Tony Kakkar: One gets a lot more popularity as a singer than a composer

With his foot-tapping party numbers and soul-stirring romantic songs, Tony Kakkar has made a name for himself within a short span of time. The young composer, who started out singing bhajans with his sisters ��� Sonu and Neha Kakkar ��� has several singles to his credit including 'Ankhiyan', 'Car Mein Music Baja', 'Mubarak Ho' and 'Lori Suna' that have been lapped up by music listeners online.After foraying into Bollywood as a composer with 'Sawan Aaya Hai' ('Creature 3D') and following it up with other tracks, he has now turned singer with 'Mile Ho Tum Hum Ko' in the forthcoming film 'Fever'. He talks to BT about his musical journey.
Early beginnings
'We shifted from Rishikesh to Delhi in the early 90s. At that time, we were reeling under a financial crisis. My sisters and I had always been interested in music and wanted to help our parents in some way. So, we started singing bhajans and performing at jagratas in and around Delhi. We would get `50 for every performance. My parents had complete faith in us and would encourage us to perform. Gradually, we started doing well and realised that music was our true calling.
The city of dreams beckons
My Bollywood journey began when I moved to Mumbai in 2004 with my younger sister Neha. When she used to go for recordings, I had a lot of free time. So, I started learning about the technical aspects of composing music. Gradually, I started making demo CDs. Later, I worked as a lyricist with composer Sandeep Chowta and was hugely inspired by him. However, I could never muster the courage to tell him that I wanted to be a composer.
First big break in Bollywood
I used to sing all my demos. One day, actor-producer Pooja Bhatt heard my CD and suggested that I should meet head honcho Bhushan Kumar. I was a little apprehensive and didn���t know which track he would like. I sat up one night and composed Sawan Aaya Hai. When Sonu and Neha heard it, they loved it and told me that this song would work. Even Bhushanji liked it and insisted that we use it in Creature 3D. After that, there was no looking back.
On turning singer
When I recorded the demo of 'Mile Ho Tum Hum Ko', I had told director Rajeev Jhaveri that we would get a renowned singer to render it. However, he insisted that we retain my voice. My sisters, who have always urged me to take up singing, were ecstatic when they heard this news. They are happy that now all three of us can sing together live in concerts. Also, I think this will better my career prospects as one gets a lot more popularity as a singer as compared to a composer.
Sibling revelry
Sonu and Neha are the first to hear my compositions and give me honest feedback. We share a strong bond as we have faced many hardships together. We are like three bodies and one soul. When their songs become a hit, I rejoice and feel as if my hard work has paid off.
Musical inspiration
Though I have composed quite a few party numbers, slow romantic tracks are close to my heart. I feel, music is an expression of your emotions and an extension of your personality. AR Rahman, Amit Trivedi, Sandeep Chowta, Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Madan Mohan are my favourite composers. My dream is to compose the entire soundtrack and background score of a film rather than limiting myself to just composing one or two tracks. As far as the online space is concerned, Sonu, Neha and I have collaborated on several singles and now plan to come up with one that will pay an ode to our bond as siblings.
-Rinky.Kumar@timesgroup.com