He has no qualms talking about his humble origins though Brijesh Shandilya has come a long way since the time he first entered Bollywood. The affable singer has the runaway hit Banno tera swagger from Tanu Weds Manu Returns to his credit, along with chartbusters from movies like Jai Ho, Airlift, Shubh mangal Savdhaan and Golmaal Again.
In a freewheeling chat with Rajitha Menon, Brijesh talks about his journey from a school dropout to rockstar.
When did you know that you wanted to be a singer?
When I was around 20 years old. I had failed in the tenth standard thrice and everyone felt that I was useless. More than family, society had a problem with me. One day my father scolded me a lot and dejected and crying, I left my house, more to figure out what I wanted to do in life than because of the yelling. I went to stay with my uncle and later, I met a friend who asked me to try my hand at music as I was a good singer - something I hadnt even thought myself till then.
What happened after that?
The same friend helped me out. He was preparing for the civil services exam in Allahabad. He made me accompany me to the hostel and enrolled me in music classes. I learnt for two years; in fact, my first public performances happened in the hostel when the other inmates would get together during the evening to listen to me.
There are so many singers in Bollywood right now. What sets you apart?
I have figured out that playback singers are always on the lookout for a unique voice. One needs to listen to other singers to grow but you shouldnt ape them. I have followed this policy and that is what sets me apart.
Most memorable moment in your musical career till now?
When I sang Banno tera swagger. It was memorable because it was the one chance that I was waiting for. Though I had sung in good films before, this was the song made me famous. My voice has become my identity.
You have sung in 10-12 languages till now. Wasnt it difficult to perfect the pronunciation?
I think artistes have a natural ability to pick up things that others may find difficult. I always used to pay attention to the words of other languages. Around five years ago, most of the movie songs that were dubbed from Hindi into other languages were mine. I did it for the money then but it helped me in diversifying my vocal range.
What do you listen to in your spare time?
I listen to old songs. Lata Mangeshkar, Yesudas, Asha Bhonsle, Kishore Kumar - I listen to all the old greats in an effort to learn from them and imbibe the feel the create within the listener. Among the new singers, I like Arijit though I feel most of the new songs are too much noise and chaos.
Future projects?
Couple of things are lined up, among which is Happy Bhaag Jayegi 2. My audience will get to hear more dance numbers from me. They have become my USP now though I like soulful songs more.