I am always excited about singing: Priya Bapat

A year ago, Priya Bapat made her debut as a singer in Vazandar directed by Sachin Kundalkar. Her song ‘Golu-polu’, became widely popular. The Time Please (2014) actor is now set to woo the audience yet again with a song ‘Tu mi ani gachchi’ in her forthcoming film, Gachchi.

The actor reveals that she is trained in classical music, and it was her mother who encouraged her to take up singing. “Honestly, as a child I wanted to dance but it was mum who enrolled me in a singing class. It was her dream that I learn classical music. I trained in Hindustani music along with a harmonium as it was the rule in the class. I continued learning till standard eight and also appeared for an entry level exam. But later, I shifted to light music such as Bhakti geet and natya sangeet because I got bored of aalaps, I wanted to sing words. Having said that, I realised that my years of training in classical music gave a strong base for me to sing in the future,” says Priya, who reasons that she could not pursue singing as, with times, she got busy with college, career and films.

She adds that she continues to sing for herself and if opportunities to do so professionally come up, she is “ready”. “I would love to have an album of my own but right now the focus or intention is not that. I enjoy singing for certain projects. If a music producer or composer is ready to offer me a song, I will happily sign up as I am always excited about singing.”

Priya has also won praise for her language and writing skills. “I believe, people relate to my work because I don’t follow a structure and the flow comes to me naturally. I like to keep things spontaneous and instinctive. So, if lyrics to a song or poem come to my mind, I may just write it. However, I can’t plan and write stuff. It is my nature to speak my heart out.”

I would love to have an album of my own but right now the focus or intention is not that. PRIYA BAPAT, ACTOR