Hear and Now

The resurgence of Punjabi music and film industry,among other things,has led to the rise of young talents. One of them who has made a successful debut is 15-year-old Asmita Garg who,albeit her shy demeanour and soft voice,has lent her voice for two songs in the Punjabi film,OGJ. I started learning classical music at the age of five from Shamsher Singh Kareer,my guru in Patiala. After his demise in 2007,I started training under Pandit Bhimsen Sharma in Chandigarh. I have also learnt light music from Patiala-based Kumar Vinay, says Garg.

The class IX student,who started with singing at school and college events and was one of the top seven finalists of reality music show Nikki Awaaz Punjab Di,has already recorded a Hindi album titled Ringa Ringa- The Crazy Girl and a Punjabi album,Aavo Ni Saiyyo.

A known name in Patiala,Garg says it was a pleasant surprise when she was approached by the production house of OGJ,which is a comedy of errors and has been directed by Inder Paul Singh.

Garg,however,also believes in being a good student along with pursuing music. Its all about time management, she says. A fan of playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan,Garg,for now,is gearing up for a devotional album. My aim is to be a successful playback singer, says Garg.