'I want to sing and act in Bollywood'

Aamir Khan’s ‘Dangal’ was popular for multiple reasons and one of the reasons gave a young singer the chance to enter Bollywood.

He crooned the song ‘Haanikaarak Bapu’ in his upbeat voice. After that, Sartaj Khan Barna bagged a chance  with Nickelodeon to sing the title track of ‘Gattu Battu’. He will now be performing in Zee TV’s ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ with fellow child artiste Sarwar Khan.  Hailing from Jodhpur, the 11-year-old singer is now shuttling between studio and school. He chats with Anila Kurian about his journey and about his future goals.

How did you make your entry into Bollywood?

Sarwar Khan and I were selected from an audition held in Rajasthan. That’s when we were asked to sing a song for ‘Dangal’.

Was it fun being in the studio?

Yes, it was the first time I had experienced something like this.  Earlier, only our village folk knew that I could sing. My father is also a folk singer but singing professionally is different. It was hard work but we had our fun moments too in the studio.

The characters ‘Gattu and Battu’ visited the studio one day...

Yes! It was so cool to hang out with them. I was very thrilled to meet them and take some time off from singing. I’ve only seen the cartoon characters on television before.

Your favourite memory after entering the industry...

I got the chance to meet Aamir Khan. He is a wonderful man and was very helpful as well.

How do you manage school now?

It’s Summer vacations these days so it’s alright. Initially, the teachers had a problem with me missing classes but they understand my schedule now. They provide any extra help when needed.

What’s your favourite subject to study?

English. I love reading stories and poems.

And your least favourite...

Mathematics. I don’t think I need to explain why! 

Any singers you want to work with in the future? 

It would be very cool to work with Arijit Singh and Badshah. They are the leading singers in the industry now.

What’s your favourite food?

I can never say no to ‘Shahi paneer’.
 
The best gift you’ve received so far...

I haven’t got a tangible gift like that yet. However, my brother took me to Mumbai on my birthday last time. I met Aamir Khan and had a lot of fun. I will never forget that.

Do you have plans of acting as well?

I would love to if given a chance. I want to sing and act in Bollywood.