Singer Mika: Prefer Indian fan following to foreign collaborations

His worldwide concerts have always been a delight to his fans in overseas spots, but sensational singer Mika Singh says he has no intentions to collaborate with international artists and wants to increase his followers in India itself.

“I follow the path that Mr. Bachchan (Amitabh Bachchan), Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan have chosen. They haven’t collaborated with any international artistes to become what they are today,” Mika, who will be next seen as a coach in singing-based reality show “The Voice India”, told IANS.

“I prefer increasing my fan following in my own country and making it as strong as possible instead of collaborating with international artists,” he added.

The “Jumme ki raat” hitmaker says he is “passionate about singing” and feels comfortable at every stage — be it a live performance or singing in a recording studio.

Asked where he has enjoyed performing the most in the world, the 37-year-old, who has sung hit numbers like “Gandi baat”, “Subah hone na de” and “Pyaar do, pyaar lo”, said: “I’m passionate about singing. So it doesn’t matter where I am – live at a concert or recording inside a studio – as long as I am singing, I’m comfortable.”

Mika said: “I totally love being on the stage and entertaining my fans. So I have loved performing practically everywhere. However, the concerts that I’ve done in US have been really fun-filled. I enjoy performing there because of the energy of the fans; it’s very contagious and pumps you up to perform even better.”

In “The Voice India”, which will start on Saturday on &TV, Mika will be seen alongside Sunidhi Chauhan, Himesh Reshammiya and Shaan.

Talking about the show, Mika said: “There is no judging in ‘The Voice India’. We as coaches will hone the talent of the aspiring singers. I will be looking for a voice that will strike an instant chord with me. I completely believe in versatility, so someone who can sing all the genres equally well will make a cut for me.”

Although he has mainly sung peppy numbers, Mika, who considers himself “lucky” to be in Bollywood, says he has been offered songs that suit his voice best.

“I think I have been very lucky in Bollywood. I am offered the kind of songs that suit my voice and style. Composers make songs keeping my voice and style in mind – that the singer only has to be Mika for this song.”

Is he planning to take on another acting role after “Balwinder Singh Famous Ho Gaya”?

Mika said: “I don’t have any specific plans for doing a movie. I would choose one only if time permits because if I give my time to a movie, I face losses in my shows.”

“I am approached for all kinds of roles – a hero, a singer, even a villain. I’m open to doing any kind. It’s just that I don’t find too much time to spare for a movie.”

Inputs by IANS