With just one song, ‘Mar Jawan’, singer Shruti Pathak managed to grab the attention of Bollywood. Like the protagonist of the film Fashion; this stole hearts of many across the world too. Singing is her passion and her writing enhances her passion. She cannot think about selecting any other profession. Her ultimate desire is to be part of Coke Studio Pakistan
PMR: How many winters have you spent in India?
Shruti Pathak: Is this how you going know my age (with a smile on her face)? Well, mainly I have spent every winter of my life in India itself. But a lot of travelling for live concerts during this time of the year. So its usually in and out of the city.
PMR: Which part of India to you represent?
Shruti Pathak: I am born and brought up in Ahmedabad which is in Gujarat state. But for last few years I am living in Mumbai and now this is my home.
PMR: How have you spent your childhood? Were those days spent in the streets of the cities, or the fields of country-side?
Shruti Pathak: My childhood was mostly in the city but my great grand mother stayed in a village, and since I was very close to her, I loved spending time with her in the village too.
PMR: Was singing your first priority or was it a hobby that became a profession?
Shruti Pathak: Singing was a hobby which turned into passion and then profession.
PMR: You almost have your songs so far elegant classic. How long have you been trained in Classical Music?
Shruti Pathak: I have been learning Hindustani classical music for more than a decade now. Hence, my singing style is also very Indian, and that touch in my songs comes naturally
PMR: You started your career with somewhat remixes of old Indian songs? How did you come up with the whole idea? Who helped you out with the whole procedure?
Shruti Pathak: Yes, I began my career with remix albums. It happened to me and I just went with the flow. There was no effort I made to get those songs.
PMR: How did your mind change to step in as Indian movie play back singer?
Shruti Pathak: I always wanted to do playback singing. So there was no question for making up my mind. I was totally prepared to put in the required hard work.
PMR: How play-back is different from singing remixes?
Shruti Pathak: Remixes are fun only if the track is made well. And playback is very exciting, because you are not following someone else’s style of singing or the vibe of the song. It is a fresh, innovative, experience every time.
PMR: Coming to your play-back career. How were you approached for the movie “Honey Hai Toh Money Hai”?
Shruti Pathak: The composers of the film, Nitin-Sony, approached me for the song and we dubbed it. It was fun!!
PMR: Paayaliya is possibly one of the best songs from Dev.D. What is main theme of ‘Paayaliya’? How did you finish up writing the lyrics?
Shruti Pathak: Yes, Paayaliya is a very special song. It is a very beautiful concept and a wonderful composition by Amit Trivedi. The story teller in the song is the “paayal”, which is unusual. I had an amazing time writing the song and also singing it. I am thankful to, Amit who is also a very dear friend, and Anurag Kashyap for trusting me with this track,
PMR: Apparently you are also a writer or more talented lyricist, what is more inspiring, the singing of a song or the writing of the song?
Shruti Pathak: Obviously singing! Singing is my passion and profession. Wherein, writing is a hobby. It comes naturally to me, so enhances my passion towards music.
PMR: You took hearts of many by singing ‘Mar Jawan’, did you expect it to be a great hit as it is today and that listeners still appreciate it the same way as in 2008?
Shruti Pathak: It is an amazing composition and I loved it while recording. I was quite sure, people would love it too. But had no clue, it will be such a huge success. I could not have asked for a better debut song. It was just perfect. A mold made song for me. And for which I am grateful to Salim- Sulaiman. They made it happen for me.
PMR: In three of your most high films to date, Dev D, Fashion, Anjaana Anjaani, your voice has merged right into these very different movies. When you are doing playback, do you latch into the movie and the particular character, because it seems you “hear” as the movie “sights” as an incomparable condition indeed?
Shruti Pathak: Not much, but yes, we are given a brief regarding the song and the gist of the film too. So it is helpful to understand the situation of the song, the composition and then emote accordingly. Also, I feel my voice suits Priyanka Chopra.
PMR: How was the experience in Coke Studio in India? How were you approached?
Shruti Pathak: It was a great experience. I have followed and have been a fan of Coke Studio Pakistan, so I was really happy that same format was coming to India. And being a part of the first season itself was exciting. I was approached by Red-Chillies and M TV for it. Now I wish to sing for coke studio Pakistan- will be an honor and pleasure.
PMR: How has been your experience working with Shafqat Amanat Ali and the House Band of the Coke Studio?
Shruti Pathak: I have always loved, Shafqat Amanat Ali. I think he is a brilliant artist. And collaborating with him in Coke Studio was the best part. Also, he is a great human being, and he made me feel so comfortable while recording. Every musician in the band was killing it – was truly a great experience.
PMR: There is a heavy arrival of new singers into Bollywood from actually shows these days, though unluckily they may not make a big cheese. What is your view on actuality shows?
Shruti Pathak: Yeah, the competition is high, as there are so many singers in Bollywood right now, but I only compete with myself. Try to better myself. And wish luck for others too. I am not much about reality shows. Now days it is more of drama, TRPs, controversies and in the bargain it loses the essence of real pure music.
PMR: What do you have to comment on Pakistani singing talent in Bollywood?
Shruti Pathak: The biggest answers are Shafqat Amanat Ali and Mr. Raahat Fateh Ali Khan. What talent!! I am sure Pakistan is filled with such killer musicians and singers.
PMR: Your ultimate dream in life?
Shruti Pathak: I want to use my passion, music, to heal mentally challenged patients. I want to make an institute, a hospital where I want to cure people with music therapy. Because I totally believe music is the biggest healer and the purest form of meditation and the medium to connect with the supreme power.
PMR: If you were given a chance to opt for another profession, which profession would you opt for?
Shruti Pathak: I have done my M.A in Psychology. But I do not think I would want to do anything else than music. This is why I thought of this concept, to heal mentally challanged people with music.
PMR: What advice would you give to your fans in India and Pakistan?
Shruti Pathak: I am not the right person for advice. But all I can say is, “Let music be your life”
PMR: What are your views for PMR- www.pakmediarevolution.net?
Shruti Pathak IT IS TRULY REVOLUTIONARY! I’m glad to do this interaction. Big thank you!!
Interviewed and Editied by Tayyaba Khushi
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