From being nation’s favourite singer to acting in a short movie, Sunidhi Chauhan’s versatility is known to all. The multifaceted singer, is all set to perform at a cultural programme in Jamshedpur today. Sunidhi spoke to t2 over phone about her early days, judging reality shows, her recent acting stint and how she loves to sing while washing utensils! Excerpts...

From your singing debut in Shastra at the age of 13 to lending your voice in Shivaay, you have more than 1,000 songs in your kitty. How has your journey been so far?

It’s been a roller-coaster journey. I am really happy and content with what I have achieved so far. I feel this is just the beginning and I have a long way to go. In my early days, Bollywood was considered the biggest media and we had to really strive hard to succeed. Thankfully, in my musical journey, I came across a lot of people who made me sing different types of songs and am glad I did not get typecast. 

I hope to keep entertaining people in the years to come

Tell us something about your early days. How did music happen to you?

My family has always been my biggest inspiration. My father was a theatre actor and he had this really powerful voice. I used to see him act on stage and felt overawed hearing him. From a very early age, I started doing stage shows 
and then music director Aadesh Shrivastava gave me my first movie song Ladki Deewani Dekho Ladka Deewana for the movie Shastra (1996)

How was the experience of your first recording?

I recorded the song in 1995 but it was released in 1996. It was an inexplicable feeling. But, let me tell you the funny part. I still remember after recording the song when I came back home and realised that I had actually sung for the heroine, I cried out of joy. So much so that I had fever for four days (laughs)! It was hilarious. But it is still a special memory

You won the first ever talent hunt show Meri Awaz Suno in 1996, for which Lata Mangeshkar was among the judges. What did she tell you?

I never thought I’ll take part in a talent show. Aadesh Shrivastavaji made sure I never gave up my singing. We then found out that Lata Mangeshkar will be the judge of the show and it was the urge to see her that made me take part. Slowly, my voice got recognised and I went on to win the show. I still remember Lataji handing over the trophy to me. She  wiped my tears and said a lot of good things about me

You have often been described as a soprano for your high-pitched voice and there were times when you were stereotyped for item numbers? Did that bother you?  

It never bothered me. In fact, I consider myself versatile enough to sing all kinds of songs. Be it Bollywood numbers like Bhoot Hoon Main or Ishq Sufiana, I can excel in both fast-paced and slow numbers. I still love my ‘item songs’ and am grateful to music directors for having the faith in me.

You have made a mark in western music too. From your international singing debut in the song Heartbeat alongside Enrique Iglesias to lending your voice in the animated movie, Frozen (2013), how did these happen?

For Heartbeat, I got a call from Universal and they said they wanted to add a tinge of Indianness to the Enrique song. However, I did not want to go for forced collaborations. So at first, I listened to the song and then gave the nod. Before Frozen, I had also dubbed for the Hindi version of the 2011 animated movie, Rio. Frozen is one of my all-time favourite movies. So, when they approached me for the Hindi version, I was ecstatic 

You have judged talent shows like Indian Idol and The Voice. How was the experience?

It feels great. You get to meet so many talented people and learn from them. Also, you grow as an artiste, get to witness new talents and guide them to get better

What is your daily routine like? How many hours do you devote to riyaaz?

My routine is very erratic. Sometimes I sleep at 3am in the morning and wake up at 10am, sometimes I don’t sleep at all. I keep practising throughout the day, even while washing dishes. Yes, I love washing dishes (laughs)! So 
when my maid is not there, I put on a CD and sing along while doing my chores. I don’t follow any particular schedule for riyaaz. In fact, whether I am in the car or in the recording room, I keep singing all day 

Who are your inspirations?  

All of them. I am inspired by so many people. Luckily, I have had the opportunity to work with each and every one of 
them. It’s hard to pick one

Your recent short film, Playing Priya, directed by Arif Ali, has gained rave reviews and is also trending on Youtube? How did you get bitten by the acting bug?

Arif and I are very good friends. Arif, who is Imitiaz Ali’s brother, also directed Lekar Hum Deewana Dil (2014).  In one of our conversations, Arif suddenly said ‘Sunidhi, I think you should act’. Initially, I did not take it seriously but somehow deep inside I knew I wanted to act. He narrated the idea of the short film and I willingly volunteered

From Hindi to Marathi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Bhojpuri, Bengali, Assamese and Gujarati, you have sung in multiple languages. How do you do it?

I just copy people’s diction. I look at their lips when they narrate the lyrics to me. For me, as long as the music strikes a chord, language is no barrier

Lot of new singers are coming up. Do you feel threatened or consider them competition?

For me, no one is competition. Everybody is  talented and unique. Fortunately, the music industry is going through a good time. New voices are coming up and music directors are willing to experiment

Tell us about your upcoming projects?

I cannot reveal anything right now as these days you don’t really know what is going to release. Let’s just wait and watch

Is this your first time in Jamshedpur?

Yes it’s my first time in Jamshedpur, but I have performed in Ranchi before. I am really excited. Chhath is a big occasion and am sure I will have a great time

What are the songs you are going to sing for the steel city audience?

All the chartbusters. I am sorry I can’t give away names

What is your message for aspiring singers?

All the best. My love for you is always there. Believe in your talent and keep moving in the right direction.