Monali Thakur burst on to the scene with Zara zara touch me from Race and has been busy in Bollywood-Tollywood ever since. Her latest song to listen out for is the title track of Anjaana Anjaani, a Ranbir Kapoor-Priyanka Chopra-starrer from Bachna Ae Haseeno director Siddharth Anand. A t2 chat with the girl who has travelled from Tollygunge to Mumbai…

How did the Anjaana Anjaani title track happen?

I called Vishal (Dadlani) and he asked me to meet him in his studio. I sang a Leona Lewis track and he really liked it. He was more excited about the fact that I could sing both eastern and western songs. Initially, they did not have plans of shooting a video for this Anjaana Anjaani track as it was an additional song. But then it became the title track. Nikhil D’Souza has sung the song with me. The texture of his voice is amazing. It is a very fast, young number and should play at all the clubs.

How was it working with Vishal-Shekhar?

Vishal and Shekhar are the coolest music directors you can ask for. They give full freedom. It took me just half-an-hour to record the song. They are my type — always cracking jokes! Siddharth Anand was also there. Very sweet people! They made a newcomer like me feel so comfortable.

Two years in the industry and you are already singing for the leading ladies…

The journey has been very exciting! My family always expected my elder sister to take up singing professionally, but she is more family-oriented, so she got married and settled down. Then my family went through a crisis. Then I participated in Indian Idol. I had never wanted to go for Indian Idol — I am very scared of competitions. I used to be scared to sing on stage. I had always wanted to become a playback singer, so when I had enough money to survive in Mumbai, I went there. And I kept trying. I met Pritamda.

He was very happy to hear my voice. When he used to have recordings, I attended them. I was getting to know the music world. He also gave me my first song — Zara zara touch me. I also met Shankarji (Shankar Mahadevan). I will be singing for him too.

What has been the most difficult part?

It is not easy for someone from Calcutta to settle down in Mumbai. One city is very laid-back and the other very fast. Nobody is as emotional in Mumbai. The mental transition was very difficult. When I had initially gone to Mumbai, half of what I earned used to go in paying for air and train tickets — I used to come back to Calcutta very often.

Any mentors?

Pritamda encouraged me a lot. Also Sonuji (Sonu Nigam)… he told me that being voted out of Indian Idol was a sign that I would do well in my career. It was very heartening!

You are also singing in Bengali films...

I have sung a lot for Jeetda (music director Jeet Gannguli). I have also sung for Indradeep Dasgupta in Ley Chakka, the Shabba rabba track.

Has your family background helped?

Being Shakti Thakur’s (actor-singer) daughter has ensured a good upbringing. My parents are probably the coolest. I have inherited my singing genes from both my parents. Pritamda is my dad’s fan, so that was of some help.

What next?

I have sung a duet with Rajeev Khandelwal for his next film. I might also act. Rituparnoda (Rituparno Ghosh) had asked me whether I wanted to act. I dubbed for Riya (Sen) in Noukadubi.

You have turned judge for Zee Bangla’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs 2010…

I am reminded of my Indian Idol days. I really cannot eliminate anyone. I think the schedule got extended because kauke out kora jachchhe na (laughs). I am too young to be a judge. It is very sweet of the audience to accept me. The kids have also bonded with me.

You are dating fellow Indian Idol participant Meiyang Chang…

I knew this was coming! We were friends. While promoting Indian Idol 4, he pampered me a lot. We would rarely meet. When he went for the IPL as one of the hosts, we did not meet for one-and-a-half months. I was also in Mauritius. I started missing him and he started missing me. We didn’t realise when the relationship had started. Nobody proposed!

The pressure of being in the same profession doesn’t really bother us. Whenever I am confused about something, he helps me choose. He is my strength. He also asks me for suggestions and really respects my judgement. We might be singing together for Jeet Gannguli.

WHAT’S ON YOUR PLAYLIST

Mayookh Bhaumik, tabla player:

1. Hush Little Baby by Bobby McFerrin & Yo-Yo Ma

2. Sajda by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

3. 3 Sketches from Karmic Blue by Dinuk Wijeratne

Saptarshi Bhattacharya, 30, event manager:

1. Summer Madness by DJ Spinna ft. Fresh Daily & Daniel Joseph

2. Ambitions by Donkeyboy

3. Beat Bop by Rammellzee & K-Rob