You had a rather high-profile debut in Ranjana Ami Ar Ashbona…

My playback debut actually happened with the song Ichchegulo in Cross Connection. But yes, Ranjana Ami Ar Ashbona gave me a push and a space in the music industry and among the masses.

Tell us about your roots in music...

I’m trained in north Indian classical music. As a kid, I learnt how to sing chhawrar gaan and then I started training in classical at the age of 11 under Pandit Biresh Roy. I was under him for many years until he passed away.... Unlike orthodox classical teachers, he always encouraged me to sing any song because all songs are bound within those seven notes. At home I would listen to a Chris de Burgh or Michael Jackson. Then I got introduced to Aqua’s Barbie Girl in school, which I started imitating. My interest grew and I started listening to more pop songs. I started copying, improvising and imitating. The western style of singing was more of a self-taught thing.

How did you drift to the stage and the studio?

I started professionally as a back-up vocalist for various recording sessions. That’s how I got selected to audition for a television chat show called Take A Break. I was doing my graduation then and soon people started calling me for jingles and telefilms. Then I got called by Neel (Dutt), who was looking for a fresh voice, and soon after Ranjana Ami Ar Ashbona happened.

Who were your singing idols when you were growing up?

Jagjit Singh and Indrani Sen. I would really look up to Indrani Sen because she was a lovely singer, a college professor, good-looking and a nice person. Among western singers I used to love Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Cher.

Where do you feel your strength lies as a singer?

In two extremes, semi-classical and western type. I’m a classically-trained singer, something that very few know. I’d love to do a thumri or a dadra but people either want me to sing modernised versions of Rabindrasangeet or soft rock numbers.

What song would you say no to?

A song that I wouldn’t be able to do justice to or would sound forced. A song that doesn’t suit me lyrically, tune-wise or range-wise.

Who have you been listening to a lot lately?

Adele.

Somlata at The Park. Picture: Pabitra Das

Who do you like in Bolly and Tolly today?

In Bollywood I like Arijit Singh, Shalmali Kholgade and Mili Nair. Here, I like Anupam’s (Roy) writings and Sayak’s (Bandyopadhyay of Lakkhichhara) voice and tone.

You also teach psychology at Asutosh College…

I never planned it. I grew up in musical surroundings and was encouraged by my parents. In fact, I could get away from studies but not riyaaz. I actually enjoyed studies. I did my graduation from Asutosh College and Masters in applied psychology from Rajabazar Science College. I started teaching at Asutosh while recordings were on but this is such an insecure area that I never dared to dream big. I felt the need to be practical and stable. I will complete five years of teaching in August.

Do you need to be extra strict with your students, given your other identity outside the classroom?

Not really but even though I’m the junior-most member of the faculty, I’m one of those professors that students fear and listen to. I think it’s because I look serious, angry or snobbish but I guess it works as far as managing students matters. But they also keep a track of my songs and my shows, often landing up or requesting me to sing them a song in class! I enjoy it. In fact, previously I used to get very conscious if I happened to spot a student among the audience. To switch from my angry and serious image to jumping and jiving on stage. But with time, they’ve also got used to my Sita and Gita avatars!

What was the need for a band?

I don’t write my own songs and I don’t like the idea of performing as a solo artiste, with musicians posing as ‘hands’. They need equal respect and I thought we should organise ourselves as a band and follow a playlist. We call ourselves Somlata & The Aces and our playlist comprises my solo songs, Rabindrasangeet reworked, folk and Sufi fusion and some English covers depending on the type of audience at a show.

The best compliment you’ve received for your voice?

I have Bengali fans who write to me on my Facebook page or website but what gives me a lot of joy are a bunch of non-Bengali listeners, including south Indians, who probably don’t understand the language but love my songs. That’s a blessing.

A faux pas on stage?

Once I made a mess of the popular song Amar bhitoro bahire, singing the wrong words. Another time I sang quarter of a song on stage without realising the microphone was on mute!

Clothes that best suit you ?

Casuals like shirts, tees and jeans. Also saris, mostly tussar or white-based. On my wedding day I wore a white tussar with red border.

Tell us about your Mr Right!

His name is Akaash Roy, a software engineer who lives in Gurgaon, and we married last November after 10 years of courtship. Prem- korechhi long distance and ekhon biyetao long distance…. Sometimes we forget we’re married and feel we’re still continuing our courtship (laughs).

The plus and the minus of a long-distance relationship?

Well, after a point, presence does matter. After a hard day’s work when you come back home, you miss having around you the person you love. Every time you meet at intervals and then separate, it’s always a little hard to deal with. It takes time to get used to and needs a huge deal of faith and honesty. But once you do come to terms with it, a long-distance relationship has its own charm. We send hand-written letters to each other, something that not everyone would do today but that makes fun, memorable and happy moments. I wouldn’t mind leaving everything behind and moving to Delhi but both my husband and my in-laws don’t want me to quit my music, so he’s trying to shift back.

What’s that quality in a man that attracts/repels you?

Presentable, with a good attitude and knowledgeable about things I might not know much about. I can’t stand those who talk too much in order to impress.

One thing you dislike about yourself?

This tendency of mine to put on five kilos at a time and become rounder! I’ve recently started freehand exercises to keep a balance.

Three things you’re totally addicted to?

First, my Samsung Galaxy tab. I’m either playing racing and puzzle games or surfing the Net or listening to music. Second is my fascination with criminology and forensic cases. I love watching those crime-based reality shows on BBC, Fox and Sony. Third, I’m addicted to my close friends and family. When I’m not recording or teaching, I’m into adda sessions with them.

Your fashion indulgence?

I’m not much into dressing up nor am I brand conscious. I could pick up something I like even if it costs 10 bucks and I literally have to force myself to get dressed up when I have my shows. But I do have a weakness for accessories. I have a huge collection of bags, shoes, shades and watches.

We next get to hear you in?

I’ve dubbed for quite a few films but don’t know when they would release. There’s Ashbo Arekdin, Pendulum, Antaral, Half Serious, Khola Hawa, Biye Not Out. I’m also planning to come out with an album by the end of the year. A lot of my fans want me to do a modern Rabindrasangeet album but that’s what I’ve been doing in films. So I desperately want to do some originals with a live sound.