Music has always been my passion

Singer Arjun Kanungo became an overnight sensation with this release ‘Baaki Baatein Peene Baad’.

He also bagged a few Bollywood projects with ‘Go Goa Gone’ and ‘Pizza 3D’. The YouTube star has been the talk of the town at every club and party with his music.  He recently released his new single ‘Ek Dafaa (Chinnamma)’ which has received rave reviews on social media. He talks to Anila Kurian about the song and his journey so far.

Tell us about your latest single ‘Ek Dafaa’.

It was in 2015 that I released my first song 'Baaki Baatein Peene Baad' which went viral and was played at almost all the social gatherings. Last year,  my ballad 'Fursat' made the rounds.

The new one 'Ek Dafaa' is also doing well with the listeners. I collaborated with A R Rahman’s ‘Chinnamma’and it was a good move. The song is topping all the charts and the audience is waiting for the final video. I am working on it with Sony Music and hope to release it by the end of the month.

Your experience  working with Asha Bhosle...

I was the male lead for Asha Bhosle’s tour and performed 30 shows with her. This has been enriching for me. She is a simple lady with a voice that has been gifted by god. This was early in my career and the best thing that happened to me. Being with her disciplined and enhanced my understanding of music.

Who are the artistes you are influenced by?

I am not influenced by them but I learn what is best about them. Currently, I’m in love with ‘Shivaay’ album, ‘Enna Sona’ from ‘OK Jaanu’ and the new ‘Laila Main Laila’ song. Internationally, my new favourites are Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape of You’ and ‘Castle on the Hill’.

How would you define your sound?

New!

What are you doing when you are not working on music? 

Music has always been my passion. I am classical and jazz-trained vocalist and can also play the guitar and piano. So my job is my hobby and that’s the best thing! I am also a gold medallist in national level center-fire pistol shooting and among the top 100 in mortal kombat world rankings. So these also keep me busy! You’ve made a statement about musicians being featured in the music video. Tell us more about it.

In Bollywood, the song is a part of the storyline and therefore the film actors being in the video makes sense. But in a pop video, I think it is imperative to have the singer feature as it will help the audience connect better.

You are quite popular on YouTube. How are you enjoying your fame?

If it wouldn’t have been for my fans, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Their love has been immense and extremely encouraging. I interact with them on social platforms and get
their inputs on my music. They help me do a reality check and I hope to keep creating music to make them proud.

Tell us about some of your hidden talents.

(Laughs) I think its better if they are hidden! However, as I mentioned earlier, pistol shooting is something I
enjoy.