On my pinboard: Shahid Mallya

Playback singer Shahid Mallya made his debut in the film industry with ‘Gurbani’ from the film ‘Yamala Pagla Deewana’. His big break came when he was noticed for ‘Rabba Main To Mar Gaya Oye’ for Pankaj Kapur’s directorial film ‘Mausam’.

His hit songs include ‘Kukkad’ from ‘Student of The Year’, ‘Ikk Kudi’ from ‘Udta Punjab’, ‘Radha’ from ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’ and ‘Daryaa’ from ‘Manmarziyaan’.

His current works include ‘Bibi’ in the film ‘Gone Kesh’ which he has sung with Asees Kaur, and ‘Bulleya’ from ‘Romeo Akbar Walter’ (RAW) which he has sung with Rabbi Shergill. Other upcoming works include projects with Amit Trivedi and Pritam.

Music

Ravi Shankar

“Among musicians, sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar will always remain my favourite. His music has the power to move anyone. The way he played the instrument triggered many emotions in the listener. His music could make anyone feel happy or break into tears. Apart from classical music, I love Bollywood music as I relate to it. I grew up listening to it and it influences me deeply.”

Actor

Shah Rukh Khan

“I am a fan of light-hearted films and am in awe of Shah Rukh Khan. From the decisions he takes in his personal life to his choice of films, he is a man of finesse. He is true to his words and has his heart on his sleeve. Of his many films, I enjoy ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ and ‘Veer-Zaara’.”

Book

Fiction and self-help books

“I enjoy reading just about anything I can lay my hands on. While I enjoy reading fiction more, some of my latest favourites are ‘50 Greatest Short Stories’ by Terry O’Brien. Books like ‘Attitude Is Everything’, written by motivational speaker Jeff Keller are other favourites.”

Inspiration

Father: Krishna Kumar

“My father Krishna Kumar was assistant to the legendary Mohammed Rafi. He was an inspiration in the field of music and in my personal life. I have seen the passion with which he worked. He was a hard working person and the way he faced the struggles in his life was truly inspiring.”

Travel

Dubai

“I love travelling by road, across the country. It is not just the destination but the journey itself which excites me. Pitstops, food and things observed during each journey delight me. I enjoy the sights and sounds of Punjab, especially the villages. I enjoy the food too there. Outside the country, Dubai is my favourite place to travel to. I love the rare combination of the desert and sea.”

Food

Mutton Rogan Josh and Missi Roti

“I and a foodie and I appreciate all cuisines. I like trying new things. Whenever I am travelling I make it a point to enjoy the local cuisine. But my all-time favourite is ‘Mutton Rogan Josh and Missi Roti’. I am also a fan of desserts like ‘Gajar ka Halwa’ and ‘Kheer’.”