Eventually, I began singing in various shows. It was then that I started appreciating the breadth and depth of Hindi film music.

One has to sing from the heart to let it touch the right chords. Unless you enjoy the song, your listener will not either.

Everyone has their own individuality and it is important that it comes out.

Healthy competition is very important in any industry. It keeps you on your toes and helps you grow.

To be honest, I hadn't realised the greatness of film music till I was exposed to film songs after I started living in Mumbai.

I am fortunate that I was born in a family where music was already a part of life.

One of the interesting things about watching a kid perform is that they are too innocent to understand how talented they are… they have no inhibitions. If you ask them to sing, they will sing based on whatever training and practice they have.

Basically as someone who grew up in Delhi, crooning in southern languages which I don't understand is very difficult.

Some of my fans tell me that my voice is more suited for romantic numbers, some others say I do Sufi songs better. But that just goes to say that people are more aware of the different genres now. More people are getting exposed to sufi music because of Bollywood, which is good.

I rarely get the time to watch cricket as I am busy with recordings.

I've lost count of how many times I have performed in Chennai.

Odisha people are very musical. Our music industry has got many talented artists from Odisha. They love music a lot.

A lot of singers entered the industry with me. A lot of them struggled. Many have not been able to make it but some have sustained.

The response that I get from the Lucknow audience is always the best.

In independent music, you are the badshah and there are no restrictions, which allow you to embrace your true music. Whereas in playback, your first obligation is to your music director and then to your sensibilities.

I do see myself doing more than just playback singing.

It's very difficult to get recognized in Bollywood. There are so many talented singers and so much competition.

I personally make sure that my songs are all original without any technical help, and only when that happens that I get complete satisfaction as a singer.

I think every singer should get a formal training in music.

I get excited when I sing in a new language.

Listeners want fresh voices.

I still recall how nervous I was when I went for the recording of 'Guzarish'… When I reached the studio, all of them were there - Rahman, Aamir Khan, lyricist Prasoon Joshi and director A.R. Murugadoss.

It's an amazing experience to perform in Nagpur! Music aficionados here appreciate good music and shower their love magnanimously on artistes.

I love to go to Aksa Beach at midnight.

I never thought I would do a reality show.

Music is in my genes. My entire family is into singing.

For listeners, the song 'Kehne ko jashn-e-baharaa hai' looks a very easy number. In fact, it was a challenge to sing the song as I had to really suppress my voice and make it appear like a casual track.

I have sung songs for several actors in movies, including Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. Unfortunately, even after singing songs for their movies like 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' and 'Raees,' the two actors have not lip-synced them on screen.

People usually call me for experimental songs.

Ghazals can never die; they will come back.

If I'm given a choice to pick what I am interested in, I will definitely sing a ghazal for a movie.

I have always been complimented that my voice matches all actors like Shahid Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan.

When I had to sing 'Kajra re' for 'Bunty Aur Babli,' I thought that my voice will not match that of Amitabh Bachchan's.

A film is made for actors and actresses, not for singers.

I am very fond of western genres, including EDM.

I never doubted the fact that I could make it. I always believed in myself.

By the time one song gains popularity, another one is introduced.

Lucknow is one of my favourite cities.

Ghazal singing will come back with a bang.

Music is a blessing which God has given to all of us. All of us might not be able to sing but we have an ear for songs and music, that itself is a big blessing.

Music has no language barriers and this has been proved right several times by the Chennai audience.

Chennai audience is musically-inclined. They understand and enjoy different genres of music.

One has to be blessed to have a voice that creates impact.

Gujaratis not only love music, but they equally appreciate the artists. They express their appreciation wholeheartedly, they dance with you, sing along and always enjoy the music.

There is an endearing quality in Gujaratis and the way they celebrate their lives.

I don't mind even if I sing a few songs every year, but I just want to do quality work.

I have always enjoyed coming to Ahmedabad.

It's an honour when your audience sings along, more than they listen to you at a live gig.

My association with the Times of India has been a great journey. I have done over 15 shows within two years for the brand. I am glad to be a part of their events, as it gives me an opportunity to interact and perform for my fans across the country.

I like singing all kinds of songs, be it a soft number or a peppy track.