Most people know him as a cricketer, some know that he has done some movies but fewer still would know that this batsman — Vinod Kambli — has spent the last few months training for a single video album Asa Mee Mee Asa. He talks to SHAlINI SAKSENA about this song & life beyond his shortlived cricketing days
Tell us how did the idea of you singing happen.
One day, Jay Baxi , a couple of others and I were sitting and talks shifted to why we should not come out with a solo album. To begin with, it was in jest but then it became more serious. We decided to work on the lyrics, etc. The video became a biopic; that the whole idea appealed to me meant that we worked on it.
What is the video aboutIJ
like I said it is a biopic. Through the song, you will see me walking on the beach, the cricketing ground and places where I have been. But we had to keep things as natural as possible — to walk among people and sing. And the team has ensured that it is good. The whole thing has come out well.
Why a songIJ
Music is such an integral part of our lives. When we are happy we listen to songs; when we are sad, we listen to songs. Singing is not an easy job but it binds people in our country. I love to sing and dance. This whole initiative has in many ways bind me to a lot of things that I have wanted to do —to entertain.
You trained for three months. What challenges did you faceIJ
Most of us are bathroom singers but to be in front of the mic was a different ball game — definitely more difficult than playing cricket (laughs). I did rehersals. I had to work on the vocals and the lyrics. Being in the studio was tough. But the entire team was very encouraging. I have been an entertainer. Through this song, I wanted to explore this side of mine and wanted people also to see a different me. The basic premise has been to entertain people. The good part was that I was given a free rein on what I wanted to do. For some one doing it for the first time was very difficult. I have had a make-over as well!
How do you want people to see this songIJ
I want them to be entertained. At th same time, I want to tell them that this is my first attempt so they need to be a little gentle with me. I am sure I will get better with time. This song is my heart and soul.
Could you have chosen a different medium to entertain peopleIJ
To be honest, I have done everything — danced, played cricket, done movies. The only thing that was left to do was sing. The song is the century for me. Even when I was playing, I would entertain my teammates. This is just me taking a step further. We wanted to create something new.
Why not do something in the cricketing fieldIJ
The game will always be a part of my life. There is no way that I would ever leave it. I have started training so that I can start cricket coaching. I need to keep myself fit. At the same time, I have to keep my voice fit as well. I am told that I will have to do some promotions and may be asked to sing. I don’t want to lip sync but sing live.
The song is a conscious effort to do different things.
Yes, definitely. It is not that I want people to see me in a different avataar; it is more about me following what I love doing. Nobody can force me to do anything. The song is an effort in this direction. I want people to wait and see the video. I hope that they will not be disappointed.
This song, then is not a one offIJ
Definitely not. One can see this song as a pilot project. We may come out with another single in the near future. A lot of people want to know when this video will be out — some time in first week of June.
A word for your fans.
I just want all the people to know that they will not be disappointed with the work that I have done here.