Mika Singh: "I've wanted to be a part of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa for over 10 years now"

The singing sensation fields questions on his latest stint as Mentor on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa,being the highest paid singer and how his tuning with Salman Khan delivers only chartbusters
Q1. What made you don the hat of a mentor on Zee TV's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa?
Sa Re Ga Ma Pa was the first of its kind platform where people could showcase their singing talent on Indian television. The show has identified, groomed and given to our industry some of its most remarkable music talent over the last two decades. Even as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa completes 21 years in 2016, the latest season will be young and fresh. The quest, this time around, is for voices of tomorrow - the most unique voices that are truly representative of contemporary India. We even have a 30 member jury comprising singers, DJs, music arrangers, lyricists, sufi specialists and folk artistes helping us pick the finest talent right from the audition phase. So, each singer will be evaluated from 30 different musical perspectives. The challenge will be tougher and only the superlative will survive! I have been following this show since its beginning and wanted to be a part of it for over 10 years now. With time, judges and hosts have changed but the platform continues to be a beacon of hope for aspiring singers. I am glad to be a part of this fantastic show.
Q2: You are a versatile singer, but what kind of songs would you like to sing? Any particular genre you like?
A. As of now I don't have any such plans, I'm a commercial singer. I sing for my audience, so whatever my audience wants me to sing, I sing that. There are multiple genres that I like but I always try mixing folk music and sufi music with today's commercial songs.
Q3: Recently we have seen many actors turning into singers, what are your thoughts on this trend?
A. Daler Paji was the one who started the trend of Pop singing. In todays' time, social media platforms have increased the reach of music and because of this everyone from an actor to a journalist or a doctor wants to be a singer.
Q4: Do you thing this trend of actors singing is threat for musicians and singers?
A. No it is not a threat. It is great that the actors are trying to sing, people enjoy it too. But at the end of the day, it is real singers like Ankit Tiwari and Arijit singh who bring alive beautiful compositions because their singing takes you to another level. And they sing in a way that makes you connect emotionally with their voices.
Q5: So Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is coming back after three years, what is different this year?
Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is not only India's but World's first singing reality show. The contestants are extremely talented. There is a change in the format, where there will be 4 mentors and a panel of 30 Jury members. The 30 jury members will have their respective voting pads. They will be our indicators. This initiative is introduced to keep the process of talent selection very transparent and to ensure that only the best talent makes the cut. So, if we ever get stuck on who to pick, we have the jury and if the jury is stuck, they have us. The whole prospect of sharing feedback/considering other opinions is healthy and constructive.
Q6: What would you have been if not a singer?
A. I have inherited the musical gene from my family as my father is a well-known singer, he used to do Kirtans every day. I don't think I would have been anything apart from a musician/singer.
Q7: What kind of music did you enjoy as a child?
A. I love R D Burman and Mohammad Rafi Sahab's songs a lot.
Q8: Many artists from across the borders aren't allowed to perform in India. What's your take on this?
A. People should not take Indo-Pak cricket matches too seriously. (Laughs) I visit Pakistan very frequently without any security and 50% of our audience is in Pakistan. So there shouldn't be any such restrictions because we receive and given equal amounts of love. I think that music has no geographical or political boundaries.
Q9: Who are your favourite singers?
A. Mohammad Rafi, Burman, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and currently Ankit Tiwari, Arijit and Badshah are my favourites.
Q10: You will be a mentor for the contestants on the show, how difficult is it for you to say no or pass any judgement? How does it feel to be a judge for such a big platform?
A. I haven't judged many shows, so this is a good and different experience for me. I connect emotionally to my kids (Contestants). They are like family to me. For instance, a participant and her sister came from a very small village and they stay in 10X10 house with 8 family members so I suggested building a house for them. I want them to only focus on their singing and not worry about anything. I believe by the help of mentors a lot of singers can grow.
Q 11: How much credit do you give Salman Khan for your success?
A. I have not done many songs with him but whatever I have done are all super hits, so people think I get maximum business from him.
Q 13: Your style statement?
A. My style statement are my glares. Back in my earlier days, people use to criticise it or thought it was funny but in today's times, every celebrity wears glares, be it actors, singers, dancers or crickets.
Q 14: You are said to be the highest paid singer in the industry, do you agree?
A. (Smiles) Most of the times, I haven't charged for singing as friendship plays a very important role in my decisions. But when it comes to shows, I agree that I am the highest paid singer as I have my own NGO for which I need money.
Q 15: Can you highlight songs which you sang for free?
A. Most songs done with Pritam Da and a few other hits would include Kick's Jumme Ki Raat, Rowdy Rathore's Chinta Ta Ta Chita Chita and many more.