Written and edited by – Robin Bhuyan (Editor in Chief)
Interview by – Ayushi Sandhya
Join us in this exclusive conversation with Sudhir Yaduvanshi, who recently gained fame for his song Kaawaa Kaawaa from the movie Kill, which has gained a lot of appreciation. The song became such a huge hit that it crossed 10 million views on Youtube in just 3 weeks! Although this is his first song for a theatrical movie, Sudhir has worked on several music projects in the film industry. In this exclusive interview, he talks about his journey, and shares some of his insights regarding life, career and music.
How is the fame feeling after the recent success of Kaawaa Kaawaa which has crossed 10 million views in a very short span of time?
Yes, it feels wonderful, especially for someone who is new to the film industry. As a singer, I have been active for a long time, but in the film industry, I am quite new. I got this opportunity because of Shaswat Sachdev, who recognized my talent in a short time, and I am very grateful to him. I have started receiving a lot of appreciation for this song, and even my school friends, with whom I had not connected for a long time, have praised me, saying that they never expected that I would become a star. However, I tell them that this is nothing, and there is still a long journey ahead before I become a real star.
Did you have an interest in singing from an early age?
Yes, it was my childhood hobby! Initially, I used to sing patriotic songs at school functions. One day, I was allowed to sing a different commercial song as well, which was quite appreciated. I had never trained professionally nor prepared for a professional music career. I was not a very bright student but had a talent for sports. I worked in drama theatre during my college days, where my music talent was quite appreciated by the director. But even then, I didn’t realize my potential in music. Later when I won a music competition and got a monetary award, I got excited and realized that I could earn through my music skill! This is how I decided that I could pursue a professional career in music, and eventually, I got admitted learning classical music at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya.
Did your parents support you throughout your journey?
Frankly speaking, I belonged to a lower middle-class family, and we had our struggles. My father wanted me to pursue polytechnic education so that I could get a job after completing my studies. But thankfully, I managed to create my own path in music.
Tell us the story behind Kaawaa Kaawaa.
I know Shaswat ji for quite some time, and we have been planning to create something big since then! When he received the project of Kaawaa Kaawaa, the first singer that came to his mind was me! He called me and upon reading the song, I really liked it, and felt it was a powerful song. This is my first song that has been released in theatres, and by God’s grace, it was a big success! Several people complimented me for my work, including the actors who played the hero and the villain of the film, and so I consider this song the biggest success of my career!
How was the experience when you saw your own song being played in theatres?
Listening to my own song being played in the theatre for the first time was one of the most special moments of my life.
Many people are also critical of the movie due to its violence, so naturally, they will be critical of the song too. Did you ever worry about such negative criticism or negative impact?
Actually, I loved the lyrics of the song from the beginning. It reflects the mindset of the protagonist. I feel that the song fits perfectly in the scene in which it was shown.
Do you have any other personal favorite song other than Kaawaa Kaawaa?
I would have to name Kaawaa Kaawaa as the most favourite song in my career, as I can’t think of any other song at the moment! Yes, my name has been associated with several songs, but this is the first major song of mine that has been featured in a big movie.
Do you feel that nepotism has entered the music industry like in the film industry?
See, nepotism is not something limited to the film industry. You see it in all fields, even in big MNCs, etc. And I think there is no problem with this, as long as you are not depriving someone who is talented. Everybody wants to see their child carry on their legacy, but it is important not to deprive the talented of opportunities.
Do you have any singers and particular songs that you liked to listen to as you grew up?
Yes, I have had many singers whom I used to look up to. Kailash Kher and Sukhwinder Singh are two of the singers who are quite close to my heart.
Your style of singing is quite similar to Sukhwinder Singh. Has Sukhwinder Singh influenced your music to some extent?
Yes, I feel nothing is original in this world. Every artist is inspired by something or the other. Even the most talented artists have been inspired by the stuff that they keep listening to, and they add their own persona to it, to create something unique. If someone says that my songs remind them of Sukhwinder ji, I will take it as a compliment as I have been inspired by him since childhood. I feel no art belongs entirely to a single person- art is something that keeps flowing, and people add their own touch to it.
How much of a role has spirituality played in your journey?
Bholenath has always guided me towards my true calling i.e. music, but it was my mistake that I was late in realizing it. Initially I was not that much into spirituality, but nowadays, whenever I get time, I sit down to meditate, and I feel it is very important that you do it to keep your mind calm and balanced.
Other than music, what is it that you enjoy doing?
I love travelling, and I am quite used to doing it when I am going with my band for shows. And my second hobby is cricket. If it was not music, I would have loved to pursue cricket as a career. I have played it professionally as well, though I can’t play much now, because a lot of physical fitness is needed for the sport. If somebody would have supported and sponsored me, I would have definitely loved to pursue cricket as my main career.
Lastly, would you like to leave any message for your fans and aspiring singers?
I would advise aspiring singers to focus on their skills. Do not go after fame. Focus on your songs and the process, and let things go naturally. As for the audience, I urge them to watch Kill, as it is really a fun movie, and they are sure to enjoy it! Do support the song Kaawaa Kaawaa– add it to your playlists. I immensely thank you for your support!
