Darshan Raval, singer and YouTube sensation, is back with yet another song Baarish Lete Aana that has garnered 20 million views. He speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about the secret behind his success

What is your latest song Baarish Lete Aana all about?

Every monsoon I release a song on baarish. This is the third year in a row that a song on this subject has been released. It is for people who love this season, believe in love and sad songs.

This is the third time that you have had more than 10 million views. What is the secret?

I really don’t know. Actually, the first song has now been viewed by 100 million people. The secret, therefore, lies in the people who love my work. I am honoured by the love they shower on me whenever I release my work. I always say that it is my fans who are responsible for what and where I am today.

You love to sing love ballads. How would you define love?

My entire life has been around love. I have always loved my mother. My family has taught me to love everyone. In order to be loved back, there is a need to give love.

It has been seen that some stars reach the peak fast and fall just as fast. Is there some way to remain on top?

It is all about how much one believes in oneself. Opportunities and luck come later. It favours those who work hard and are passionate.

What is the reason for the popularity of indie music?

People started listening to Bollywood songs and then indie happened. For musicians, a song is a song. Like for me, I never differentiate between Bollywood or non-Bollywood. The song has to be good for me. All I know that music should touch people’s lives. Any good song will do well.

Is that how you define success?

As long as my songs do well — in whatever space — I am happy.

What is your mental framework when you enter a music studio?

When I am dubbing my song, I know the emotions to put in the song and carry that into the studio. But when I dub for another person like Himesh Reshammiya or Sachin-Jigar or any other composer, I go with a blank mind. They give me the brief, I understand the lyrics, get into the zone and then record. To go with a blank mind, it helps me. If I got with too many emotions, there will be a clash. With a blank mind, I can shape the emotions that the composer is looking for.

Is it difficult to switch?

Not really since I sing for others and compose my music. But yes, there are people who want to do only one, then they may face some difficulties. I want to do both so am able to make the transition with ease.