The defining moment in my life was singing Morni Baaga Ma Bole in the film Lamhe in 1991. In fact, I even made an appearance in the song as a Rajasthani folk singer. The popularity of this number gave me instant recognition and acceptance in the Bollywood music space. I’d never thought of singing professionally — it was always a hobby that I nurtured alongside acting in theatre, which was my main area of interest. However, this song opened many avenues for me and I was thrilled to see my folk singing being appreciated by moviegoers. I still perform the song at live shows wearing the same costume that I wore in the film.

Before this, I had sung a song in the film Mandi (1983) and Shabana Azmi, who was acting in it, recommended me to director Mahesh Bhatt who gave me a chance to sing in his film Aashiana (1986). Though the film didn’t do too well, I didn’t lose heart and took up anchoring and singing on a show called Show Time on Doordarshan. This threw the spotlight on me and resulted in a number of music companies approaching me. Around the same time Yash Chopra heard my voice on television and offered me the song in Lamhe. It not only earned me popularity, but offers for live shows began pouring in and my hobby became my profession.

I was born in Jodhpur but my family moved to Jaipur, where I studied in Maharani College. In school, I took part in plays and debates which I continued to do in college as well. After I graduated, the Sangeet Natak Akademi offered me a scholarship for a short course at the National School of Drama in Delhi. It was a great platform where I honed my acting skills.

After marriage when I moved to Mumbai, in 1982, I formed my own theatre group called Surnai. Our aim is to showcase thought- provoking and meaningful plays that are entertaining and at the same time musical.

Right now I am excited about my collaboration with musician Dhruv Ghanekar for the song Nimoli which was aired on Coke Studio @ MTV recently. It’s based on a Marwari folk poem and our version is a love song that has been given a twist with the introduction of rap. This apart, I have just finished shooting for the film Gavru in which I will be seen playing an 80-year-old grandmother.

(As told to Lubna Salim)