KUNAL PANDIT IS known for his hits from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films. After hitting the right chords with his songs Albela Sajan and Jayabheri (Bajirao Mastani) and Ek Dil EK Jaan (Padmaavat), the playback singer based in Mumbai, who is currently touring extensively with singer Neha Kakkar, has launched his third single, Tu Yahi To Chahe. Continuing with his romantic numbers, 26-year-old Kunal, one of the top six contestants of Indian Idol 10 (2018) wants to introduce himself as an all-genre singer, and is concentrating more on singles. Here, he talks about his latest single, recreating a thumri and more. Excerpts:
This is your third single, and it’s also romantic like the other two. Is that your comfort zone?
Yes, my first two singles Tu Dil Ki Rahein, that was released earlier this year and Hona Hi Na Tha (2018) are romantic, and reflections of my emotions. Whether I am happy or sad, I channelise that emotion into music. I have produced, composed and sung this song, while the additional rhythm has been given by my band. I want to try all genres, and I want to showcase myself as a complete artiste. I want to do that in phases. So, my next project will be completely different. I am recreating a thumri. After that, I will present some other genre that will again surprise my listeners. Tell us more about the thumri. It’s a semi-classical thumri that has been sung by a legend like Bade Gulam Ali Sahab. I have given a modern treatment to Maine Lakhon Ke Bol Sahe and it will be a symphonic treat with the fusion of Indian and Western beats. It also has rock elements.
You have a band as well. What are you composing with them?
It doesn’t have a name yet, but very soon, we will give it a new identity and, of course, we will create some good music together.
What other projects are you working on?
I am on a 17-city international tour with Neha Kakkar, and I look forward to collaborating with her in the future. Also, I have my mind on my singles, for my YouTube channel.
Here is: https://youtu.be/