Shake it up with Sunidhi

"I'm excited to come back to Singapore. I love the people of Singapore," said singing sensation Sunidhi Chauhan in an interview ahead of her Dhoom concert on March 21.

"So far I've not had the chance to try the local cuisine or go to any tourist attractions in Singapore. All my trips here, including this, have been one-day trips, so I really hope I get the time to try something new here this time," said the Bollywood songstress who has delivered hits like Desi Girl, Sheila Ki Jawani and Dance Pe Chance in her successful career as a playback singer.

Sunidhi, whose talent was recognised very early in her childhood, has never failed to mesmerise her fans with strong, powerful vocals. She also remembers her first film song recording at the age of 11. "It's one of the most memorable experiences I had in my career and my life. There are many memories but this is something that I can never forget," said Sunidhi.

Apart from being nominated for 14 Filmfare awards, she won two Star Screen awards, two International (North) Indian Film Academy awards (IIFA) and one Zee Cine award. She was also the recipient of the R.D. Burman Award for the most promising newcomer in 2001.

Sunidhi is also one of the few female singers of the present generation to lend her voice to leading actresses of the Hindi entertainment industry today, such as Madhuri Dixit, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Kajol Devgn among others. She has also worked with many music directors, including firebrands of the Indian music industry like A.R. Rahman, Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani, Loy Mendonsa and Vishal Shekhar.

"It is simply amazing to work with A.R. Rahman. He is such a talented yet simple person. I feel privileged to have been able to work with him," said Sunidhi, adding that his upcoming concert here in April should not be missed.

Having worked with so many people, she is bound to have an idol or a favourite composer, right? But Sunidhi said: "I don't have any particular idol in the industry. Everyone is talented and inspiring in their own way, so I look up to all of them."

Being as talented and popular as she is means that she gets signed on for many songs. But she says that it does not take her long to prepare for a song. "I usually practise the song for about 10 to 15 minutes before recording. There can be multiple recordings in a single day, so I have to be fast with rehearsing. It might be the first time I see the lyrics or the song score, but I have become used to this," she said.

Fans can look forward to songs like Kamli from Dhoom 3, Dilli Wali Girlfriend from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Sheila Ki Jawani from Tees Maar Khan, Punjabi Wedding Song from Hasee Toh Phasee, Kashmir Tu from Chennai Express, Chokra Jawaan from Ishaqzaade, Kyon from Barfi, Navrai Majhi from English Vinglish, Te Amo from Dum Maro Dum, older songs from earlier movies in the Dhoom and Don franchises and many more.

While singing is her passion, she has voiced her interest in trying her hand at acting, and has received a few invitations to act in movies as well. So far, she has not accepted any, because, as she says, "I'm looking to roles that I feel will suit me better. I'm in no rush, so I'm taking my time to decide."

The singer, who says her husband and family members support her in every way and in all aspects of life, also said that she has an unusual way of relaxing after a long and tiring day.

"I just keep quiet. I don't talk at all. That's how I like to unwind after a long day of singing," she said.

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