Rising Star

What makes your music the voice of youth?

The songs like Livin’ the life and the next one, the kind of songs that I make, they are very relatable for the youth and that’s the entire idea. As a young adult, the things that we all go through, can be very similar but the circumstances can be very different even though the emotions are same. And that’s how I connect it with youth as its voice.

Do you try to make your music as per the likes and dislikes of the youth or you just let it flow?

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I believe that one has to be very authentic to self. If I feel a certain way then I am going to write about it. Now, hopefully someone connects with that because that is my hope but if someone doesn’t then I just have to be authentic to myself. As what happens on stage or anywhere else that when you perform, the words have to come from your heart for you to connect. And if you don’t feel the words and you haven’t experienced it, it becomes tough to pursue it.

What is your favourite thing about music?

Wow, that’s an awesome question. My favourite thing about music is that it gives me a lot of peace. It’s funny because I remember when I was studying in Oxford and it was 7 a.m. in the morning, I was working on some essays and a song used to be on and I have a habit of listening a song on loop. The next thing I know, it was 7 p.m. and the same song was going on. And I had finished five essays, so that’s the catch, it always kept me going. Music can really keep me going.

What kind of look do you prefer the most for your concerts and why?

I don’t like frills and ruffles. I am more edgy. I love boots and torn jeans, those oversized grungy sort of things. For my recent performance I was wearing leather pants which we tore and a grungy top. I love black. I am performing at the Global Citizen Festival so for that I would be wearing long knee length t-shirt dress with thigh high boots, so that’s the vibe I like. Funky, cool, edgy, grungy is what I would say, I need to feel comfortable in it. If I am not comfortable then I can’t be myself and when I can’t be myself that’s a big problem for everyone around me.

While performing in concerts, what do you prefer–comfy sneakers or high heels and why? Out of the ones you own, which is your favourite shoe?

I love both heels and sneakers. So that’s like asking me if you love your mom more or your dad because you love both equally.

I love Christian Louboutin shoes. Their heels from a fashion point of view are amazing and from a business perspective they have this red sole which is a huge differentiating factor so if you see a red sole from like miles away, you know it’s a Louboutin. They have got their business right and they’ve got their look right which makes it a perfect brand. I love wearing Havaianas and Toms. Toms has this policy of one for one, so if you buy one shoe, they give the same one to someone in Africa who doesn’t own a shoe, so it is an awesome business model and yet is fashionable and comfortable.

Which is your favourite music instrument? Which is the oldest instrument that you own?

I like guitar and even though I love the santoor, for me it is easier to compose on guitar.

I have a ‘Martin’ which is really old, I had bought it second hand from a store. It’s a brilliant guitar.

First music instrument that you bought and learnt?

It’s a Kashmiri instrument, Santoor. My mom used to play it and she still plays sometimes so that’s how I basically learnt it.

A perfume that is always a part of your tour kit.

It’s from Abercrombie & Fitch, it’s called Fierce. I have that on with me all the time, I absolutely need to have that with me. There’s one more called CK one, it’s unisex, I love that as well and Victoria Secrets has some awesome scents but Fierce is my go to.

As a singer and a performer, which beauty products own your beauty box?

I honestly, do not like makeup but I understand the importance of it. It brightens up your face which is very important for a performer because you elocute through your expressions. Makeup can sometimes hit you with acne and all so it’s very important for me to use good products for my skin. And situation like this comes with every form of art, sometimes you have to do things that you don’t like for the love of art. So it’s important for me to take care of my face. There are these products from Origins which I use a lot. My facewash, my exfoliator, spot remover is all from Origins. My focus is on having a clear skin. So I drink a lot of water and I eat healthy food. I avoid spices. It’s also essential to use good sunscreen and that I carry with me.

According to you, which accessory enhances your personality the most and why?

I really like baggy jackets, shirts and hoodies. But in accessories I would say watches such as a nice Rolex, even bracelets.

Your latest fetish?

There is this song called ‘I’ll show you’ by Justin Bieber which I listen to, again and again, so that’s the latest one. I get obsessed with one song and then I keep listening to it on repeat.

Your best recording experience?

The recent one with Jim Beanz. I had recorded a song in Mumbai called ‘I don’t wanna love’ which was the one that got caught by Universal, so it was a great experience. But I would say ‘Livin’ the Life’ tops it all.

Which musician's style or personality inspires you?

I like the ones who can just be themselves without worrying about their popstar image. Without thinking that if I am a popstar I have to be glammed up because that’s not true. If you are authentic to yourself then you are a star. You have to be careful and presentable but I think it is important to stay true to self. I specifically like how Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid dresses, even though they are not from music industry and are models but I love their style but Cheryl Cole tops it for me.