'It has always been a smooth ride'

Singer and composer Arjun Kanungo made it big with his debut single ‘Baaki Baatein Peene Baad’ and there has been no looking back for him ever since. He has also worked for various films like ‘Go Goa Gone’, ‘Mai’, ‘Pizza’ and ‘Remo’. 

The popular singer will be performing at The Forum Mall on May 20 along with Indo-Canadian singer Jonita Gandhi. In a chat with Surupasree Sarmmah, Arjun gets candid about his musical journey and love for Bengaluru.

How did your tryst with singing happen?

I started off by composing music and playing the guitar. At that time, I never thought I would become a singer. I had auditioned for Asha (Bhosle) ji’s band about seven years back, when she heard me sing while I was playing the guitar. It was she who discovered the singer in me and encouraged me to take up singing too.

Your song ‘Baaki Baatein Peena Baad’ became an instant hit. Was it a smooth ride?

It has always been a smooth ride. I love what I do so I don’t look at it as a struggle, instead I have a lot of fun.  

If not a singer, what would you have been?

I had different professions in mind like computer programmer and architect. Technology is something that I have always had a weakness for. If not a singer, I was very close to being an architect.

Three things you can’t live without...

My computer, my headphones and internet connection.

If you had to get your next tattoo, what would it be?

I am actually planning to get my back tattooed. I am thinking of a custom design and working on an entire concept.

Your favourite song to swear by on a bad day...

‘Scarborough Fair’ by Simon & Garfunkel.

The first three songs on your playlist...

‘Kissing Strangers’ by DNCE featuring Nicki Minaj, ‘Attention’ by Charlie Puth and ‘24K Magic’ by Bruno Mars.

Where do you find inspiration for composing your songs?

In people and places. Whenever I visit a new place, there is always something I take away from there.  

Is this your first time in Bengaluru?

No, I have been here a few times earlier as well. It’s a great place and I love the city. The first time I came to Bengaluru was for a pistol shooting competition. However, this visit will mark my first concert here.

How do you spend your time here?

I have a lot of friends in the city so I am mostly busy catching up with them. Or I come to Bengaluru to catch the different concerts that keep happening here. It also serves as a perfect weekend getaway for me.