If song has a soul, open to experimenting with any language: Kavita Seth

Chennai: A graduate in Hindi literature and an expert in singing Sufi songs, Bollywood playback singer Kavita Seth, known for hits such as "Iktara" and "Tumhi ho bandhu", says if the song is inspiring she is open to sing in any language.

"I have sung a song in Kannada in the past and it was inspired by Sufi music. I am always open to experiment in different languages as long as the soul of the song is able to inspire me," Kavita, who basically sings Hindi songs, said. "I try to understand the meaning of the lyrics while singing the song because without that it is difficult to convey the emotions. Learning a new language is a complex thing and an entirely different process altogether," she added. Always been inspired by good poetry, she was very impressed after reading Jagdish Prasad`s books and poetry. She immediately decided to adapt work of the Calcutta-based Hindustani classical vocalist of the Patiala Gharana. Her album "Ek Din" is an outcome of the same. "His work simply touched my heart and I was inspired to work on it. Although, my new album took three-four years to come out, the title song `Ek din` (from the album of the same name) is close to my heart and I am sure the audiences would also be able to relate to it. Poetically, the album is very strong and content wise it`s very inspiring", she said. Are people still open to poems? "Absolutely! Because all songs I have sung so far on radio or TV, irrespective of the fact whether they were promoted or not, were able to leave an impression on the audience. Songs with racy lingo and catchy lyrics are seen and heard only till the time they are being promoted. "Mirza Galib, Rumi, Kabir and Mira Bai are still alive in the hearts and minds of people without any publicity", she said. Apart from Sufi songs, the 41-year-old, who also holds a masters degree in music, sings geet, ghazal and folk songs. How does Sufi-style and ghazals help you in Bollywood? "Until now I did songs that I have been trained to do and something that I have done all my life. However, my song from `Cocktail` has changed the dynamics a little. Ghazal and Sufi help me in honing my talent," she explained. IANS