Shahid Mallya, who scored his first hit from the movie Mausam, talks to SHALINI SAKSENA about his latest track among other things
What is your latest track Tu Hi Mera Rab about?
It is a very important and precious song for me. It released recently. I am a lead in the video. I would like to give credit to Sana Shaikh as well who plays the lead with me. She debuted with this song. This is a Punjabi-Hindi romantic soulful track shot in Kulu-Manali.
Was it tough to face the camera?
Yes, definitely. While I know what goes on behind the camera, some of my friends work behind the scenes. But when you actually are in front, it is totally different. I have given my 100 per cent. The first day, I was nervous, then I was fine. I was great to do this video.
How did your musical journey start?
My father is a singer. He considers Mohammed Rafi as his guru. But after Rafi sahab’s death, my father came back to his hometown. Unfortunately, he met with an accident. He was bedridden for six years. That was when I made his dream my dream. After he got well, he told me that it was time to go back to Mumbai. I was 16 then. I trained in classical music.
What are the challenges to remain in this industry?
There is no road that paves the way to success in this industry. Unlike an engineering or an MBA college where the companies come to recruit the freshers, there is no such thing here. Haar nahi maan sakte yahan par. To make a career, one has to keep one motivated, meet people yourself; there is nobody to guide you. You can’t give up in this industry.
Do you have a favourite composer?
Actually I have three — Pritam, Vishal-Shekhar and Amit Trivedi. I love to work with them. Every composer has a style. Pritam will delete an entire recording if he has not liked it, he is a very polished composer. With Vishal-Shekhar, they will motivate you and energise you. It is fun to work with them. There is a learning curve with them.
Do you need inspiration when you sing different songs?
I am a versatile singer. This means that whatever song I am given, I give it my best. Whatever my personal mood maybe, but once I am inside the studio, you have to keep all that away and concentrate on the job at hand. I love the challenge that comes with singing different songs.
Do you have a favourite song of yours?
I have many. At present, it is Zehnaseeb by Vishal-Shekhar sung by Shekhar Ravjiani and Chinmayi. If you ask me a song that I have sung, it has to be my first song — Rabba Main Toh Mar Gaya Oye — from Mausam; it gave me recognition in the industry.
What next?
At present, I am working towards promoting my new track. After this, I have a few songs lined up for movies.
