Interview: Aashiqui 2 singer Arijit Singh

Aashiqui 2, the sequel to the Bhatt's 1990 movie Aashiqui, is all set to rock the Box Office this year. Aashiqui 2 will feature Aditya Roy Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor. There are a lot of expectations from the songs of the sequel as Aashiqui itself was loved by people for its great music. Meanwhile, Aashiqui 2 latest song 'Tumhi Hi Ho', sung by Arijit Singh, is topping the chartbusters. Arijit Singh said that he has loved the songs of the original Aashiqui. In fact, while singing for Aashiqui 2, he never felt any nervousness, though he felt a pressure on himself to carry out the new songs. During an exclusive interview with Sonika from Oneindia, Arijit spoke extensively about his experience while working for Aashiqui 2.

Aashiqui was a musical hit. Were you nervous while working for Aashiqui 2?
No, I wasn't nervous at all as I wasn't even aware that these songs were from Aashiqui 2. I have worked with music director Jeet Ganguly many a times. Even this time too I got an opportunity to work with him. Mr Bhatt (Mahesh Bhatt) liked my songs, hence he gave me this opportunity to sing for Aashiqui 2. I had a great experience while working for the film.

What was your reaction after you were asked to work for Aashiqui 2?
I was told that the Bhatt camp was in search for a good voice for their new film. Jeet Ganguly and Mahesh Bhatt heard my songs and liked it. They approached me to sing for Aashiqui 2, but also asked me not to reveal this to anyone. They wanted this to be a secret. Later, I came to know that these songs were being made for Aashiqui 2. And, hearing this, I felt very excited. Though I haven't watched Aashiqui, I have heard its songs. They were amazing. I was told that since Aashiqui was a musical hit, there would be a lot of expectations from the sequel too. Mr Bhatt wanted the best of the songs for the sequel. We have been working on this film since 2012.

Do you think the sequel will create same magic as the original Aashiqui?
You should be asking this to the director or the producer of the film. But, according to my experience, I would say that the original Aashiqui had some beautiful songs. Especially, Kumar Shanu ji had sung those songs really well. The songs from Aashiqui are a hit even today. I haven't watched the original flick, but I must say that if Aashiqui has made a history in Bollywood, then its sequel too will create a magic in the industry today.

Your favourite song from Aashiqui 2?
I love all the songs from the movie. My own songs have never been my favourites, since I do too many rehearsals for it. But the song 'Tumhi Hi Ho' from the film Aashiqui 2 is my favourite. Apart from this, I like 'Piya Aaye Naa' sung my KK.

Mahesh Bhatt has always given chance to new talents in his films. Even in Aashiqui 2, he has cast Aditya Roy Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor. What do you have to say about that?
Mr Bhatt is a very experienced director and producer. He doesn't give chance to new faces, instead he prioritises new talents. Aditya has so far acted in movies like London Dreams, Action Replay and Guzaarish and he is a brilliant actor. After those, he will be again seen in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. It will be a new platform for Shraddha Kapoor. But, both of them have acted well in the movie.

Who is your favourite singer?
I'm a big fan of KK. He has a great voice. In fact, I also like Ayushmann Khurrana.

Any particular actor and director with whom you dream to work with?
I wish to work under Salman Khan's production house. I haven't worked with him so far. I would also like to work with filmmaker Vishal Bharadwaj.

Your inspiration...
It's not like that I was influenced by anyone to enter the industry. I always dreamt of becoming a singer. Singing was my passion ever since I was a kid. In fact, I hail from a musical family background. Everyone supported me to enter the Bollywood industry. I was inspired by many.

Your upcoming projects?
This is quite difficult to say. I have quite a few projects with me right now, but can't speak in details about those.