According to you, what’s the role of traditional folk music in today’s world?
Folk music remains a treasure trove of culture and emotion. While today’s fast-paced music industry leans heavily on commercial trends, folk music continues to connect people to their roots. It’s a medium that carries stories of our ancestors and the essence of our land.
If you could collaborate with any contemporary artist, whether in India or internationally, who would it be, and why?
I love Remo Fernandes. We worked together in Trikal (1985), where he played the role of a singer and I was the cook. In India, I’m open to collaborating with anyone — anyone who can create music and that suits my voice and range. I’m ready to work with any artist. Every artist portrays their vision uniquely. If they’re talented and we can complement each other. I’m especially interested in collaborating with Jamaican singers or musicians, people from tribal backgrounds, or anyone whose music has a unique rhythm and swag.
I’m not limited by language or age. There’s no age bar for creativity. I recently enjoyed working with Dhruv. He shares the same mindset — we should be open to collaborating with anyone as long as there’s mutual respect and understanding. Of course, I have my limitations as a singer, and maybe not everyone will want to collaborate with me. But for those who do, I’m ready and excited to work together.
Can you tell us about your future projects?
Right now, I’m soaking in the joy of my journey. I’ve given myself this gift, and it has kept me feeling youthful. I’m incredibly thankful to Penguin for encouraging me to document these memories. Each time I revisit them, I feel emotional. I recall singing in the winter in a small kitchen with my mother, where coal burned to keep us warm, and she would make sweet potatoes. Memories like that bring a smile to my face. I miss my mother so much.
Life is beautiful but fleeting, and it’s important to cherish these moments. We should enjoy life, celebrate it with our parents, grandparents, and friends. There’s no point in dwelling on politics or negativity. Life is for living and loving. I’ve worked on a film with Ravi Udyawar, featuring Mrunal Thakur and Siddhant Chaturvedi. I play Siddhant’s mother in the movie. There’s also a sequel to Raat Akeli Hai, directed by Honey Trehan, which will be shot in Chennai. I’ll once again work with my most loved actor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
