A BENGALI BY heart and Punjabi by birth, playback singer and composer Akriti Kakkar is wooing her 2 lakh fans on YouTube with #YouChooseISing. Known for hits like Saturday Saturday, Iski Uski and many other numbers from Bollywood, she has also sung over 50 songs in Tollywood, and is the voice behind Sayantika in the Eid release, Shesh Theke Shuru, starring superstar Jeet. The Mumbai - based singer speaks with Indulge about her collaboration with Indie-pop band Euphoria, producing mash-ups for her fans, and more. Excerpts:
We’re all looking forward to hear you sing in the Raj Chakraborty-directed Eid release, Shesh Theke Shuru...
Madhubala is a peppy dance number, and I really enjoyed singing it with Tanmoy Saadak. The song has been beautifully composed by Arko Pravo Mukherjee. I have been working in this industry for the last five years, and Jeet Ganguly gave me my first break in the Bengali music industry. I owe it all to him for opening this completely new avenue for me.
You recently collaborated with Palash Sen’s indie-pop band, Euphoria.
I’ve been really fortunate to be a part of a collaboration with Euphoria, for a gorgeous ballad called, Saajna. The interesting part is that I’ve not just sung here, but recited shayari as well in it, which by itself was such a new experience for me. Also, I’ve grown up hearing Euphoria’s music, and getting to collaborate with them is another feeling altogether. The video too is really special, even though I’m not a part of it. It’s a story about the lives of our Army men — it’s dedicated to them and their valour.
You’ve also dedicated a concept titled #YouChooseISing on your YouTube channel for your fans. Tell us about that as well.
Every time I travel for concerts across the globe, audiences request some really lovely songs. Similar requests kept pouring in on Instagram or Facebook as well. Now, to be able to do that, and also choose songs that really appeal to me artistically, I started the series, #YouChooseISing. I pick the most requested songs, and then see what best I can do with the music. I always keep the recording completely live, and use only live instruments and not computerised sounds. The songs requested by most people have been Lag Ja Gale to Rashke Qamar and Patola to Punjabi folk to even new film songs. In fact, my latest mash-up is a combination of songs like Soch, Sakhiyaan and Soch Na Sake.
Your last single Chitta Kukkad Baghe Vich was released last month. Can we expect a new single from you every month?
Yes, it’s going to be a periodic activity, but I can’t promise to release something every month, because I want to ensure the song quality is top-notch. Also, the song requests by the fans on social media have to be good, to recreate something worthy.
What else is keeping you busy in Bollywood?
This year, I’ve debuted as a composer for Milan Talkies. I sang, composed and wrote the song, Jobless. Also, I have a few interesting songs lined up in some upcoming releases, and I hope we can talk about them soon.