It was the confidence in her ability to sing that brought Payal Dev to take over the Bollywood industry. With several tracks in movies like ‘Haseeno Ka Deewana’, ‘Bajirao Mastani’, ‘Veere Di Wedding’ and ‘Race 3’, she has churned out hits after hits. 

Her latest song ‘Bhare Bazaar’ from ‘Namaste England’ is the latest to take over the music charts. The versatile singer can soulfully render songs in genres like pop, western, jazz, ghazals, hiphop and rock, effortlessly. 

She chats with Anila Kurian about her life in the music industry.  

From the time you’ve joined the industry, you’ve done a mix of songs. Do you have a favourite one? 

My favourite is ‘Haseeno Ka Deewana’ as it’s a song I liked anyway. It felt great working on the remake of it. I thoroughly enjoyed working on the track with Rajesh Roshan sir.

You’ve also worked with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. What was that experience like?

It was a surreal experience. I always dreamt of singing for his films when I was in school. I got that opportunity with Bajirao Mastani, one that most singers crave for. His vision and knowledge of music is par excellence and it’s just his vision that makes everything he does so grand and majestic. 

Being a classically trained singer, do you feel like not being able to sing it in the choice of songs — that you might be losing touch?

I think it’s my classic training that helps in my playback at all times. Practising it will make sure that I don’t lose touch. As a singer, we have to be able to adapt to the situation. I’d gladly accept the opportunity to sing classical if I am given one.
 

Tell us about your latest song from ‘Namaste England’. 

Badshah and I were looking forward to collaborating and ‘Bhare Bazaar’ seemed like the perfect one. It was a lot of fun working with Vishal Dadlani and Rishi Rich as they know what the listeners want. 
 

You moved to Mumbai at a very young age. What gave you the confidence to take over Bollywood one day?

I started my musical training at an early age and I was confident in my ability. My mother, too, was a trained singer and she was my guru. It was my lessons that helped me and I’m glad to be a part of the industry now. 

A song you wish you had sung. 

‘Hasi Ban Gaye’ from Hamari Adhuri Kahani.

There is a lot happening with regards to #MeToo movement in the film industry, especially with actors. Is there any similar situation in the music world too?

I am not too sure as I haven’t faced anything of that sort. But if it is happening, it is really sad.  

What do you love and hate about the music industry? 

There’s nothing that I hate as I am a positive person at heart. I believe I’m fortunate to be in my current space and I use every experience as a learning one.