Talking point with Sunidhi Chauhan

What words of advice would you give to the young participants who’re hoping to get a break like you did years ago?
I would just say that more than anything,believe in yourself. Push yourself to the maximum limit of your capabilities. It’s also very important to have supportive family members. In my case,my dad worked hard,probably even harder than me,to put me in my current position.

You once said that your participation in Meri Awaaz Suno didn’t help you much. Do you think Indian Idol will help any of the participants in getting ahead?
On the contrary,It was during Meri Awaaz Suno that I got noticed. It was because of that show that I sang for my first commercial film Shastra,and that too for the lead actress.

Indian Idol has also helped talent—look at Abhijit Sawant,he’s a household name now. But one must never forget that to be able to sustain that success,you have to be talented and hard-working.

We see more variety in voices,especially when it comes to female vocals,in film music these days. What would you attribute this change to?
I would say people as a whole are becoming more responsive to different kinds of music,be it contemporary,jazz or classical. Gone are the days of niche singers who used to specialise in only one kind of singing. The industry has become so competitive and cut-throat now that every singer needs to be able to access different nuances of his or her voice. I’m blessed that in my career spanning roughly 15 years and over 2,500 songs—for every Beedi Jalailey (Omkara) I have sung a Bhaage Re Mann Kahin (Chameli).

Do mentors continue to be important today? Who do you consider to be your mentor?
Mentors are important since they have been there and done that and are in a position to guide you. However at the end of the day,it is upto the student to become better and work harder. My mentor will always be Lataji (Mangeshkar). At the start of my career,I was lucky enough to have her as judge for the singing competition I took part in. I have also had the opportunity to be guided by music luminaries. Sonuji (Nigam) put me onto Sandeep Chowta and Ram Gopal Varma who gave me my first big break in Mast. I have also worked with composers like Pritam,A R Rahman and Anuji (Malik) on countless projects. I have learnt something new and fulfilling from each one of them.

You once mentioned that you have a secret dream of being an actress. Do you still feel that way?
Sunidhi Chauhan is a singer and will always be a singer.