<p>One of the most lovable singers in the Hindi film music industry today is also one of the most adorable judges in the reality show The Voice India Kids on &TV. With his infectious smile, Shaan can make even an ousted contestant happy.<br /><br /></p>.<p>When asked about his 15-year journey in the industry, the singer in his trademark silken voice says, “It’s been an amazing journey so far. If I talk about the reality show experience, I must say that the concept of a kids’ reality show has changed a lot in the last few years. We have counselling sessions for parents to discuss the competition and its pros and cons. In this show, we don’t talk just about competition and winning; a lot of time is spent on the other aspects. We do a lot of fun activities, and sometimes I become a joker for the kids. My advice to these kids is to have an open mind about learning new things.”<br /><br />Musical upbringing<br /><br />Growing up, Shaan had done exactly that. Born to a music director father Manas Mukherjee, Shaan had a musical childhood. <br /><br />His sister Sagarika is also a singer, and the brother-sister duo belted out many a popular pop songs in the 1990s. Recalling some of his fondest childhood memories, Shaan says, “I remember several of my father’s musician friends would visit in the evenings and the house would be filled with songs. Sagarika and I used to listen to those musical sittings. It was magical.”<br /><br />Shaan becomes a bit emotional and nostalgic while talking about his father. “My father was a talented composer, but for some reason he never got the commercial success he deserved. Now when I look back, I feel that my father was an honest man, may be too honest for his own good. He never wanted to be carried away or influenced by other musicians. I have always tried to follow his principles and do my best to keep his image intact. My father has been my inspiration and his persona worked as a shield for me.”<br /><br />Shaan has two wonderful sons and they both love music. When asked about children, Shaan offers a broad smile and says, “I try and wish to spend more time with them whenever I am in Mumbai. They are both quite keen about music. As a father I give my unconditional support to them. The younger one is learning classical music, the elder one is trying something in the electronic genre.”<br /><br />A comfort zone<br /><br />Is he satisfied with the way his professional career has shaped up? Shaan, who is a favourite of most composers, feels every singer carves his or her own niche and has ups and downs. Arijit Singh — the current sensation — is no exception. “I also used to sing a lot of hit songs, but that phase was not like Arijit’s. He seems to be delivering one hit after another. May be Sanu da (Kumar Sanu) has seen a similar phase when he ruled. I feel I rather be honest than modest. Yes, I deserve to sing more songs and I always share a warm and loving relationship with all my composers. I don’t know why I have not been given many songs. And obviously I can’t put a gun to the composers’ heads asking them to give me a song. Over the years, I have improved my singing style but my attitude remains the same. And I am not even choosy or selective about what comes my way.”<br /><br />Shaan also feels that India is a nation which is ruled by the youth and today’s generation likes to listen to music online. May be that’s the reason young singers are a preferred choice. “But I am happy that at 43, I can still talk about my music. I do a lot of live shows. I remember when I was growing up I just loved Kishore Kumar’s voice more than Mohammed Rafi saab’s or Mukeshji’s. Later on, I could understand the simplicity of Mukeshji’s voice and the sweetness of Rafi saab’s texture. So in short, a young person can only relate to the voice he likes.”<br /><br />Does he have any regrets? “I don’t have any complains. I see a lot of positivity in everything. I am into composing music and I am experimenting with different styles. I am also hosting shows, and travelling to places including Spain and Portugal. There was a time when heroes who were regularly working with Sanu da and Udit Narayan wanted me to sing for them, so I have faced that. The next generation will have to face it too.”<br /><br />As a composer, Shaan has composed title songs for television shows including Tere Shahar Mein and Dahleez. “I have two songs in Timangshu Dhulia’s Yaaraan, and then there is dark comedy Ba Ba Black Sheep for which I have composed some songs. I have also worked on the music for Coffee With D and Radhika Apte-starrer Bombaria.”<br /><br /></p>
<p>One of the most lovable singers in the Hindi film music industry today is also one of the most adorable judges in the reality show The Voice India Kids on &TV. With his infectious smile, Shaan can make even an ousted contestant happy.<br /><br /></p>.<p>When asked about his 15-year journey in the industry, the singer in his trademark silken voice says, “It’s been an amazing journey so far. If I talk about the reality show experience, I must say that the concept of a kids’ reality show has changed a lot in the last few years. We have counselling sessions for parents to discuss the competition and its pros and cons. In this show, we don’t talk just about competition and winning; a lot of time is spent on the other aspects. We do a lot of fun activities, and sometimes I become a joker for the kids. My advice to these kids is to have an open mind about learning new things.”<br /><br />Musical upbringing<br /><br />Growing up, Shaan had done exactly that. Born to a music director father Manas Mukherjee, Shaan had a musical childhood. <br /><br />His sister Sagarika is also a singer, and the brother-sister duo belted out many a popular pop songs in the 1990s. Recalling some of his fondest childhood memories, Shaan says, “I remember several of my father’s musician friends would visit in the evenings and the house would be filled with songs. Sagarika and I used to listen to those musical sittings. It was magical.”<br /><br />Shaan becomes a bit emotional and nostalgic while talking about his father. “My father was a talented composer, but for some reason he never got the commercial success he deserved. Now when I look back, I feel that my father was an honest man, may be too honest for his own good. He never wanted to be carried away or influenced by other musicians. I have always tried to follow his principles and do my best to keep his image intact. My father has been my inspiration and his persona worked as a shield for me.”<br /><br />Shaan has two wonderful sons and they both love music. When asked about children, Shaan offers a broad smile and says, “I try and wish to spend more time with them whenever I am in Mumbai. They are both quite keen about music. As a father I give my unconditional support to them. The younger one is learning classical music, the elder one is trying something in the electronic genre.”<br /><br />A comfort zone<br /><br />Is he satisfied with the way his professional career has shaped up? Shaan, who is a favourite of most composers, feels every singer carves his or her own niche and has ups and downs. Arijit Singh — the current sensation — is no exception. “I also used to sing a lot of hit songs, but that phase was not like Arijit’s. He seems to be delivering one hit after another. May be Sanu da (Kumar Sanu) has seen a similar phase when he ruled. I feel I rather be honest than modest. Yes, I deserve to sing more songs and I always share a warm and loving relationship with all my composers. I don’t know why I have not been given many songs. And obviously I can’t put a gun to the composers’ heads asking them to give me a song. Over the years, I have improved my singing style but my attitude remains the same. And I am not even choosy or selective about what comes my way.”<br /><br />Shaan also feels that India is a nation which is ruled by the youth and today’s generation likes to listen to music online. May be that’s the reason young singers are a preferred choice. “But I am happy that at 43, I can still talk about my music. I do a lot of live shows. I remember when I was growing up I just loved Kishore Kumar’s voice more than Mohammed Rafi saab’s or Mukeshji’s. Later on, I could understand the simplicity of Mukeshji’s voice and the sweetness of Rafi saab’s texture. So in short, a young person can only relate to the voice he likes.”<br /><br />Does he have any regrets? “I don’t have any complains. I see a lot of positivity in everything. I am into composing music and I am experimenting with different styles. I am also hosting shows, and travelling to places including Spain and Portugal. There was a time when heroes who were regularly working with Sanu da and Udit Narayan wanted me to sing for them, so I have faced that. The next generation will have to face it too.”<br /><br />As a composer, Shaan has composed title songs for television shows including Tere Shahar Mein and Dahleez. “I have two songs in Timangshu Dhulia’s Yaaraan, and then there is dark comedy Ba Ba Black Sheep for which I have composed some songs. I have also worked on the music for Coffee With D and Radhika Apte-starrer Bombaria.”<br /><br /></p>
