Singer Jaan Kumar Sanu will be making his debut in playback singing with the film Season’s Greetings which is a tribute to the late director Rituparno Ghosh. The 24 year old singer has sung the title track of the film. The Kolkata Mail’s correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the singer in an exclusive telephonic interview. Excerpts from the interview…

When did you start singing??

Jaan Kumar Sanu- I began training in Hindustani Classical Music from the tender age of three. My grandmother was my first teacher. Later I trained under Rinku Dasgupta. Now I am training under Pandit Ratan Mohan Sharma (Hindustani classical music riyaz with him), Gautam Mukherjee (Light Bollywood music) and Samantha Edwards (Western music).

How did you get your debut project?

Jaan Kumar Sanu- I have met Ram sir (Ram Kamal Mukherjee) a long time back. He wrote an article on me as a kid. My first album was released when I was eight years old. He took my interview then. I met him again after many years at Nandita aunty’s house where I sang a song. He liked my voice and he offered me to sing this song for the film.

How was the experience of singing the title track of Season’s Greetings?

Jaan Kumar Sanu– The song is in Maithali. The preparation had to be done therefore. It was an amazing experience. Ram sir told me about the song. Sir made it easy for me. Sarbani di corrected my diction and made the task much easy. The fact that the song is a composition by Rabindranath Tagore has made it even more special for me.

How did your father, Kumar Sanu react to your debut song?

Jaan Kumar Sanu- My father was very happy but he have not heard the song. He mentioned that I was getting associated with such a huge project. I am also equally amazed at the opportunity. It was a unique experience. Many norms had to be learnt so that I sing the song perfectly. I have learnt a lot in the process.

My father also highlighted on the fact that Bengalis have grown up listening to songs by Tagore. He was actually very happy and ecstatic. He views this as an auspicious start to my career. He wants to listen to the song as an audience and that is why he had not heard the song beforehand.

Will we get to listen to your voice in Bengali films?

Jaan Kumar Sanu- I have recorded a song for a Bengali film with a legendary music director. I cannot reveal the details at the moment though. One thing I can say is that the music director has given great hits with my father.

Any offer from Bollywood?

Jaan Kumar Sanu- There is some Bollywood projects lined up. The songs are with reputed as well as new music directors.

Nepotism is a much discussed issue in the industry. What is your take on it, since you are the son of Kumar Sanu?

Jaan Kumar Sanu- People say many things but I feel proud that I am the son of Kumar Sanu. Nepotism is not entirely true as we, the so called star kids have to put in more effort than the outsiders. This is simply because we have to live up to the legacy of our parents and also create our own identity. I feel pressurized at times as Kumar Sanu is my father. The task becomes daunting and challenging. But I take up this challenge to check whether I can live up to the pressure.

Do you get tips from your father on which projects to sign?

Jaan Kumar Sanu- My father did not have a godfather when he entered the profession. He has the same approach for me. There is no easy way to achieve success. He has struggled to earn his name and he wants the same for me. At the end of the day, my father will not be singing. I will have to sing. However he gives me valuable tips on how to sing.

The best advice given by my father is that he asked me not to think about the rewards. He asked me to be with good music. Everything else will fall into place. He had also advised me to do Riyaaz regularly as that is the best exercise for the throat. Parents never stressed me to sing and they let them find my own niche.

What are your expectations from your debut song?

Jaan Kumar Sanu- My only expectation is that I get as much love as my father has received from the audience. I also hope to live up to my father’s name.

We also hope that Jaan shines and makes his parents proud. Best of luck!!