The sound of music

TULSI KUMAR ON HER IMPRESSIVE RISE AS A PLAYBACK SINGER AND LEGENDARY FATHER

by ASJAD NAZIR

Music was always in Tulsi Kumar’s blood because her late father Gulshan Kumar founded India’s biggest record label T-Series and launched the career of countless stars, but it is a natural singing talent that has elevated her to great heights.

The Bollywood playback singer has delivered loads of hit songs in high-profile films in a 13-year-long career, which has included Hum Mar Jayenge, Mere Rashke Qamar, Tera Ban Jaunga and Tum Jo Aaye Zindagi Mein.

With more projects on the way, including solo releases and running an academy, she is set to soar even higher. Eastern Eye caught up with Tulsi to talk about all things music, inspirations and forthcoming projects.

What first connected you to music?

Music and I go hand in hand. Ever since I was a child, I remember watching TV and humming all the songs I saw there in the 1990s, such as Dil Hain Ke Manta Nahin and Aashiqui. That is my introduction and how I got to know I was passionate about and loved music. My father spotted me first and would stand behind the door and listen to me sing. That is where the musical connection began. I received training, including classical, and that is helping me now. I also learned music by listening to legends and continue that learning even today.

How did you feel when your first film song was released?

It was for the film Humko Deewana Kar Gaye in 2006. I was 18 or 19 at the time. It felt amazing. I was a little nervous, but extremely happy that I had got an opportunity to sing the title track with Sonu Nigam ji. It was ideal, but there was also pressure and responsibility to deliver. I went through a proper audition and selection procedure, it was not like I woke up and was singing. It felt amazing and got me motivated to work even harder.

How do you look back on your journey as a singer?

I started playback singing in 2006 and now we are in 2019. It has been an amazing journey. I have learned so much and gotten so closer to music. I’ve learned how to feel, emote, deliver and express myself in different ways, how to sing in various genres and learn different points from different composers. In these 13 years, I have worked with pretty much every composer in the industry, so it feels amazing. I am continuing to learn and getting closer to music with every passing song.

You have delivered some amazing hits, but which has been your favourite?

It is difficult to choose one favourite among your own songs. I feel that can be best done by someone else who enjoys your music. But if I have to choose one, then I like the way I have rendered the song Tere Jaisa for the film Satyamev Jayate. It perhaps didn’t top the charts but, as a singer, it was the most satisfying experience and gave me goosebumps. Also, recently-released song O Saki Saki, because it gave me a chance to challenge myself and bring out a new side and tone to me.

Which singer have you most enjoyed singing a duet with?

There are so many, but my combination with Arijit Singh has been loved by everyone, whether it was our song Salamat, Hum Mar Jayenge or Soch Na Sake. I think all the songs have got a lot of love, so it’s Arijit. Lately, I would say Jubin Nautiyal, with whom I sang a song in the movie Khandaani Shafakhana and we have more coming up.

Do you have a process when singing a film song, like imagining the scene?

Of course, it is good to know the character, actor you are singing for and background of the song, including their emotions at that point of time. All that will help give the appropriate feel. Once you hit it off on the feel correctly, the song is bound to connect with audiences. So I do get into the situation, and dance and move in the studio while singing a dance song or I sit on a chair for a soulful number. So the whole vibe of getting into the lyrics and character helps you get that connection.

Can you tell if a song will be a hit in the studio?

You can’t, but you definitely get some very positive vibes when you know you sing something that will connect with listeners. Like, when I was singing Tera Ban Jaunga from Kabir Singh in the studio and then heard myself, I was like, wow, this song is going to be a hit. When you like a song, remember it and take it back with you, that is when you know it will work, but that doesn’t happen every time. You can like something and have positive vibes, but can’t tell. If that were the case everyone would deliver only hits.

Do you prefer slow romantic songs or fast dance numbers?

I think both. I can’t choose between these two. I feel my tone, when I go in the higher key, can do justice to the romantic and extremely sweet numbers. If I drop to the lower key I can deliver in a really grungy, sexy way that can appeal to the fast peppy numbers.

Who is your musical hero?

My father, Shri Gulshan Kumar ji. He was a man who believed in himself and had a vision for everything. He had a great passion for music. I admire my father for the kind of dedication he had running a business for his own passion, which was music and making music. I look up to my father for everything because he showed that everything can be achieved with passion and dedication. My father instilled it in me because he achieved so much, left a mark and made the career of so many artists I admire.

What music dominates your playlist?

I listen to a variety of music, so there is no particular playlist. You will find the oldest Bollywood songs and also the newest of tracks, which includes English artists like Ariana Grande, Beyonce and many more. I listen to whatever is current along with old classics.

How much does performing live mean to 

you and which has been your most memorable concert?

No feeling can match up to performing live on stage in front of an audience, especially when they sing along. I think there is no high that can match it. It is a different kind of vibe and feeling when audience sing along; it is mindblowing. My most memorable shows were for a UK tour in 2018, where I performed in five UK cities with Guru Randhawa. I had an amazing time and the best was audiences singing every song we played.

Which classics do you enjoy singing and do you have a karaoke song of choice?

Pehla Nasha from Joh Jeeta Wohi Sikander would be my karaoke song and the classic is Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh.

What are your big passions away from music?

I think music is my biggest passion, but other than that I love to dance. People have seen my dancing skills through my Instagram videos.

What is the master plan going forward?

There is no master plan, but yes, there are a lot of things lined up, touch wood and with god’s grace. There is a song coming up (Enni Soni) that I have rendered in five languages; Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu (for Saaho). I am working on a lot of independent music and you will hear a couple of my singles this year. I have songs in upcoming movies, such as Marjaavaan. I also do voice-over for a kids channel and run an academy (T-Series Stageworks) for artists who want to groom themselves in music, dance, modelling, acting or filmmaking courses. So a lot is happening, but I still don’t have a master plan. I am taking things forward and reaching somewhere ahead of where I am today.

Which artist would you love to work with?

All singers and musicians because every artist has something to teach you. Even if it is a new artist, I think there is still something to learn from that person. But one person who has a clear perspective of a composer and I have liked working with is Mithoon. I have worked with him on songs such as Sanam Re. I got to learn a lot from him, and I think everyone in the industry has a lot to teach you.

If you could learn or master something new what would it be?

I want to learn a new instrument but I am not finding the time because of my singing projects. I feel like I should have learned more instruments because it is important for an artist to be able to play at least one instrument. I want to learn how to play the guitar or keyboard.

If you could ask any alive or dead singer a question, who would it be and what would you ask?

I would ask Kishore (Kumar) Da that what is the key to his versatility and that he could express so flawlessly and be the voice of the face he was singing for. His expressions, attitude and everything else about him were amazing. I would have loved to meet him and learn so much from him.

What inspires you?

A lot of things inspire me. Sometimes it is the situation around me that inspires me, including to work even harder. The way that my dad carved a niche for himself in the industry within a short space of time also inspires me. His hard work and passion inspire me.

How do you feel when your song becomes a hit?

You obviously feel amazing and on top of the world. I get more charged and encouraged to work even harder because I know I have to perform better than this or least on par, but I

always aim for better. I think a super-duper successful song comes with the responsibility to maintain that level or do better with the next song.