Talktime | Armaan Malik
This latest Bollywood kid off the block is creating waves with his good looks & rich voice. Sitting atop several hits he talks to PRAKRITI ROY about his latest single Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon, his industry experiences & his idols
What is your new single all aboutIJ
It’s an original non-filmi, romantic track in collaboration with T-series with Emraan Hashmi in the music video.
As a singer, do you feel having stars Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta in the video might overshadow the songIJ
They will complement the song beautifully. Having Emraan, all of whose filmi songs are chartbusters, is great. There is a magnetism around him. He emotes really well in videos like mine.
Single tracks are on a high. Do you think that non-Bollywood music is here to stayIJ
Non-film music is definitely big. Pretty soon, it will be a parallel industry. That’s great because new talent will come in. It has been my dream to see the parallel music industry taking off. For an artist too, this kind of music offers a great deal of freedom as he can express his emotions freely, without being bound by a film script.
You have worked with many music directors, including your brother Amaal. Who did you enjoy working with the mostIJ
I’ve been lucky to have worked with Vishal-Shekhar, Shankar-Ehsaan-loy and Amit Trivedi. But I share a great relationship with Salim-Suleiman. I collaborated with them on my album which released last year. And even when not working with them, I spend a lot of time just hanging around their studio and jamming with them.
Did you have an advantage because of your family backgroundIJ
Most people think I did but that’s not true. I was on my own and I started from scratch. It isn’t like I had it easy. I used to visit music directors and play them my demos to get work.
As a newcomer, you have been lucky to have Salman Khan’s support.
It has been amazing that a person like him is supporting me and Amaal. We had gone to him with my album last year. After hearing it, he not only helped us with the launch but gave us a chance to work in Jai Ho. I share a beautiful relationship with him, my mentor. Whenever I take up anything new, I always seek his guidance.
What kind of songs do you enjoy singing the mostIJ
I like all the songs I sing, be it peppy dance numbers or soft romantic ones. Dance songs are important, especially for stage shows. But as an artist, my heart lies in singing love songs.
Who is the music director you are waiting to work with and the actor you would like to do playback forIJ
Collaborating with AR Rahman would be a dream come true. I would love to sing a nice peppy dance number as well as a romantic song for Varun Dhawan.
Do you have any idolsIJ
Sonu Nigam has been my idol for years. He is a great inspiration and supports me a lot by sharing my work online. I look up to Priyanka Chopra and she has supported me by her tweets. It is great to have people within the industry who look out for you.
Any upcoming projectsIJ
A few film projects are lined up for new year. I am also working on another single for which I will collaborate with another singer or rapper. I will appear in the video of that song.