Emotions in motion

His song 'Dhating Naach' from 'Phata Poster Nikhla Hero' gained a lot of popularity as soon as it hit the television screens. This was followed by hit songs like 'Selfie Lele Re', 'Jabra Fan', 'The Breakup Song' and 'Cutiepie', which gave singer Nakash Aziz a new space in the industry. Apart from Bollywood films, he has also sung in  Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati and Telugu.  In a conversation with Surupasree Sarmmah, the singer gets candid about his journey in the industry.

Coming from a family of singers, was music your first career choice?
Well, I always and even today want to produce films and make short films. Being creatively involved is something that I am always ready for. However, I am getting the opportunity to sing, thanks to all the wonderful composers I have been working with like  AR Rahman and Pritam.  They trust me and I  am lucky to  be singing for Bollywood.

Of the songs you have sung, which are your favourites?
'Afghan Jalebi' has to be up there. This apart, 'Beqasoor' is another song I like. There is 'Tamizhselvi', a Tamil song, and 'Remix Qawwali', a Bengali song, that I am in love with.  

What inspires you to write?
My ideas are purely emotion based. It's all about my experiences and emotions that I am going through in my personal life. I convert these into music.  

It has been seven years in the industry. Do you still get nervous while recording a song?
I get a little anxious at times but after 10-15 minutes into the recording, it's either going very bad or going  great. For me, a bad recording is like a Test match, you have to play it out and a good recording is like a T20 match, you give your best to it.  

What kind of songs did you listen to while growing up?  
I used to listen to the songs of A R Rahman and Michael Jackson. And in my college days, I started listening to 'Coldplay'. And then, I slowly started listening to S D Burman and R D Burman.  

How do you spend your time when you are not in the recording studio?
I love watching TV  and hanging out with friends. I recently bought a BMW bike and I am currently tripping on it. 

Your discography is quite impressive, how do you feel being part of such popular tracks?
It is very normal to me. To be honest, I have not proved myself to myself yet. There is still a long way to go.

You are currently listening to...
Chinese pianist Lang Lang and songs by 'Yellow Claws'.