She has a girl next door charm about her. But when she is behind the microphone, she will just mesmerize you with her singing abilities. Playback singer Akanksha Sharma was in Kolkata for some shows. The Kolkata Mail correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the feisty singer over coffee at Park Prime. Excerpts..

So you are again in the City of Joy. How is the city treating you this time?
Akanksha Sharma- I have loved visiting this city. The people in this city are always celebrating some festival or the other, which is a great thing actually. Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Diwali and this will be followed by Christmas and New Year. I have seen the most celebrations of festivals in Kolkata.

You are a frequent visitor to the city and have sung a song in a Bengali film. So we can say that you have become half Bengali?
Akanksha Sharma- (Laughs) Yes, true!! I just have to learn the language and buy myself a house here. My parents and relatives back home often say that I hardly live in Mumbai. I am always coming to Kolkata. So I might as well get myself a house here.

Your first Bengali song Aalto Chhuye from the film Girlfriend is also out. How was the experience?
Akanksha Sharma- It is a nice and peppy romantic song. The song is by Jeet Gannguli who is famous in India and more so in Bengal. It has been a wonderful experience singing the song for Dada. The video is also very cute. I love the song and you all must watch it.

Did you face any trouble while singing the song as the song is in a different language?
Akanksha Sharma- The only hitch was the pronunciation of the words. Jeet dada helped me a lot. I used to ask him the meaning of the words and he used to let me know what the word means. Other than that, whatever issues I had I used to jot them down and get them sorted.

Will be getting to hear from you in more Bengali films?
Akanksha Sharma– I have been travelling a lot due to the shows. Once I get back in Mumbai, I will be sitting down and see what is in store for me. I think I may have something with Jeet dada lined up. Let’s see.

Have you always wanted to become a singer?
Akanksha Sharma- I am not sure whether I wanted to be a singer always. It all started with my father. I used to learn dancing when I was in Ranchi. When we shifted to Rajasthan, my father asked me to try out singing. But after hearing me sing, he said that I was not melodious. This hurt me and I decided to prove him wrong. One night it was dark and I took the courage to sing in front of him. He loved my voice and the next day, he called my music teacher from school to tutor me. I think that was very crucial for me. Starting at a young age towards your goal is important for all of us. Otherwise in your teens, you tend to get distracted with all the glitz and glamour.

You have won a reality show (Chhote Ustaad 2) and were runners up in another show (Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar 2). How has this helped you in your singing career?
Akanksha Sharma– This has given me confidence to face live crowds now. I have never had formal training in singing and this has helped me to know about the technicalities of singing. When I won the show, people used to come and assemble in front of my house. It was during that time that my parents kept me grounded and said that I have a long way to go.

Given the chance, will you like to host a reality show?
Akanksha Sharma- Yes, I would love to but I feel that I have just started on my journey. Let me gain some experience and then I can surely host one. For the time being, I would love to host a show.

Tell us something about your journey in Bollywood.
Akanksha Sharma- I started with Tu Alvida (Traffic) which was composed by Mithoon. I just love him. I have sung in Gold, Rustom, Andhadhun, Beimaan Love and others. I also some projects lined up like Bhaiaji Superhit and Marudhar Express. I have sung in both the films. I feel lucky to have got so much work in the beginning of my career.

What are your views on “Nepotism”?
Akanksha Sharma- I find nothing wrong if someone famous launches his or her relative in a project. One may get the launch but proving oneself is what that individual will have to do. For example, Alia Bhatt is often thought of getting such a big break due to her father. But she has been proving herself with the characters that she is doing. It is not that her acting is bad and yet she is getting roles. This is what my point is.

What are your hobbies?
Akanksha Sharma- Given my hectic schedule now, I feel like sleeping is the best hobby. Jokes apart, I love to dance and singing is my first love. Hence my hobbies revolve around singing only. Even I love to travel. So while doing live shows, I get to sing and travel. So in a way God is fulfilling what I love to do most.

Do we get to hear more songs from you in other languages as well?
Akanksha Sharma- Yes, there are talks going on as I have been approached by music directors from the Telegu film fraternity. I will go back to Mumbai and have a talk with them.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Akanksha Sharma- Honestly I have stopped making plans. I believe God has planned for all of us. I am just doing my job and I am keeping my trust on God to guide me in my journey.

Wishing Akanksha all the best for her musical journey!!