How important are the lyrics in making a hit song?
As far as my songs are concerned, a hit song is not only about lyrics. A good tune
accompanied by a good voice also makes it possible for a hit song, but good lyrics
definitely play an important role.
On your website, you have mentioned that AR. Rehman is your favorite music
director. Have you sung for him? If not, then any chances of you singing for him?
(smiles) Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance of singing for my favourite music
director. If I did get a chance from him, I would immediately respond to him, and
would be very happy to work with him. I would consider it an honour to work with such a
great music director.
Do you think it is important in the pop industry to be like Madonna, Kylie Minogue
or Britney Spears to attract attention and sell albums?
I personally feel that talent alone wins the hearts of people. I believe in making clean
and decent videos which can be viewed by families, and not restrict it to the youngsters
alone. Looks do matter but for everything, there’s a limit.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I listen to various kinds of music, mostly according to my moods. When I am alone or feel
lonely, then I prefer listening to soft and slow melodies. When I am along with my
friends, the music is usually fast and bouncy. I prefer the music to be very melodious and
appealing, anything, which satisfies this, will please my ear.
Since you have mentioned that one of your aims is to hit the number one in the
Billboard charts, do you think that Indian pop music will be able to make it in the west?
How do you think you will be producing your music to impact the western audiences?
Indian music is very popular in the West. I truly believe that I can make it in the West,
but it requires a lot of time, and it’s just a seed now. I have a long way to go as
far as improvising is concerned and I am, at present not thinking about making an English
album. To make an album popular in the West, there are various factors associated with it
This may include the records company, it’s reputation, publicity and marketing
strategies and of course, luck. The music, which I’ll be focusing on, will be
composite in nature. A mixture of Indian and Western music will suit my voice and I plan
to do the same, without changing my present accent.
What are the projects you are currently working on?
Right now, I am working on my debut album in Kannada, which is being produced and marketed
by Magna Sound Records. I am looking forward to its release this month end.
Pop singers like Alisha compose their own tunes and music for their songs. Do you
also do that or do you have any plans to do it in the near future?
No, I don’t compose my music. I depend on music composers or directors for
that. I don’t think I’ll compose in the future either. I believe I am made for
singing, my talents lie there and I wish to concentrate on that sole aspect.
Madonna and Jennifer Lopez have also successfully acted in films? Any plans of in
the offing to do the same?
No, I have no plans, absolutely to act in movies. I don’t wish to act because I am
basically from a business background, and acting does not interest me as much as singing.
What are the kinds of pressure you face in the pop world? Do you sometimes feel
insecure and try to live up to a certain image in the public eye?
As far as my albums and songs were concerned, there wasn’t much pressure, right from
the beginning. This is because I decided to record and distribute my album in the south of
India, more than anywhere else. Most of my recordings also took place in Chennai, and
there was not much competition. The situation would have been different if my work took
place in Mumbai, where more competition exists, but I chose Hyderabad and it has proved to
be very helpful, both professionally and personally. My family has always supported me in
this regard. I don’t feel insecure in the public eye, I always try to portray what I
am. My natural image is what I really try to be.
On your website, you had mentioned that you love cooking. What is your favourite
dish and what are the gourmet items that you love to cook?
Yes, I have always loved to cook. I have been cooking since a long time, and I have no
favourite dish as such. I eat almost everything, which is given to me, and I am not fussy.
Even with cooking, there’s not anything particularly special that I love. I just love
cooking, and enjoy it further when someone else eats and relishes it.
What do you look for in the ideal husband??
I have just got engaged, so it would be unfair to say aloud my preferences. But one thing
is that my husband must be supportive in whatever I do, and whatever ventures I take up.
Also, he should accept me as I am. That is the most important thing for me, which I will
look in my husband, and I am thankful that my fiancée is like that.
In your website, your hobbies include playing badminton and Table Tennis. Would
you describe yourself as an athletic person? Does this help you with your fitness?
In addition to badminton and Table Tennis, I play Volley Ball, and I play it really well.
I even got selected for the District Levels and later on, for the State Levels too. So, I
guess I have always been athletic, but I don’t play particularly for the sake of
fitness. I play more for the sake of playing, because I enjoy playing. My only regret is
that I couldn’t play further as my career in singing needed more priority, but I had
my share of fun.
Physical fitness and looks are considered to be very important in the industry.
How have you coped up to it?
Yes, to certain extent, physical looks are quite important. I believe more in talent than
anything else. Looks are only secondary to me; it’s all about your performance. There
has not been much coping up to do for me, both physically and mentally. As most of my
albums have focused down South of India, it really didn’t matter much. It was enough
for such an audience, as for my videos. If it happened in the North, it would have been
different. Because, there people are more conscious of their figures. I don’t even
apply much make-up; I like it to be Very light. I believe in natural beauty.
You have got totally into the music stream. Do you have any plans of working
otherwise, of starting your own firm, based on your interests?
I plan to do an album in Tamil soon after my Kannada album gets released. Otherwise, right
from my childhood, my interests have been tending towards good clothes, jewellery and
clothing accessories. I guess I’ll start a boutique, which markets the following, and
I am sure it’ll be a success, bearing my background.
What difficulties did you face in releasing your first album? How has it been
since then, as far as responses from the public and opportunities are concerned? What
would you like to say about your struggles?
As far as my first album was concerned, I did it in hindi. I decided that Chennai would be
an ideal place for recording as the city is equipped with very good studios. Initially, I
had to face a lot of problems, as I was new to the field. Being born and brought up in a
business-based family, I had difficulty getting the right contacts in the music and film
industry. The response was very unpleasant, but as time progressed, I steadied myself and
got a stronghold in my ventures. And eventually, my album did quite well, with more
demands of a second album. There was an overwhelming demand for me to release an album in
Telugu, which is incidentally the first ever pop album to be released in telugu. All
this has given me enough inspiration to make an album in Kannada, and I think it’ll
be equally popular. For youngsters who want to make it big in the music industry, my only
advise is that focus and hard work, coupled with determination and perseverance will help
you make it to the top. The path to success if full of difficulties, and is very harsh. In
spite of this, we must always look up to our dreams and live up to it by working towards
it relentlessly. By breathing it in and out, by being totally passionate about it.
What would you like to say to the browsers of Khojhyderabad.com?
Dear browsers and my dear fans enjoy browsing khojhyderabad.com and enjoy listening to my
songs.
So, Smita, khojhyd wishes you all the best in your ventures
-- Jhansi Paladugu |
