Winning the gamble of music

Her voice cuts through the crowded canvas with signature ease and panache. Remember the lilting 'Sun Saathiya' and the beautiful 'Bezubaan' from the dance box office-spinner ABCD2? Playback singer Priya Saraiya's rich repertoire is bursting with such resounding chartbusters...

"Well, I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to sing 'Sun Saathiya' as well as write it, so it holds a special place in my heart. I was completely connected with the song because all the emotions were penned by me. Also, it gave me a lot of recognition as a mainstream playback singer," she confesses.

So, did she always want to be a singer? After all, no one in her family sings professionally, though they are all music enthusiasts. "It all started during my school days when I used to participate in singing competitions. That is how I met Padmashree Kalyanji-Anandji and they gave me an opportunity to be part of their famous show, Little Stars. It was never on my mind to become a playback singer. I actually wanted to become a psychologist.But I think I have always been too passionate about music to do anything else in life," she shares honestly.

Priya does her riyaaz for at least an hour every day as a part of her daily routine. "I avoid eating food with artificial essence and colours though whenever I am travelling, I listen to different types of music, which is also a kind of riyaaz in its own way. I feel there is so much to learn and absorb, and that is so exciting. You get to learn new things every time you listen to a new song. I feel blessed that I can understand music, and I can sing and express my feelings through music," she states. As a therapeutic measure, she loves to travel, read and "sing iconic songs by Geeta Dutt and Noor Jehan. They are my treasure troves of inspiration," she confesses, having sung in Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and Telugu so far. But what if she had to handpick a few hummable favourites? "They would be 'Maana Ke Hum Yaar Nahin' from Meri Pyari Bindu - it happens to be my absolute favourite. I think it has wonderful lyrics and qualifies as a ghazal in a modern avatar. The second favourite would be 'Meet', from Simran, a beautiful rendition by Arijit Singh. The third one, of course, is 'Perfect Duet' by Ed Sheeran and Beyonce. I find this song absolutely magical," says Priya.

Of course, Arijit Singh features in her list of favourite voices as well, apart from international names like Alicia Keys, John Mayer and our desi Sunidhi Chauhan.

Does being married to popular musician Jigar Saraiya (of the music director duo Sachin-Jigar) work in her favour? "Well, I have never given it a thought," she points out quickly. "I simply feel if you are good at your work, then it does not matter whom you are married to. And let me tell you, there are absolutely no bonuses as well. I can honestly say that I have earned every single song that I have written or sung. Eventually, it is my hard work, talent and the belief of producers and directors that gets you work," she points out.

For Jigar, Priya symbolises the ultimate power girl. And she doesn't need Women's Day to validate that. "My husband keeps telling me that I am a perfect woman," she laughs, "as I manage the house, look after the family well, and am good at my work too. So, when it comes from the husband, you've got to believe it. No other validation is needed," she beams. Lucky girl.

As of now, she is preparing to leave for the Mubarakan World Tour 2018 at the end of next month, with singers Hans Raj Hans and Nirmika Singh, where she will be singing from her kitty of popular songs from movies like Simran, Shuddh Desi Romance, Haseena: The Queen of Mumbai, Hero, Faltu... "I am looking forward to it and am super excited as this will allow me to connect with my fans abroad. That is the best part. I simply can't wait to hear them singing with me," she enthuses as she wraps up the recording for a few more songs for mainstream Hindi movies and for a clutch of Gujarati films.

Sing on, we say!