Pep 038; Fizz

Though Monali has sung in some Hindi films since then,including Khudaya khair in Billu and Ishq mein in Prince,she is making news for her latest song. Since I am young,I loved the song even when I sang it,for it has a youthful feel to it, grins Monali. And to think,the song was almost axed from the film. They had another title- track,which is why Siddharth Anand decided to chuck this song. I was really heartbroken,but then fortunately they had a re-think and the song was back. At the last minute,a video was shot and this became the title-track. It was just meant to be, informs the youngster happily.

It was in December last year that Monali called up Vishal Dadlani and requested him to give her a hearing. She told him that she would sing live without instruments and crooned Leona Lewis international hit Bleeding love. Impressed,Vishal promised that he would get in touch with her for the right song,and within a few days,they called her for this track. I am glad that I got to sing the last-minute club track, beams the singer.

Monali may be on a high with her foot-tapping songs,but that is not exactly what she is looking for. Coming from a classical background 8211; her father Shakti Thakur is a Bengali singer and actor 8211; Monali wants to try her vocals in sweet Indian melodies. Like the Khudaya khair song,which is more me and comfortable, she quips. Not that she is averse to singing sensuous songs. I had to soften my voice,make it soothing yet attractive with the voice quality for Zaraa zaraa,which I enjoyed,and for Anjaana anjaani I had to get into party mode. But I want to show people what else I am capable of, she reasons.

Soon,she plans to bring out a single tentatively titled Adhoore pal that she has composed. A video is also being planned for this song. On the film front,she has a song coming up in Knockout. She has also been booked for another number by Vishal-Shekhar and Race composer Pritam.

From Indian Idol to becoming a playback singer both in Hindi and Bengali,Monali has in a short span made a place for herself. In fact,she even judged the Bengali Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs. I felt weird telling the kids what to do and what not to,considering I myself have to learn a lot, smiles Monali,who also appeared in the Anurag Basu-hosted Bengali show Key Hobe Biggest Fan,which was a search for her biggest fan.

Incidentally,it was on Indian Idol that Monali found a boyfriend in Meiyang Chang and she recently sang the song Jingle jingle in his film Badmaash Company. Though she thinks that he is a wonderful actor,she wants him to pursue a career in singing. I am even willing to compose for him so that he sings! she signs off.