kissed me on my cheeks.My grandpa was furious. He wanted to talk to the loafer (John)!! But then, he did understand finally.
Anchoring and acting
Well, anchoring was fun particularly Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. I had started getting acting offers on TV but I had to be choosy considering my family background. So, when the offer for Don’t Worry Chachu came from Sab, I took it as the role was very decent and challenging for me too. I was the mother of two kids in that and it was a memorable experience. That for sure opened more avenues for me.
Shows and concerts
These are good for artistes. One gets to interact directly with the audience which is fun. And, in me, they get a two-in-one package as I do comedy and sing too. I always feel doing comedy is very difficult, particularly when you have limitations as a female. I mean I don’t even look funny!! So, comedy is challenging for me. Acting comes easy. But my passion lies in singing. I have already started playback singing in Bollywood. Last year, I sung for Sajid-Wajid in Priyadarshan’s Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal and I am looking forward to interesting projects.
Future Plans
Well, I make a debut on silver screen with Heropanti, which is the launch vehicle for Tiger Shroff. I have a good role in the film. I have signed for playback singing with a couple of new music directors and some more acting assignments too, details of which I cannot divulge now. I would continue my association with Comedy Circus . I am also planning to do something of my own that would be related to fusion music. And, yes my biggest dream is to open a music school for young talents. I want to become capable enough to do that sometime soon.