The 20-year-old contestant at Amul Star Voice of India, Vinti Sharma, may appear quite naive at first glance, but what she has inside – loads of fortitude and oodles of singing talent along with a very lucid vision for her future – makes her a remarkably strong individual altogether. Here’s the gorgeously talented singer, in conversation with Anu Chanchal…
What do you think are the qualities of a good singer?
Voice is god-gifted. It can be refined though, to be a good singer. I think a person, most importantly, needs to be a good human being. A good singer must understand the depth of music. Since every song has an expression of its own, so he ought to get into the mood of it. Everyday riyaz is a must. Classical training is like an icing on the cake.
How much time of the day do you spend practicing? Do you have any formal singing training?
On a normal day, I practice for about two-and-a-half hours, it’s not sufficient though. But I need to balance my studies as well; I devote more time when there’s no pressure from college.
Yes, I’ve had a seven-year formal singing training, starting at the age of 13.
What brought you into this show? How did it all start? How difficult does it get making a place for yourself among so many contestants?
My passion for singing and desire to be recognized as a good playback singer brought me into this show. Actually, I got through the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa auditions in May but due to my BTech final practical exam dates clashing with those of the show, I couldn’t continue with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Then, I went for Indian Idol auditions and made it to it. At the same time around, I cleared Voice of India audition as well. So I chose VOI finally.
It is certainly not a piece of cake to get yourself noticed among so many efficient contestants. But I try my best. Initially, I used to underestimate myself but when I landed into the danger zone, I woke up. I believe in believing in myself and that really helps me sing better every time.
How do you find the verdict of the judges? Is it biased at times?
They are human beings, after all. When they like a contestant’s singing at the very first time, they tend to develop an impression that the next time, that person will at least stick to that good level. And even if he goes a level down in the next round, the judges ask him to bring that effect back, scold him but deep inside, they know he’s not a bad singer always.
How do you find the public voting format?
Very weird! There’s a wide range of viewers. If we have junta that prefers voting for only the good-looking contestants sidelining their singing – good or bad, we have a reasonable audience as well that supports deserving candidates.
How has this Show changed your life?
So far, this Show has definitely brought many changes in my life, my day-to-day routine. Earlier, I knew how my day would go. But here, it’s absolutely unpredicted. Every moment is a surprise and I’m loving it.
Who is your favourite judge and contestant on the show and why? And how is your tuning with the other fellow contestants?
Monty Sharma is my favourite judge. He is not only full of positive energy, but also guides each one of us to give a better performance each time. My tuning with all the contestants is good but I gel really well with Rithisha and Vipul.
Who has been your ideal singer, your inspiration? Who are your heroes in life?
I adore Lataji and Ashaji’s singing a lot. Lataji has a great voice quality and she sings effortlessly, emoting best expressions, and Ashaji is an eminent versatile singer. As for my hero in life, it’s my mom, undoubtedly. She inspires me to live life to its fullest. She says handling all the difficulties in life with utmost sensibility is important but the most important ingredient is a smile. A smile helps you fight even a mountain and it really works for me.
Have you performed before on stage or rather should I ask... on such a grand platform?
Yes, I have performed many times before this, like I have appeared as a participant on Zee TV’s Antakshari thrice. Then, there’s a national singing talent hunt organised by Sangam Kala Group in India, every year. Only 18 contenders can make it to the finale; I have been lucky enough to be one of them five times. And I’ve managed to grab third position twice and second position this year itself. But Voice of India has been the biggest opportunity ever.
Do you agree with the statement that sometimes good singers don't perform well due to nervousness and get eliminated? Has that ever happened with you?
No, thankfully I have never been bit by this bug called nervousness, especially when it comes to singing.
What form of singing is your favourite? Which is your favourite song?
I like classical singing but am simply passionate about Bollywood songs. Few of my favourite numbers include Ye zindagi usi ki hai… by Lataji, Dhaage tod laaun….
What other talents do you have?
I can dance well and was fond of art in my youth but I have little time to pamper it now.
If given a chance, which Indian actress would you like to sing for?
Rani Mukherjee and Aishwarya Rai.
Are you studying also? How do you manage between your studies and your passion?
Yes, I’m pursuing BTech. And it’s not difficult for me to continue with that. See, no one can study around the clock; you have to take a break. Everyone does something for entertainment, I sing. Music is always in my mind, 24X7. I can study while listening to music.
What are your personal goals in life?
I want to complete my education and get a degree.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I take my time opening up and mixing with people. But people confuse me with an introvert. On the flip side, I love talking. My family and friends know how difficult it gets to shut me up once I start talking.
What are your plans and aspirations for the future?
I want to become the busiest playback singer ever. I would like to produce music also but that will happen later in life.
What’s been your toughest obstacle in life?
Only when I have to decide between studies and singing.
Who is your Voice of India?
Vinti Sharma.
How important is it for a singer to accept criticism? And how important is it for you to win this competition?
It’s very important for a singer to accept criticism. Only praise isn’t good; if you can relish good comments, be ready for the bad ones as well. When you don’t live an up-to-the-mark in your performance, only then you are criticised, and criticism helps you improve.
Well, as far as winning this competition is concerned, it’s very important for me. I’ve never performed on such a grand show. This is like a first step for me to be recognised by one and all.
If you don’t make it as the Voice of India, what will you do?
I shall never give up singing for one failure. I’ll definitely be upset about this. But then, I’ll focus on finishing my studies. I shall fight with double the effort next time till I achieve what I want. Before this show as well, I had worked… I have sung few jingles and songs for Kanpur Radio Mirchi previously. Getting work won’t be a problem, I’m sure. But I want to be well-known around a wider range of people. And I’ll keep struggling for that.
If you win, who will you thank first?
First of all, definitely my guruji for making me able to stand out among so many good challengers. Then, I’ll thank my entire family that has always shown a great belief in me.
Would you like to give any message to the potential singers? Your advice to youngsters like you with dreams?
Focusing is primarily significant. Do lots and lots of hard work. Trust yourself. Try to understand your strong areas in singing. Work on it, refine it. And don’t ever give up.
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