Kavita’s sons avoid playback singing

Singer Kavita Seth, the voice behind chartbuster songs such as Jeete Hain Chal (Neerja; 2016), Tumhi Ho Bandhu (Cocktail; 2012) and Iktara (Wake Up Sid; 2009), is happy that her sons — Kavish and Kanishk have shown interest in music, and even regularly accompany her to various stage shows.

Kavita, who recently visited Delhi for a show, says “Dono beton ke pankh nikal aaye hain (Both of my sons have grown up). Kanishk was here [in Delhi] with me, but ek director ka phone aaya for recording, and he took the next flight to Mumbai. Kavish, the elder one, is busy with his start up, Zubaan, in the independent music area.”

Ask if they, too, harbour dreams to make it big in Bollywood, and Kavita is quick to say, “No, not at all! Kavish had got an opportunity once to sing in a film, but he refused. He said, ‘Main playback kar ke kisi aur ki awaaz nahi banunga (I don’t want to become someone else’s voice by doing playback singing). However, I am totally dependent on Bollywood singing, that’s my style.”

“In films, following of artists immediately reaches into lakhs if even one of their songs become a hit, whereas an independent artist poori zindagi ragadta rehta hai (an independent artist has to struggle all his life), and he or she doesn’t get what they deserve,” says Kavita, adding, “I am happy that my sons are working hard, and hope that the golden period for independent artists comes soon.”

Along with singing, social work keeps Kavita busy. “I am associated with a lot of NGOs, and a women empowerment project,” she says.