We always believe in starting with the obvious! Tell us about your musical journey and how it all started? It started with my father Naushad Aziz who is also a singer but a banker by profession, I inherited music from him. I started singing I really don't know when but I performed for my school annual day in Aurangabad at the age of 3. I performed the song Papa Kehte Hai from QSQT. We came to Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) in the year 1990. I went to school like any other kid but used to perform songs and mimicry for my class whenever we had a free lecture. I started doing regular stage shows as a chorus singer when I was in class 7 and later on graduated to getting a couple of solo songs as the number of shows increased . I was obviously not very bright at academics or sports but music is something that came to me naturally and learnt whatever I could from my father and my mom was the one who would take me around for auditions of TV singing competitions or absolutely anywhere there was an opportunity to participate in a music contest. Well with competitions, one thing led to another and the rest is what it is today.
How does it feel like to be a sensation in the Bollywood industry? It obviously feels great! It has been a joy ride meeting all the amazing musicians and working with the best composers. I want to contribute to music in a huge way and explore several avenues in terms of song production and independent music. I also want collaborate with many artists. My journey has just begun and I believe that possibilities are endless.
How do you handle being so famous and popular? There is nothing that I need to handle. I try to be as rooted as possible. The people close to me matter the most. I want to be there for all my friends and family as much as I can. I also believe that if one is popular he or she should always try and set a good example for society.
So far, you have only given super hits in the industry. How do you manage to always give your best? I always aim to give my hundred percent. When a music composer trusts you to deliver a song, I believe it is our duty to live up to that expectation. Some songs work out well and some don't .That is a part of the entire process. I have been fortunate for the kind of songs that I've got but it becomes easier for me to deliver songs that I connect to. I feed on the confidence when composers show faith in my ability. The rest is in the hands of God Almighty. God has been kind all my life and I Owe it all to God and my parents blessings.
Where do you draw inspiration from? I draw inspiration from many things. I am just an element in this vast universe and inspiration is all around us. I just need to keep my eyes and ears open. I try to learn from everyone I meet, each person is equally unique.
How has your family played a role in your musical career? My music career is because of my family. They always encouraged me to pursue my passion. My father is the reason I can sing and mother has been my pillar of strength by seeing to it that I always went to each and every audition and made the most of every opportunity by at least not missing it .
Which has been your best performance by far? It is yet to come if you ask me. I believe people are doing amazing work all around the world. Really high bars have been set. I want to surprise myself by pushing the boundaries every time I set out to do something. It’s an attitude. I believe that I can and should exploit myself .
What is your take on the music scene in India? Do you think it is growing really fast? The music scene is a mixed bag. People are willing to experiment. I feel Independent music needs to come out with a lot of vibrancy. It is getting there with music labels and artists taking the initiative.
Tell us about your experience working with TV and Ad commercials Each experience is unique in its own way. But I feel television is limited in terms of resources or creating an environment although I did get to work with some amazing people in television I still feel television can figure out better ways of creatively satisfying the people who are turning to English TV shows. I do not doubt the abilities of anyone but I still feel Indian television needs to evolve. Ad commercials are a lot of fun. It has boundaries yet it allows u to explore things in several ways and also demands a certain amount of spontaneity which I really enjoy.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? Honestly, I try to live in the moment. Thinking about the future can really hamper your present .
If not for music, what would you have done? I would be probably be pursuing a career in the AD world. Ads are a lot of fun and a lot of detailed work goes into it. The beauty of conveying a message in a minute is a very exciting challenge.
Is there any particular collaboration you are looking forward to? I dream of collaborating with Coldplay someday. I just love the way their albums sound .
Your Future projects I don't really know about them until they are out on digital platforms or on Television .
Message to readers of Score. Believe in yourself , you are as unique as unique can be .
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