Bollywood playback singer Aditi Singh Sharma made her debut in Bollywood with Anurag Kashyap’s Dev D. She has since then sung in films like Dhoom 3, 2 States and so on. The Kolkata Mail correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the singer in an exclusive chat over her debut singles and also her future plans in singing. Excerpts..

Welcome to Kolkata. How is the city treating you?

Aditi Singh Sharma- Thank you!! Kolkata always treats me very well. I have done numerous performances in this wonderful city. I love the warmth of the people and the delicious food here.

You have made your debut in the world of single with Aaja mahi ve.
Tell us something about the song.

Aditi Singh Sharma- ‘Aaja Mahi Ve’ is a song that speaks about a woman longing for her love. Lyrically the song is very intense because we wanted to depict the emotions behind anyone who has lost someone they love. Creatively, I had to dig deep within myself while recording the track to justify the honesty of the composition. The song has a very simple and relatable message which I hope most people would be able to connect with.

How was the experience of recording this single?

Aditi Singh Sharma– I wanted to put out independent music of my own for a long time. I had been struggling to make songs myself, with my musicians and also had been listening to various songs others were sending me. I heard this tune that Bawa Sahni (who is a supremely talented music director & singer) had sent me and I instantly loved it. Eventually my team and I decided that ‘Aaja Mahi Ve’ should be the song to release as my first independent single.

Many singers have started recording singles a while ago. Why did you
take so much time to come up with this single?

Aditi Singh Sharma- I had wanted to do this for a long time. But there was always something or the other – either the song was not shaping up, or the lyrics were not or I was just not feeling like this song was ‘the one’. I now understand that things fall into place when they have to, you may sometimes think it is too soon or too late and no matter how hard you try, things have their own way of working out when they need do.

Will we get to hear more singles from you in the coming times?

Aditi Singh Sharma- Absolutely!! I am really looking forward to putting out more of my music for you all and we are aiming to release the next single very soon.

What are the other projects that you have worked on?

Aditi Singh Sharma– I have sung close to about 50 film songs in Hindi as well as a few in Telugu and Bengali. I have been a part of coke studio, MTV Unplugged, done various stage shows, performed at many award ceremonies (the IIFA 2013 one became extremely popular), and have also done a few collaborations with various artistes.

You have also worked as a music director. What is the biggest challenge that you have faced as a music director?

Aditi Singh Sharma- I have never worked as a music director yet. I have composed a song which I will be releasing as a single in the coming year, but that will be my first time as a composer.

You opened the concert for Bryan Adams in Bengaluru. How was the
experience?

Aditi Singh Sharma- Sharing the stage with Bryan Adams was like a dream come true. I have literally grown up to his music and know most of his songs. To have shared stage with him, to have watched his show from just a few feet away and to finally have met him was such an honour. He defines humility literally to its best and to top it all I heard such kind words of encouragement from him and I feel so blessed.

Do you have plans of working in Bengali films?

Aditi Singh Sharma– I have sung 2 songs in Bengali films- ‘Premer Infection’ (Jole Jongole) & ‘Ure Ure Mon’ (Bizli) and also was a part of Ram Sampaths’ coke studio episode for the song ‘Sundari Komola’ which became very popular. I would love to sing more in Bengai films.

How do you spend your leisure time?

Aditi Singh Sharma- I love to cook and I cook for my close friends when they come over and demand to try something new or different. Many of my industry friends have tried my cooking. Apart from that I play the piano a little and try to make more covers for #ADTunplugged as so many people have given so much love to those videos. I also love to watch shows on Netflix, my favourite television show is FRIENDS.

What is your advice to budding singers?

Aditi Singh Sharma- My advice is – work hard and give your 100% to your craft. The rest will follow.

Wishing all the best to Aditi for her future endeavours!!