SANAH MOIDUTTY has made quite a name for herself, since she got her first break in Bollywood with the film Always Kabhi Kabhi, while she was still in college. The Mumbai - based singer with Malayali origins, still in her 20s, has already delivered hits in films like Mohenjodaro and Meri Pyaari Bindu, among others. Sanah was in the city recently, and had a quick chat with Indulge.
Tell us about the new projects that you are working on?
Last year was fairly good. I’ve had my share of ups and downs, and I learnt a lot both personally and professionally. I believe the best thing that happened to me last year was joining vocal training again for Hindustani classical with Sunil Borgaonkar. I can really see it helping me as a musician. This year, I am really excited about my YouTube projects. I paid tribute to my idol Sonu Nigam recently, and I’m happy that he loved it. There is particularly a lot of love coming from Malayalis, due to the Malayalam renditions I uploaded on my channel. Also, I am really excited to travel with my band and perform.
You sung some hit numbers for a few big banner films. Which one was more challenging?
Mei Nigara (from the Tamil movie, 24) for Rahman was the most challenging song for me, because it’s a blend of different genres. And that made it really unique.
What has been the highlight of your eight-year-old career in Bollywood?
In terms of playback singing, I would say, meeting Rahman and singing a duet with him has been the highlight. Apart from that, the steady growth of my YouTube channel is also something that I’m quite happy about. Also, there have been some unforgettable live performances, like the one in Kazakhstan, where I represented our country with my band for the Star of Asia festival. It’s actually one of my best memories till date.
Apart from Bollywood, is there any other project in the South that you are working on?
I recently did a couple of Malayalam renditions for my channel, the response to which was heartwarming. It has really motivated me to explore the music industry of the South. Currently, I am working on another Malayalam rendition for my channel, and looking forward to doing more of these. And it goes without saying, that there will be originals as well.
How is your YouTube channel doing? Does it take a backseat with all the other projects happening?
YouTube is growing steadily, thanks to my amazing audio and video team. It’s just so much fun doing everything. I don’t see it taking a backseat for anything unless there’s lots of travel for shows. However, the thought process for both is really different.
Who are your favourite playback singers?
My all-time favourites are Sonu (Nigam), Asha (Bhosle), Shreya Ghoshal and Shankar (Mahadevan). From the current crop, I really like Arijit Singh, Harshdeep Kaur, Jonita Gandhi and Armaan Malik.
You also did a project with Sanam band. Are there any other collaborations coming with them or other bands?
It was fun collaborating with Sanam band. It’s all fun, music, laughter, food and a lot of silly jokes, and most importantly, a lot of learning. I can see that happening soon.