I have inculcated the love for music from my father: Tulsi Kumar

Her sweet voice will entice you the moment you hear her songs. She has not only made a name for herself by singing soft, romantic numbers but even crooned for hit, peppy track 'Saiyyan Superstar'. Yes, it is playback singer Tulsi Kumar who we are referring to. The young and talented singer, who recently tied the knot, has music in her genes. As T-series founder late Gulshan Kumar's daughter—Tulsi has been blessed with great voice and super singing career. In an exclusive interview with Ritika Handoo of Zee News Online, Tulsi Kumar talks about her first love, marriage and music.

How has your musical journey been so far?

My musical journey has been a great learning experience till now. I have been fortunate enough to get the opportunity to work with some really accomplished music composers. I was lucky to work with some of the big names such as Anu Malik, Himesh Reshammiya, Sajid Wajid ,Salim Sulaiman, Mithoon, Jeet Ganguli and Pritam. I have learnt a lot from all of them and have practically grown as an artist with every song that I have rendered. Starting from my first song 'Janabe Janiya' from the film 'Aksar' till my latest release 'Mere Humsafar' from 'All Is Well'—it has been a long learning journey of around 8 years but my urge to learn more and become even better continues.

Is music your first love?

Music is definitely my first love and the person who made me realize that I am made for music is my father Shri Gulshan Kumarji. Music was always around me as a child. My dad used to hear me humming songs while watching television and discovered I have a nice sweet tone which should be further trained and toned. Seeing my inclination towards music at a tender age of 6, he put me into Suresh Wadekar's academy where I started training in light classical music for few years after which I started training under Pt. Vinod Mishra Ji. This is how my musical journey began.

Has Bollywood always intrigued you?

Well, music in itself has always intrigued me. I basically started out with rendering a lot of bhajans and remix songs before I got my first break as a mainstream Bollywood playback singer for 'Aksar', and the song 'Janabe Jaaniya" was composed by Himesh Reshammiya. Definitely I wanted to do playback for films, but that was not my sole aim. Basically, I wanted to be associated with music.  My father had great love for music and musicians and I am sure he is very proud of me today and blesses me always.

You recently got married. Tell us something about your new life?

Hitesh (my husband) and I first met at a common friend's wedding, became friends, started dating fell in love and after a year of knowing each other got married. Marriage has definitely been a beautiful journey and there is lot to see and experience. I feel ecstatic to have a partner who completely understands me and my passion for music. Along with him I am truly blessed to be a part of the family which not only supports but also encourages me to do better in my career. 

Do you plan to cut any solo album soon?

Can't really call it an album but yes I am working on a single which is due for release in November, the details of which I will divulge a few days before its release.

What are your future plans?

I am rendering songs in upcoming films like 'Secret', 'Phir se', 'Sanam Re' as long as playback goes. I have also turned a voice over artist for kids edutainment channel on Youtube called Kids Hut.

You have given hit numbers like 'Humko Deewana Kar Gaye' and more recently 'Mere Saiyaan Superstar'. What type of songs are your favourite?

Yes, I have mostly been approached for soft romantic songs till now, but singing something like 'Saiyyan Superstar' which is a fast and peppy track has shown a different side of me to my listeners and I have received appreciation for that which means a lot. It encourages me to constantly challenge myself and experiment with various genres of music.

Who is your idol from the world of music?

Well, I really look upto Lata Mangeshkarji who is my all time favourite. I truly believe her to be the goddess of music and she in herself is an institution. Anyone who aspires to be a singer can learn a lot by just listening to her songs. I also idolise Kishore da for his versatility and the character he added to the songs while rendering them. Apart from all these learned musicians, my father has been my biggest inspiration and the major reason for me being attached to music. I have inculcated the love for music from him.

Any message for your fans?

Keep listening to my music and keep loving it. The feedback and response to my music means a lot and always encourages me to continue working harder and give in my best. Keep hearing and Keep loving :)