Singer Armaan Malik says guitar is his first love

Bollywood singer and heartthrob Armaan Malik is known for reflecting his emotions through his songs. With tracks like ‘Main Hoon Hero Tera’, ‘Bol Do Na Zara’, ‘Wajah Tum Ho’, Armaan has not only made a place for himself in the industry but also in the hearts of millions of music lovers. His version of ‘Ghar Se Nikalte Hi’ and ‘The Prowl Anthem’ featuring Tiger Shroff have been chartbusters.

The singing sensation was in the city recently for a live concert during the inauguration of the Phoenix Festival Season 2. He enthralled the audience with his effortless singing. In an interaction with Surupasree Sarmmah, Armaan spoke about his love for performing here, his inspiration and future projects.

It has been a year since you last visited Bengaluru. How is it coming back to perform?

It is always good to come back to Bengaluru. I have not done a proper concert here till date and Pheonix festival is my first time. Meeting my fans who call themselves ‘Armaanians’ is always amazing.

A singer you want to collaborate with?

There are a lot of singers but I definitely feel a duet with Arijit Singh will be super cool.

What is the best advice ever given to you?

My dad once told me ‘don’t be too humble and don’t be overconfident but just be the same.’

Which era of music inspires you?

I am yet to experience a lot of eras in music since this is only my fourth year in adult playback singing. I am just 23 and I am definitely going to have a long inning. I don’t want to be a phased singer but someone who is known for his music.

Music has evolved over the years. What are the good and bad aspects of this evolution?

There will always be good and bad aspects to any phase. Right now, I feel we are going through a troubling phase where original music is not coming out but recreated music is. Having said that, it is a phase that we all have to go through and then something positive will come out of it.

Who is your musical inspiration?

Sonu Nigam. For me, singing begins and ends with Sonu Nigam. I consider him one of the most prolific singers of India. I have learned a lot from him. Just like me, he too has sung a lot of Kannada songs which I think is a special connection between us. In fact, I remember, years back I was listening to a radio channel in Bengaluru when I heard his song ‘Anisuthide’ from ‘Mungaru Male’. That day I told my dad I really liked the song. It so happened that after almost 10 years, I sang a song called ‘Sariyaagi’ for the sequel of the same movie. A lot of freaky things have happened in a good way for me.

Which musical instrument would you want to be?

Guitar. Firstly, it is pretty sexy, girls fall for men who play the guitar (laughs). But that is not the only reason, I have a soul connection with this instrument. I can’t describe that relationship. I would say the guitar was my first love.

Any projects in the pipeline?

There are a lot of exciting works in my basket but I don’t want to talk about it right now. I have sung a song for an actor who is double my age, there are a few singles planned along with many tours and concerts.