It is a dream to sing with John Mayer: Dev Negi

With chartbuster hits like ‘Chalti Hai Kya Nau Se Barah’ from Judwaa 2, ‘Sweety Tera Drama’ from the film ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’, singer Dev Negi has carved a niche for himself in the music industry.

His recent foot-tapping track ‘Rang Taari’ from ‘Loveratri’ has already crossed 20 million views. This apart, the talented singer who started his career in 2013, has also rapped alongside John Abraham for Force 2. Dev has also recorded songs in Marathi, Punjabi and Bengali.

In an interview with Surupasree Sarmmah, Dev talks about his journey and the singers he wants to collaborate with.

How and where did it all start?

My journey started in my village Almora in Uttarakhand. There was a Lord Shiva temple where I used to take part in ‘bhajan’ singing and play the ‘manjira’. I was always fond of singing and performing which led me to take part in various cultural events. I came to Mumbai in 2010 to pursue my dreams. But this journey was not a smooth one. After a lot of struggle, I was offered to sing ‘Aaja Ab Jee Le Jara’ for the movie Ankur Arora Murder Case. After which, there were a couple of more projects that came my way. However, there was nothing exciting that was coming my way, until ‘Badrinath Ki Dulhania’ happened. That was the turning point in my career.

Whichever song you have sung has become a hit. How does this feel?

It feels great after it becomes a hit but the challenge is it is very difficult to judge which song will work and which will not. Having said that, the best part about it is people start to recognise you and your work.

How do you spin magic with every song?

I try to feel and understand the approach of the song. I work very hard on a song, so I can do justice to it.

A singer you would like to collaborate with.

It is a dream to sing with John Mayer.

Of the songs you have sung, which is your all-time favourite? Which one was most challenging?

Every song is a challenge in its own way but if I have to choose one, I will say ‘Butterfly’ from the movie ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’.

Your favourite singer.

There are many singers I look up to like Arijith Singh, Sonu Nigam and Neha Bhasin. But my all-time favourite is Sonu Nigam. I have learned a lot from him. You can say he is my idol.

What’s in the pipeline?

Currently, I am working on a single which will release soon. This apart, I am also singing a song for the movie ‘Badhai Ho’.