'Reality shows are overrated'

Known for songs like 'Zindagi' from the movie 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' and 'Kisi Se Pyar Ho Jaye', playback singer Jubin Nautiyal started his musical journey in Bollywood  in 2014 with the movie 'Sonali Cable'.

Over the last three years, Jubin has made a name for himself  by churning out hit after hit.  

In a conversation with Surupasree Sarmmah, the singer spoke about his love for music
and his journey in the industry.  

You started  singing at the age of four...

Music is more like a journey to me than a passion. From the very beginning, I knew that this was my calling. I wanted to be a musician and I worked for it. I studied music in school and college. I went to  Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music to learn western classical and progressive rock from London.  

Your favourite song as a child...

I had many favourites  songs. 'Sanu Ik Pal Chain Na Aave' by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, 'Badi Door Se Aaye Hain' by  Mohammad Rafi and Mukesh and 'Gulabi Aankhen' by Mohammed Rafi are some of my all-time favourites. I have been lucky to recreate some of  them.  

'Ek Mulakaat' was quite a hit...

'Sonali Cable' didn't do too well. But the song 'Ek Mulakaat' became a hit. This gave me quite a kick, as it made me feel that I belonged in the industry. I felt I was in the right
place because I got appreciation from all quarters.

Any memorable moments in your musical journey?

My entire journey till now has been memorable. I am from a small place called  Jaunsar in the district of Dehradun in Uttarakhand. So coming to Mumbai, the city of dreams, was quite an experience. Initially, nobody knew me in Mumbai, but today I am called to attend sessions or recordings. I am grateful that people love me and that gratitude  is helping me to move ahead and get better.  

You were a part of the music reality show 'X-factor'. How did that help you in your journey?

When one participates in a reality show, it makes  one understand how vast the world of music is. There are so many people trying to be a part of this line of work but only a few end up making it. So, I am grateful to be here. Apart from that, I don't think the reality show was really helpful to me. I feel they are overrated. I would like to mention that people who participate in reality shows should not be disheartened because it is just a platform. What matters in the end is your hard work  and dedication.  

Of the songs you have sung so far, which one is your favourite  and which one was the most challenging?

My current favourite is  'Ittefaq Se' from the movie 'Ittefaq'. The most challenging song was 'Zindagi' from  'Bajrangi Bhaijaan'.

You have also sung songs in Telugu. How was the experience of singing in a different language?

I used to write the Telugu words in English along with their meaning and then sing. Apparently, some of the songs I have sung, like 'Telusaa Telusaa', have become popular and people have appreciated my singing.  

So, what is in the pipeline?

I am working on a music video where I will be singing a Punjabi song. It is for a property called 'Black Magic' and will be released through T-series.