You have to give it your 110 per cent
When did you start singing professionally?
Though I was singing since the age of four, and made it to singing on stage by 17, it was in 2004 that I got together with a band called Crimson in Delhi and started getting paid for performances. At that time, payouts were meager and bands were paid about Rs 10,000-Rs 12,000 per gig, which would translate into Rs 3,000 or less per band member. Nowadays, with an upbeat entertainment scene, things have improved.
Do you feel training is of utmost importance for a singer?
No, I feel training is not a necessity, but it always helps if you can train. In singing, what is important is that one just gives it one's 110 
per cent and keeps doing it. In fact, that applies in every walk of life. Even if you are in a nine-to-five job, you have to give it your all if you really want to succeed.
What skills, apart from singing, would you say are required to succeed in this profession?
First of all, you have to very good at your work. It also really helps if you have good networking skills, because that's how you get to know of potential gigs and other opportunities. You must have a good team to work with, a fantastic band and a manager who believes in you. And you must have the tenacity and will to succeed.
How do you take care of your health and your voice?
This profession can be very taxing, especially with all the travel, which has its own stresses. One has to also take precautions against the climate and pollution in various cities. I don't have pickles, ice cream or chilled water, which is at times seems funny to my friends. But, amusingly, some of them are the same people whose support I count on through my hectic life.
To keep my voice in shape, I also drink honey with warm water.
What advice would you give to budding female singers?
The advice would be the same as I'd give to any artiste —- to work as hard as possible, to give a 110 per cent to their work before expecting any returns.
Author: HT Horizon
Date: 6th May, 2010
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