‘People called me a sh*t performer in my initial days’
Singer Kanika Kapoor says that as she started out as a singer in the industry, she faced severe criticism for being a bad live performer. And she worked on her craft to get better.
The Chittiyan Kalaiyaan (Roy, 2015) and Da Da Dasse (Udta Punjab, 2016) singer says she always strives to establish a deeper connect with the audience. “I am working hard constantly… like a contestant of life in the journey to know music better. I do not have an ego about listening to criticism and learning something from there, so that I can work on my craft,” she explains.
And the positive attitude to criticism has worked for the Kanika. “Now, I am not only a playback singer, but also a performing artist. But at the beginning of my career, people said on my face that I was a sh*t performer,” she says, adding, “When I came to sing in Bollywood and my song became a superhit, I performed live on stage, and I was a bad live performer. Then, I learned the art of stage performance and now I am doing Kanika Kapoor Live across the globe.”
Born and brought up in Lucknow, Kanika is trained in Indian classical vocal music. At a young age, she got married and shifted her base to London with her husband in 1997. After spending substantial time and having three children, Kanika separated from her husband and returned to India. What kept her going in
When I came to sing in Bollywood and my song became a superhit, I performed live on stage, and was a bad live performer. Then, I learned the art of stage performance.
KANIKA KAPOOR SINGER
the face of tough personal circumstances and professional challenges?
“I think I have a deep relation with pain... I really have seen a lot in life and I am usually not a person to sit down and cry. I do not complain, and rather try to find a way to resolve things. Finally, when I was on the verge of giving up, God gifted me with the opportunity to sing Baby Doll (Ragini MMS 2, 2014). So, yes, then I had no reason to give up!” shares Kanika, who has also sung Desi Look (Ek Paheli Leela) and Nachan Farrate (All Is Well, 2015).
As far as challenges as concerned, the singer believes in taking them head on and making the most of one’s gifts. “You cannot live a perfect life where there is no struggle and sorrow, so instead of complaining, I take them as part of my journey and till the time I am breathing and dealing with the situation to gain my peace of mind, I am happy.”