'I have sung a lot of songs in Kannada'

It has been a decade since he has been a part of the industry. Now at the age of 22, singer Armaan Malik is one of the top singers of the country.

He was among the top 10 contestants in the reality show ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs’ back when he was 10. The voice behind ‘Buddhu Sa Mann’ from ‘Kapoor and Sons’, ‘Foolishq’ from ‘Ki & Ka’, ‘Bol Do Na Zara’ from Azhar’ and ‘Sau Aasmaan’ from ‘Baar Baar Dekho’, Armaan has climbed the ladder of success steadily.

The singing sensation, who was in the city recently, for a concert at ‘Kalopsia’ a fest by Presidency College, spoke to Surupasree Sarmmah about his musical career and his love for Kannada music.
 
How often do you come to Bengaluru?
It has been a long time now - over a year-and-a-half I guess! The last time I was here was to record a Kannada song.

What do you think of the music industry here?
I have a close relationship as a singer with the music industry here. I have sung a lot of songs in Kannada and have also won an award for ‘Sariyaagi Nenapide’ from the movie ‘Mungaru Male 2’. The music they make here is extremely melodious and I feel enriched to sing songs in Kannada. And it is also one of my favourite languages.

How did life change after ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs’?
Quite a bit, especially in size, I was very small during the show (laughs). It has been a decade since then. Immediately after the show, I did a few songs for movies like ‘Bhootnath’ and ‘Taare Zameen Par’. My debut as an adult playback singer started with the movie ‘Jai Ho’ and then ‘Main Hoon Hero Tera’, ‘Wajah Tum Ho’ and many other songs came my way. This transition from a child singer to an adult playback singer has been an amazing journey for me. I am happy that I am a representation of the fact that young people can also become successful and aspire to be someone in the country.

You are an idol for many youngsters, who do you look up to?
I don’t look up to someone to be like them. For me, an idol is someone I can get inspiration from. Sonu Nigam has been my biggest inspiration and I feel his singing has no flaws.

First four songs in your playlist...
‘Tere Mere’ from ‘Chef’, ‘Get Low’ by Zedd and Liam Payne, ‘Ullu Ka Pattha’ from ‘Jagga Jasoos’ and ‘Hawayein’ from ‘Harry Met Sejal’.

One instrument you would like to learn...
I always wanted to learn tabla and drums.

Your morning song...
As cheesy as it may sound, it is ‘Hume Tumse Pyaar Kitna’. (laughs)

How has your taste in music changed over the years?
I think it has changed according to my age. I used to listen to love songs because they were very nice to hear but today, I understand the meaning of these songs and the various aspects of life. Now I listen to a lot of deep songs and pay attention to the lyrics.

Any projects in the pipeline?
There are quite a few songs coming up. The one song I can talk about is from the movie ‘Golmaal Again’, which is a peppy dance.