I want to die a singer

Richa Sharma, who enthralled audience with her voice for over two decades, is coming up with a new single album ‘Ranglee’. The trained classical and light music singer sang for the likes of AR Rahman, and has equally made her mark on television

What ‘Ranglee’ is all about?

Ranglee is a single song launch. I have done it for first time in my career. I’m not fond of releasing an album as there are 7-8 songs and we can promote only 1 or 2 songs of the album. And this single song launch trend is becoming popular since one-and-half-year. I liked this idea and made a song called “Ranglee”.

When did you realise that you want to be a singer?

I started singing at the age of 8. When I was in 9th standard and I told my father that I want to become a singer and nothing more than that. At that time I didn’t know what playback singing is. I just wanted to be a singer. So my father gave me his approbation.

Did you face any rejections?

Never, everybody cherished my voice. But yes when my transition to films happened people were puzzled to take me because at that time smooth voices were more saleable and my voice is stentorious. So they used my voice for Aishwarya Rai in the movie ‘Taal’ and that was a substantial start for my career.

How was working with AR Rahman?

It is a wonderful experience. Initially in my career I was very nervous while I was working for first time with other music composers, but with Rahman sir there was no problem at all. He composes songs according to my voice and I enjoy it. My first movie with him was ‘Taal’ and I practiced the song for 6-7 hours with Rahman for whole night.

Was there any moment when you asked for change of lyrics?

It happens with me always. In 2004, I practiced a song for the film ‘Rudraksh’, the songs were composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, as I was young I did not understand the lyrics of the song, when I reached home and my brother heard me sing those lines he said the lyrics are not good for a girl, who sings devotional songs.

I requested the musicians to change the lyrics but they said it can’t happen. I asked them to look out for some other singer. However, after a month when I called them, they said they will change the lyrics for me. When you say someone properly with the correct reason then they will listen to you.

As a singer do you need to get into skin of the characters?

Of course! When you read the lyrics you will know what type of song is this and for what type of character you are singing. With experience you will get to know but still directors and musicians give details about it and you have to incarnate into the character and sing.

Is there any song you are emotionally attached to?

There is one song, which is not much commercial but yes it gained a lot of people appreciation. It is from the film ‘Khaki’ – “Mere Maula Karam Ho Karam”. When anything bad happens, my mind gets connected to that song.