He shot to fame with the reality show India’s Raw Star in 2014 and now, Darshan Raval is riding high on the success of the songs — Tera zikr (78 million views) and Shab tum ho (26 million views) on YouTube. The 23-year-old singer-composer with 1.3 million followers on Instagram chatted with t2 on phone.

The music video of Tera zikr is woven around heartbreak and it’s deep. Did the theme have any personal connection?

The heartbreak was turned into passion, that was the message. I have seen a lot of this in my life around me, so you can say there’s a reflection of that thoda thoda. I don’t want to be very specific about it but thoda idhar udhar se, thoda khud se....

What is your inspiration behind singing love or heartbreak songs?

In entire life I think love has been a very, very important factor. It started from my mother actually, I was very close to her and she has always been my inspiration. Then, as I said, I have seen a lot of things around me and I can feel it so that inspires me while writing or making a song.

Since love is so vital, tell us... are you single?

Yes, I am definitely single! I keep saying that I had crushes, I used to like girls… but I am not in a relationship... agar hota toh I would have put it out.

So what is the reason behind being single?

I think it is difficult to have two things together right now and for me actually, having music and somebody in life is difficult. Also, I am not mentally prepared for it and I am waiting for the right person... so all the criteria are falling short right now. I also think I am too young for it. I don’t want to have flings, if I find somebody she will be there forever. 

Define your type of girl...

There are no major specifications. I would like her to be good friends with me... a nice voice that I would feel nice hearing. That’s it, I guess! Mere andar mein bhi itna kuch khaas nahin hain. I think a friend is what I need because I feel this whole cute-looks thing is very temporary. 

Being a ’90s kid, which singers or bands have you grown up listening to?

All the songs of Lucky Ali, then Kailash Kher’s Toota toota ek parinda, Dooba dooba rehta hoon (Silk Route).... Atif Aslam’s album came out and his song Kuch iss tarah… I was really hooked to this it! Then Aa bhi ja was good too. 

Party or love song — your pick and why?

Hundred per cent love songs! I relate more to love songs though I can sing anything, because today party number mein bhi love hota hai.

Is there any genre that you would want to explore?

Yes, comedy love song. I am writing a song which is comedy and it’s a love song! There have been party songs, then heartbreak love songs, but love is also funny you know! The first step of love is funny and all the things you do for love are super funny. The next song that you will be seeing me in will be in a totally different look and we are working with some international producers. 

Who do you see as your competition?

I firmly believe that competition is necessary but my competition is with my own self. I am still young and I have to learn from all the singers who are there, hear them well and see what kind of work they are doing. But first I need to outdo myself.

What  are you a fan of Darshan Raval? Tell t2@abp.in