Singer Farhad Bhiwandiwala has recorded thirty songs in different Indian languages. The singer began his journey in 2005. His previous hit song was Tere baap aaya from Commando 3. The singer has also lent his voice to a song in the soon to be released Bengali film SOS Kolkata. The Kolkata Mail correspondent caught up with the singer in an exclusive chat. Excerpts..

Durga Puja is just around the corner and SOS Kolkata in which you have sung a song will be releasing during this time. Tell us how you bagged the song and your experience of singing it.

Farhad Bhiwandiwala-To begin with wish you all a very happy and prosperous Durga Pujo. Someone from SOS Kolkata team contacted me. And Mr. Eric Pillai who is a renowned mixing engineer who has also mixed mastered Tera baap ayaa gave them my reference.

I connected with music composer Pratik Kundu. He was in Kolkata and I recorded in Mumbai via video call. It was a great experience and Pratik knows what he wants. So it was a fun singing session.

How did you begin singing?

Farhad Bhiwandiwala-My family has always been music lovers and I have my childhood memory of my father and my Mama (uncle) singing Antaksharis during our family outings. That played a very important role in my life as a singer. My family always supported me to go all out and pursue my passion.

When did you first get your break in the world of music?

Farhad Bhiwandiwala-My school friend Sarim Momin who is a director in Bollywood introduced me to Wasim Desai and Ajay Bhisht. They were my mentors. Nikhil Kamat and Prasanna Shekhar gave me my first Bollywood song.

You have sung in multiple languages. Have you ever felt that not knowing the language was a barrier?

Farhad Bhiwandiwala-Yes of course!! Every language has a culture and a soul of that region. So at times, it is difficult to express because you don’t know what it means. But as you continue singing, you gain experience and can sing in a better manner. I enjoy exploring and so it is always fun.

Are you satisfied with the kind of work you are getting as a singer?

Farhad Bhiwandiwala-I am satisfied to the core I have always been given a fair chance to express and perform and all my senior singers and music directors have been genuinely good to me. I entered Bollywood by singing for Amitabh Bachchan. As a newcomer, I feel privileged and blessed and for that, I will like to thank Ramgopal Verma for having faith in me.

What are your upcoming projects?

Farhad Bhiwandiwala- With Mere Desh Ki Dharti I will once again work with Vikram Montrose after Tera baap aaya from Commando 3. This will be our next and it is a duet fun party song with very talented Supriya Pathak.

Again with Vikram and Sanjay Dutt, I have a very interesting song in Torbaaz which will show my different side to my audience and fans. Torbaaz is releasing on Netflix soon. And there are some untitled projects that will reveal soon as things get finalized.

What kind of songs appeals the most to you?

Farhad Bhiwandiwala-Well that is a little tricky. I try and sing everything that comes to me. And because of Tera baap aaya, people connect to me with more of heavy aggressive songs. I am open to singing all genres of songs.

Will we get to listen to you singing more Bengali songs?

Farhad Bhiwandiwala- Hopefully yes as we all know Bengal is very rich in music and art and some great musical legends are from Bengal. So yes I am looking forward to some great songs to come out soon.

How has the pandemic affected you as a musician?

Farhad Bhiwandiwala-It has been a global issue and a major one. My concerts and recordings got canceled. We all have been affected in some way or the other. But I thank god I have food, shelter, and love and that’s all we need. We have to be strong and positive and this also shall pass.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Farhad Bhiwandiwala-I really doesn’t know but I believe in one thing I am here to entertain. If my audience enjoys my music, it is my duty to give them their fun dose as a singer.

Wishing Farhad all the best for his future works!!