Baby Doll and Beyond

Kanika Kapoor, who began her Bollywood career with hit song Baby Doll has come a long way since then. While the song changed her life completely, the singer assures that there is more to her than just being known as the Baby Doll singer. Her recent number in the film ‘Udta Punjab’, Da Da Dasse’ is topping the charts. In an exclusive interview, Kanika Kapoor gives an insight into her life and career.

As a child you were exposed to classical music and also attended Bhajan shows, how did you land in Bollywood?
As a child, I gave a classical music performance at All India Radio for the first time when I was 12-years-old. I am basically from a classical background and I still sing Gayatri.

In the course of time, especially when I moved to London, it became increasingly difficult to pursue classical music. Later, I lost practice. However, I love all kinds of music as I have grown up listening to classical and commercial Bollywood music. So, I started producing music in London.

My first song Jugni, the remix, became a YouTube sensation. Then I randomly got a call from Ekta Kapoor's office. They wanted to use my voice and the similar style of singing. I came to Mumbai for three days and sang for Baby Doll and left. When the song came out, I wasn't even here nor was I expecting anything out of it. It became the biggest hit and rest is history.

Although you have delivered several chartbusters, you are always referred to as the Baby Doll singer!
Well, ‘Baby Doll’ was one of the biggest hits and yeah they call me Baby Doll singer, but ‘Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan’ is also a hit song and there are many more. But maybe, because I came with Baby Doll, the tag came along with it.

What kind of songs do you enjoy singing the most?
Sufi. I absolutely love the genre.

Of all the songs, which was the most challenging one to render and why?
‘Chil gaye Naina’ was challenging as the style of singing and the notes are absolutely impossible. You have to really be a trained artist to sing that way.

Do you intend to come on screen if given a chance?
Given a good chance, Yes.

Which song is your personal favourite?
Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan.

Is there a song rendered by another singer which you would have loved to have been part of?
‘Balam Pichkari and Kabira. I love them a lot and I really wish I had the opportunity to sing them.

Who are your favourite playback singers?
Arijit Singh.

Can you handle south cinema songs? Have you heard any songs in south Indian languages?
I have already done South songs which will be coming out soon and I have done a Bengali song that will be out shortly.

Do you think participating in music contests help aspiring singers further their career?
Yes. Ofcourse. I grew up watching and listening to Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.

How was your experience singing for Udta Punjab
It was an honour to work with Amit Trivedi. I wish I can work with him again. He is a senior, singer and a music director, and he was easy and comfortable to work with. It was a great experience.

What's on your music system now? Which song is playing?
I listen more to old music like RD Burman.

What’s your fashion mantra?
Wear what you are comfortable in and with confidence as it is more fashionable and cooler that way.

Your advice to upcoming singers wanting to make it big in the industry
Be true to yourself and work very hard because there is no shortcut to success. Practice makes it perfect.

Your dream musician with whom you want to work with
Drake.

You are called the Item number specialist, how do you feel about that?
I haven't moved away from that but I have added more with songs like Akhiyan, Chil gaye naina and Da Da Dasse that can say that I am not just an item number specialist.

By: Deepthi Reddy