Singer Tulsi Kumar, Gulshan Kumar’s daughter, prefers spending time with her family and munching on something whenever she gets time away from recording studios
To have an entire day to yourself, is a luxury that people in my fraternity don’t get to indulge in often. Such is the case with me. Seems like Sundays, dedicated to family and fun, were only childhood pleasures. But even if I get a little extra time out of the recording studios, I plan them with my mother and sister. I don’t get to spend much time with them. So whenever I can, I go out shopping, or stay with them and have a hearty chat.
I usually have a packed day, with recordings, and riyaaz is a must.
I began getting formal training in singing from the age of six. My father, Gulshan Kumar, got me into Suresh Wadkar’s singing school. Since then, two and a half, or three hours riyaaz is a ritual that I follow religiously. Apart from formal training in singing, I have learnt a lot from Bollywood classics. Old songs by legends like lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle are still my favourite and like most of singers in Bollywood, I have grasped a lot while listening to them. Those songs had something magical. Since I have started singing in Bollywood, every day presents new challenges and lessons.
I started my journey with movies like Aksar, Humko Deewana Kar Gaye, Chup Chupke and Bhool Bhulaiyya. Recently I gave my voice for Once Upon a Time in Mumbai, Ready and Dabangg 2.
I have also sung two songs for Aashiqui 2 and am emotionally connected to the film. When the first part released, I was barely three and now I am singing for the second version. Both are romantic numbers. One is Hum Mar Jayenge. The other is Piya Aaye na, a duet with KK. Most songs I have got to sing are romantic numbers. But I am open to experiments.
I would not mind singing an item song too. But lyrics are important. I would never opt for anything with vulgar lyrics or something derogatory. Apart from Bollywood, devotional albums keep me busy.
Our family is known for devotional songs, and my father did a lot of them. So I am carrying forward the family tradition and that happens simultaneously. Though the era of private pop albums is nearly over, here is a lot of scope in the digital world. There are options like YouTube, where you can upload music or song and get a good platform. I plan to cut a single and launch it digitally. I did a pop album in 2009, but now want something that is more popular among masses. So you can imagine how many things are in pipeline.
And my daily target is to find time for my mother and sister.
As my father was very religious, he started his day with a visit to the temple. This is a practice we all follow at home. We have a small temple in the house, where I head to every morning and begin my day. If it is a Sunday and even if I have work to attend to, I make it a point to go for brunch with my family. I am a big foodie and try different joints. I love Italian and on some days, when we are unable to step out for brunch, I direct our cook. Though I can’t cook myself. If after finishing work, I find time in the evenings, I go to the malls. Shopping works wonders to relieve work pressure. Most good days are concluded with a nice movie.
I don’t travel much, nor am I a party person, who loves to do crazy thing. Even when I am out on a holiday, I prefer spending lone time. last vacation was with my friends in Goa.