How did you get interested in music?
Music runs in my family. My mother was a singer and my grandfather, a musician.
Hailing from Kanpur, did you ever think that you would reach so far?
God has given me much more than what I expected. The only thing I can do is, thank those who helped me. Had I not come to Mumbai, I would have started a small music academy in my hometown.
You had to struggle a lot before Aashiqui 2...
Yes, I did not even know what to do with life. Thrice, I thought of going back to Kanpur. But a lot of people, especially my family members, encouraged me to stay back. I had done Do Dooni Char and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, but my career did not move ahead even by an inch. And then I got Aashiqui 2 (pauses).
Go on...
I was struggling for many other projects and I would often tell people about my demo songs. One day, I got Mahesh Bhatt sahab's number from a friend in Lucknow. After discussing with my brother Ankur, I called him up and introduced myself. I am sure he has a 1,000 people calling him up for work everyday, but he didn't get irritated and asked me send five best songs of my life to him. A few days later, Bhatt sahab informed me that Mohit (Suri) is making a film. When I met Mohit, I didn't know which film was being made. I made him listen to five melodies and he liked all of them. But he asked me to keep the tune of Sun Raha Hai Na Tu aside and after one-and-a-half years, got back asking for the song.
Tell us about your Love Anthem Tour
It's an India tour which starts from my hometown on November 29 (today). We have a host of sponsors and a very special set. The concerts will be held in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and a few other major cities in the country.
You have swept maximum awards for the last couple of years. Are you burdened down by expectations?
I try to be very neutral and do not enter competition mode. I might change my lifestyle, but I cannot change the pattern of making music. I want to compose music which pleases my heart; only then can I please others. I keep it simple.
How long do you generally take to compose music for a film?
I take time, I cannot do six to seven films in a year. I believe one shouldn't do too many things at a time.
What are your upcoming projects?
I am eagerly waiting for Wazir and Airlift. I shall also start working on Mohit Suri's Half Girlfriend and a few other films. I am also working on my first original single, which will be directed by Mohit. The set-up for the track is ready and we just have to shoot the song.
What is your brother Ankur's role in your life?
He is my shadow. The word 'role' is way too small. I run everything through him and he has been instrumental in making me what I am today. He manages my work, recordings, appearances and live shows.
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