JASPINDER NARULA
The right choice

I don't want to get stuck singing a particular genre of song. I would like to lend my voice to folk songs, bhangra numbers, tunes set to western style and soft romantic ditties.

When Rishi Kapoor was finalising the singers for his directorial debut, Aa Ab Laut Chalen, he was keen on getting the song Oontha nishatha sung by a family friend. But Nadeem-Shravan insisted that he listen to a new singer named Jaspinder Narula. Just one hearing convinced Rishi Kapoor that Jaspinder was the right choice for not one but two songs in the film. Such is the impact of this talented singer that irrespective of the number of songs she sings in a film, she manages to vow the masses and critics alike. So much so that, she claims songs are now composed keeping her in mind! A tete-e-tete with the mega-watt singer.

Did the success of the title song Pyar To Hona Hi Tha prompt you to come out with an album?

Though people would like to believe that, it's not true. I had conceived the idea of an album two years ago. When I came to Mumbai in 1997 to chart out a career in Hindi film music I found all kinds of people, deserving or undeserving, cutting a pop album. That's when I decided to launch Kuch Kuch Dil Mein.

What made you choose Venus to market your album instead of Tips or Magnasound which is more into pop albums?

Frankly, I never approached any music company. I had sung the songs for Judaai, which was marketed by Venus and a couple of songs for one of their projects under the baton of Triveni-Bhavani. The Venus bosses liked my voice and style of singing and approached me, that's it.

Are you happy with the response for your album?

It's too early to comment on the response. But yes, I am extremely happy with the album. Kenneth and Sanjeev, the two new music directors have done a good job. Product mein jaan hai. You'll find different shades and modulations in my voice.

Tanha Re and the title song have traces of Panchamda's music. Hai Na has the seventies zing to it. Munda Tu Hai Punjabi Sona is a fast peppy, with-it number. The rest of the songs are also very good and I promise that they'll grow on you.

Do you think that the singer should be prominent in a music video?

Undoubtedly. Only a singer can express the song aptly. In fact, I don't think models are necessary, atleast for my songs. I think I am a screen beauty myself, but the company insisted on taking models saying it's for commercial purpose. For the next music video, Munda tu hai Punjabi sona, I would be happy if there are no models. Let's see.

We heard that you are recording an album of bhajans with Times Music? Comment.

Yes, that'll be released during Janmasthami. Once that's out you'll say I should sing only bhajans. (Laughs)

Any ghazal album in the pipeline?

Definitely, but not right now because people are not really keen on listening to ghazals. I want to present ghazals in the Begum Akhtar style.

Looks like you are eager to showcase your vocal range?

Yeah, I don't want to get stuck singing a particular genre of songs. I would like to lend my voice to folk songs, bhangra numbers, tunes set to western style and soft romantic ditties. And my forthcoming numbers prove that. I have sung a marriage song with josh in Dillagi, it's my alaap that you hear in the Sarfarosh song, then there are soft numbers in Hogi Pyar Ki Jeet and Boney Kapoor's Sanghursh .

One gets a distinct feeling that you are moulding your career on the lines of Asha Bhosle.

Right. She's my greatest inspiration. I love all her songs, be it filmi or private albums. She has that khanak in her. It's the same with Noorjehan. I think I have got a little bit of both the singers in me. My mother says that when she was pregnant with me she heard a lot of numbers sung by Asha Bhosle and Noorjehan. According to her that has rubbed on to me greatly.

Amongst your future releases which is the song you are awaiting eagerly?

I am the best which I have sung for Juhi Chawla's home production. It's a mind-blowing song. But let me make it clear that I hd recorded the song before I won the awards. (Laughs heartily).