Bollywood's No. 1 singer, Arijit Singh, wants to take time out to finish his solo projects; says compliments tend to embarrass him
Arijit Singh
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It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Arijit Singh is ruling Bollywood’s playback scene at the moment. The talented singer, who became a popular face after participating in the singing reality show Fame Gurukul in 2005, has come a long way, and he clearly has a long way to go. Every composer wants to work with him today.
A great live performer, Arijit will enthral his fans this month at the Enchanted Valley Carnival (December 17 and 18) slated to be held in Lonavla. He is part of the starry line-up that features names like Farhan Akhtar, Flo Rida, Alan Walker and Badshah, among others. Here, Arijit discusses his success mantra, how he feels embarrassed on being complimented, his independent music projects, and more.
What has been your success mantra?
My mantra has been very simple. I really love and respect my teacher, my Guruji. He had given me a lot of tips. Those were not to be successful, but to be victorious. They helped me understand how to struggle and work hard all the time. I have learnt how to have faith in my work and how to better my skills from him.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali
What is the best compliment you’ve ever received from a film personality?
(Laughs) It’s a difficult question. It’s always embarrassing to get compliments. Obviously you like that, but at the same time you feel embarrassed. I have got compliments from many people. My fans keep admiring my work and complimenting me, but I never take them seriously because I believe the more you ignore the compliments you receive, the further you will go. I keep that in mind, but then there are times when you can’t ignore a compliment coming from someone like the great Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He complimented me for Aayat (Bajirao Mastani; 2015). He was not there for the recording because he was shooting at that time. When he heard the track,
he was overwhelmed. And then he started embarrassing me (laughs).
You have sung songs in different genres. What is the kind of music that is yet to be explored?
In Bollywood, it’s a completely different thing. What you sing is not in your control. It is completely dependent on the music directors and the decision makers of a film. I am not getting the time, but I have been working on some independent music projects that I want to come out with.
A still from Phir Le Aaya Dil
Tell us more about that…
I have been working on it. I am a singer-songwriter. I have written my songs in Bengali, because I think in that language. Hindi is my second language. I have composed a lot of stuff. It’s difficult to work on independent music in Mumbai, because the scenario is different here. Bollywood overpowers it. I feel independent music needs to be defined, and I would really love to do that whenever I get the time. At the moment, I won’t be able to devote a lot of time to independent music.
Do ghazal or qawwali interest you?
They are great genres that are rooted in Indian music. I love them and have grown up listening to them. Earlier, Bollywood soundtracks had a lot of qawwalis. But these days, the two genres are barely heard. I love the qawwali in Bajrangi Bhaijan (Bhar Do Jholi).
Among all the songs that you have sung so far, which are your favourites?
There are so many. I like Aayat (Bajirao Mastani) and Phir Le Aya Dil (Barfi!; 2012).
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