No harm in actors turning singers: Singer Rahul Pandey

Singer Rahul Pandey has impressed us with his voice in songs like ‘Haseena Tu Kameena Mein’ (‘Happy Ending’) and ‘Jab We Met’ (‘Hero’). The singer is nowadays getting a lot of praises for his songs he has sung in Tiger Shroff’s ‘Munna Micahel’. Well, the songs on which Tiger gives tribute to Michael Jackson in the film are sung by Rahul.

We recently interacted with the singer, and he spoke to us about the songs of ‘Munna Michael’, his journey in Bollywood, and many other things…

How does it feel that through your songs Michael Jackson was given a tribute?
Fantastic is the word for that feeling. Being a big MJ fan myself, I felt wonderful when I got to know that the iconic legendary star was paid a tribute by my songs. This feeling is something I will always cherish.

This is for the first time you have done playback for Tiger Shroff. How excited were you?
Tiger Shroff is one of the most promising actors of our times. Yes this is the first time I did a playback for him and felt amazing. I was really excited because both my songs are peppy numbers and who better to dance to it than Tiger Shroff. He is definitely one of the best dancers in the industry today. Recently I met Tiger Shroff and was ecstatic to know that my songs are his favourite from the album.

From ‘Haseena Tu Kameena Mein’ to ‘Feel The Rhythm’, how do you sum up your journey in Bollywood?
All I would say is God has been kind so far. For a newcomer like me, to get a chance to playback for seasoned actor like Saif Ali Khan on one hand to the new gen actor like Tiger Shroff, is a great start. But I still have a long long way to go. I just hope and pray that I keep getting opportunities and keep living my dream.

Apart from Hindi, you have sung in other languages like Telugu and Tamil. So, are you well-versed with the languages or was it difficult for you to sing in those languages?
No. I am not well-versed with these languages. Generally, there are language experts present when we dub songs in different languages. They supervise and ensure that the singer gets the pronunciation correct. They also help us understand the meaning of lyrics so we can emote better. Along with all this, my mother tongue is Hindi and that too plays a crucial role in getting my diction correct. So far, I have had a smooth experience learning new language each time and it has always been fun.

Nowadays there are many old songs being recreated. What’s your take on that?
Trends come and go. This too is a trend that I don’t have a problem with. These remixes are a great way for the current generation to enjoy the blockbusters of yesteryear which they otherwise wouldn’t even have known of. Old wine in a new bottle has always been a great style. But the problem comes in when it is overdone. I feel one should not lose the essence of the original in order to remake it. I am waiting to get a chance to sing such remakes soon.

Few days ago, there were a lot of debates going on about actors turning singers. What would you like to say to that?
I think there is absolutely no harm in it till the time actors do justice to what they sing. Singers are turning actors and actors are turning singers. Times have changed today. We have always had singer-songwriters, director-producers then why not actor-singers? If an artist is multi-talented, he or she has every right to explore newer avenues. Because at the end of the day, one must just stay true to his art and give it their 100 percent. That is all that matters and should.

In the past there have been singers who turned actors. Do you have any plans of coming on the big screen as an actor?
Oh I would love to. If a good opportunity comes my way, I would be more than happy to try something for the big screen. In fact, with web series getting more and more popular these days, I am actually wishing to explore that side and give it a shot.

One music composer you would like to collaborate with and why?
Definitely AR Rahman sir and Pritam da. I think for any singer, these two composers are always on their wish list and I am no exception in this case.

One actor you are keen on singing for?
I am a big SRK fan and I am eagerly waiting for that day when I would get to playback for him. It will definitely be one of the biggest days of my life!

Murtuza Iqbal

‘Eat Sleep Bollywood Repeat’ is his life Mantra. Dance is his first love and Rani Mukerji is his eternal crush. He is someone who loves being himself, and as for the ones who don’t agree, his reply? “Talk to my hand!”