Singer, composer, entrepreneur and actor Arjun Kanungo loves to don many hats. He tells Shalini Saksena why he loves pop and how he became a musician

• How did your musical journey begin?

It was not as if I wanted to pursue music. But I was 18, in the US and discovered music. Back then it was a bit turbulent. I had started my course. But when I came back to India, I told my mother that I wanted to do music. But I didn’t know what to do. But I knew that if I put my mind to it I would be able to make music. I started a recording studio. I learnt a lot from the artists who came and understand the business. I learnt to play the guitar. I did a lot of work for the ad world. I also had a rehearsal room. Then one day Asha Bhonsle’s band came to rehearse. They wanted a guitarist. I tried out and auditioned and started singing. She loved my voice. I toured with her. That is how Bollywood wanted. But I was not happy with the kind of work I was getting so took a break. Then pop music happened. It took off.

• Would you say you are an entrepreneur then?

Yes. But since I do a lot of live performances, I love that. I am most comfortable there. I love being there. I think my personality is suited for it. I am not an extrovert but while on stage I become a different person. It amazes me how I can be these two different persons.

• You studied acting. Was it a dream to be an actor?

I am not distracted but am a creative person. All my life I have been doing different things. I am still exploring things as I go along. I like making music, I love to perform, I love making videos. Basically, I love the effort that goes into learning. When you learn something and are able to apply in real-time, it gives a high. When I learnt acting, it was so that I could perform better on stage.

• What is the latest track about?

It is pop song titled Tu Na Mila. It is a love ballad in modern times. We wanted to show love in a different way. We wanted to give it a different setting. We researched a lot and couldn’t find a reference point. We have shown action, bullets flying and fire everywhere. It was a challenge to come up with something like this. But we didn’t want to go overboard also.

• How does one manage to get so many hits?

It is a combination of many things. The audience has grown. The popularity of pop helps. Then there is content. If the content is good, people will watch it. The Internet is a strange place. It is based on choice. There are many influencing factors. If you get a lot of hits in the first few hours on YouTube, it goes to the trending page from where it takes off. Music labels help too. There are so many music platforms where the song can be pushed. A lot of things happen.

• You are into sustainable development. How did that happen?

I am a practical person. People think that environment doesn’t effect them and is far out and not going to impact them. I do what I am doing for personal survival. People are unaware that the problem is real and unfolding as we live it. I understand that life is going to get complicated. I am young and have a long way to go. My home is solar powered. If one calculates, they would realise how much carbon foot printing I am saving. It is like planting a 100 trees.

• Do you have a favourite genre that you love to work with?

It has to be pop. I am most comfortable here. It offers a lot of freedom. It has a bit of rock, a bit of jazz, a bit of classical and bit of R&B. One can do anything with pop. There are no rules. One can do a lot here.

• What next?

After the immediate release of the song for Ek Ladki Ko Dekha... I am part of MTV Unplugged. I am part of web series which is action based and look forward to the series.