'I am fascinated by cello'

Rasika Shekar is more than just a name in Bollywood. Having trained in both Carnatic and Hindustani music, there isn’t anything that is stopping her from exploring the depths of music.

She started her journey as a singer with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and lent her voice to films like ‘Kill Dill’, ‘Katti Batti’ and ‘2 States’. She’s also known for her flute renditions.

In a chat with Anila Kurian, Rasika talks about what it’s like as an artiste who is a singer and a flautist.

What do you like to be known as - a singer or a flautist?

Both. My voice and my instrument are both important and equal parts of who I am as a musician. I always try to put out the most honest music I can and hope that people will genuinely connect with it. Whether it’s as a flautist or singer, my approach is the same in this regard.

Tell us about your current projects. 

I’m working on some of my own material and some in collaboration with others. But I’m looking forward to releasing an original composition which also has a video to it. It’s a flute composition with very different influences of mine.

What is like when you’re performing?

Ah, there is nothing like being on stage! The connection that you have on stage with your audience and musicians is something just amazing.

You have audiences both here and abroad. What are they like?

It’s pretty magical. The responses so far have been incredible and that warmth is always a beautiful feeling. I find myself performing different kinds of music and in that journey, there’s been a lot of exploration for myself in terms of style and expression.

Your biggest influence...

My grandmother has been my role model since the time I was initiated into music. She’s a violinist by profession, an amazing mentor and an amazing human being.

A song you’ve been listening to on loop...

‘Migration’ by Bonobo.

A track that instantly makes you happy or sad...

‘Urvasi Urvasi’ by A R Rahman makes me want to dance. ‘Gham Nahi Ji Tan’ by Ghulam Ali Khan does the opposite for me.

The motto you live by...

Seek the path that demands your whole being. 

Tell us three random things about yourself.

I dreamed of becoming a professional tennis player. I am terrified of cockroaches — I will run, jump or scream even if I see one 10-feet away from me. And I am fascinated by cello and I want to learn it one day.