I have learnt singing by listening to the radio

Is it true that you have no formal training in singing?
Yes. My parents tell me that Ive been singing since I was really young. Music has always been a part of my life. Its my way of expression.
Since I grew up in Himachal Pradesh,the mountains and the open spaces have also been a great influence on me. I have learnt singing by listening to the radio. And then I started composing during my college days. I feel that nobody can teach you how to compose. You can learn about music,chords and permutations but composing cant be schooled. Look at folk singers,farmers and shepherds. All of them sing well but they havent had any formal training. Music has to be in your soul.

When did you become serious about pursuing music?
I never thought of music as a career. I was happy leading a gypsys life with my music in Himachal. Id done my MSc in geology and was thinking of joining the army or the administrative services. Then,there came a phase when I dabbled in National School of Dramas theatre workshop and even acted in Habib Tanvirs play Agra Bazaar.
Then,I came to Delhi and almost became a copywriter in an ad agency. I didnt join the agency when I came to know that I would be required in office every day at 9.30 am. I realised that as a musician,I can be my own boss. That clinched it for me. I decided to pursue music. I did a few jingles and then formed the band,Silk Route,with my friends,Atul Mittal and Kem Trivedi.

What are the best memories of your Silk Route days?
The fact that we started in one room in Delhi. Atul used to drive down all the way from Himachal to Delhi with his acoustic guitar. We used to jam for 10 hours and he would leave the next day. The two albums we did as a band,Boondein (1998) and Pehchaan (2000),were wonderful. Our song Dooba dooba is remembered till date.

How did Bollywood happen?
Music director Sandesh Shandilya had heard a few of my jingles and offered me the song Pehli nazar mein in Ram Gopal Varmas Road . Then,I composed a few songs for Main Meri Patni Aur Woh until I got a call from Rahman.

How did Rahman get in touch with you?
One day,I got a call from Chennai that Rahman wants me to sing a song for him. Who can say no to an offer like that? So,I went and sang Khoon chala for Rang De Basanti.

What would you term as the turning point in your career?
Definitely,Khoon chala. It wasnt a regular commercial song and whenever the media would pick up any social issue,the television channels would play it. It really put me on the map.

Which has been the most difficult song youve rendered?
I think Massakali was a difficult composition.

Which actor do you think your voice suits best?
I wouldnt know. I just know that I would love to sing for Amitabh Bachchan one day. Thats the dream.

Who are your favourite singers?
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan,Lata Mangeshkar,Kishore Kumar and Jagjit Singh.

What about your contemporaries?
All are good. It wont be fair to single out one. Everyone is doing good work.

You always wear a cap,is that your style statement?
I like caps. Since my Himachal days,a caps been an essential part of my life.

How many caps do you own?
I own a few. I dont want to tell you the number.

Name five tracks on the loop in your iPod.
I actually dont listen to music.

What has been the response to your solo album,Fitoor?
So far,so good. After Kalaam,this is my second solo album. Some of the songs have been with me for over nine years but either I wasnt getting the tune or the lyrics. Like,for the song,Main hoon badal mujhe chhuke hawa chalein,I struggled with the lyrics for four years.