"There's Freedom in my voice"

Catch singer Mohit Chauhan live in concert this Friday performing all those romantic numbers that stole your heart

With a soulful voice that has won many hearts, singer Mohit Chauhan needs no formal introduction. From the nostalgic Tum Se Hi to the soulful Pehli Baar Mohabbat Ki Hai, the lead singer of the erstwhile band Silk Route has proved that he is the best when it comes to romantic ballads. And this week it is Bangalore's turn to get lucky as the singer will be in town to enthrall his fans. In a telephonic interview, Chauhan tells The Guide what Bangalore can expect this Friday.

How did music happen to you?
Music is a part of me. I never received any formal training. In school I would sing and then in college I picked up the guitar and started singing. But some basic training in classical is a good thing to get.

What makes Mohit Chauhan different from the rest of the male Bollywood singers?
That's for the audience to tell. I like to blend in every song I sing. I guess there is freedom in my voice.

What would you say was the turning point in your career?
Khoon Chala for Rahman Sir in Rang De Basanti and Tum Se Hi in Jab We Met would probably be the turning points.

In Khwabon Ke Parindey, you sang only a stanza while the song was mostly in a female voice. Would this song be setting a trend for more such compositions where the female voice predominates?
It is a beautiful song but I don't know if it will set a trend. It is always a director's call based on character and situation.

What is your greatest inspiration?
I get inspired mostly by nature. Also people, their stories and travelling always motivate me.

What is the best and worst thing about success?
If you are successful, then your work gets appreciated and that is encouraging. On the flipside, I would say there is more pressure as people expect a particular soul and standard in your music.

On what basis do you select a song?
Both lyrics and composition are important to me.

What are the challenges of live performance? What is in store for Bangalore?
In a live show, you have to get it right as there are no chances.u00a0 For this concert, I will be singing film tracks as well as Boondein from the album Silk Route. Also, I will sing a couple of Kishore Kumar songs that I have not decided on yet.

Till date which has been the most difficult song for you?
Sometimes even the simplest song may turn out to be difficult as it takes time to get the right emotion that compliments the composition. Tum Se Hi from Jab We Met is one such song.

What are your upcoming projects?
I am currently working on a new album the name of which has not been finalised. Also, there are some ongoing film songs.

4u00a0things we bet you didn't know about
Mohit Chauhan
1.u00a0If not a singer, he would be up u00a0u00a0in the hills working in an u00a0u00a0u00a0orchardu00a0
2. u00a0'Your performance transported u00a0u00a0us to another world'- is the best u00a0u00a0compliment he has received
3. u00a0He would love to jam with u00a0u00a0u00a0American singer JJ Cale .
4. u00a0Jhoomta Aa Raha Hai Badal by u00a0u00a0Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, It's All u00a0u00a0Over Now Baby by Bob Dylan and Call Me The Breeze are his three all time favourite songs

Where Good Shepherd Auditorium, Residency Road
On August 26, 7:30 PM
Call 9632829758 FOR R 1, 500 and 1000