With over 30 million views for her single, singer Akasa Singh is hopeful that she will get to explore other genres as well
Her name means the sky, and Akasa Singh would like to believe that the sky is the limit for her. Her single, Thug Ranjha, has received over 30 million views on YouTube and is the one song that is guaranteed to bring you to the dance floor. Ask her how it feels to get so much appreciation, and she laughs, “It’s so good! The thing is, you think you’d get used to it, but every time someone compliments the song, I feel the same excitement I did when I released it.” The Kheech Meri Photo (Sanam Teri Kasam) songstress on the track that catapulted her to fame...
Thug Ranjha isn’t a Bollywood song, yet it received great feedback. Were you expecting this kind of response?
A lot of people had faith in me, but I’m one of those ‘zero expectations’ persons. I give my best and then I forget it. But this much love was unexpected.
After the success of this song, have you received offers to sing similar tracks?
That happened with Kheech Meri Photo, too. You do get typecast. With Thug Ranjha, it was a bit different because I have used a different tone to sing in a few bits, so after hearing it, a lot of people got to know that this is also a timbre she does. But yes, more than anything else, I do get calls for dance numbers. If I come up with a romantic number or a slow single, people will hopefully start calling me for that. I would love to sing romantic ballads.
There was a sort of lull after Kheech Meri Photo...
Yes, that’s true. After one hit, one automatically presumes that there will be many more. But it’s not like that for everyone. Maybe it’s to do with luck or timing. I did get a lot of offers and worked with some music directors but for some reason or the other, it didn’t work out or somebody else was chosen to sing. I did a bunch of stuff for web series and a few Punjabi songs, but nothing like a Kheech Meri Photo. I like to believe that timing is everything and that when Bollywood has to happen, it will. So, I’m focusing on pop music because it is the dream. You do everything from what the song will be like to the lyrics to the look of the music video, etc. There is a lot more freedom in that. I’m not complaining. I still go and dub songs for playback. A few tracks are supposed to come out. I have my fingers crossed!
Earlier, playback singers had a longer shelf life but artistes have a lot more options now. How do you look upon the scenario?
I think it has its pros and cons. In a way, we are the luckiest generation.
Earlier, there was only playback. Now, you can do your own thing, release a single, put it out on social media, take part in reality shows etc. It is definitely a better time but you have to be on your toes. There is so much competition today that if you slack even a bit, somebody better will take up your place. But I would still say that the advantages are more than the disadvantages. Even if you have a five-year shelf life, you can make your mark.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on my next single. The promotions for Thug Ranjha are still going on. We have performed in a few cities but there are more places to visit. I’m also in talks with a few web series. As for Bollywood, it will happen, when it has to happen.
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