Lakshay Kapoor, who gained a strong fan base for his melodious covers on Instagram, made his Bollywood singing debut with Karan Johar-produced Liger. He gave his voice to the romantic song titled Mera Banega Tu.
In an exclusive interview with PeepingMoon.com, Lakshay spoke about singing a song for Liger, being supported by Karan's talent management agency-Dharma Cornerstone Agency & Dharma Productions, and whether he has a song in the filmmaker's directorial comeback Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani.
Excerpts from the interview:
You were launched in Bollywood by Dharma Cornerstone Agency & Dharma Productions. Does that give you a sense of validation?
More than a sense of validation, it makes a person on this platform feel humbled.
You were an entrepreneur before turning to music. When did you understand that music is your true calling?
My business is stable but I still have to give a lot of attention to it. Things seemed pretty serious for me when I was approached by Dharma Productions to sing for them. You have to give it your best when you are working with a company like this. A few years ago, I would come to Mumbai for a few days for work but now, I am here for 20 days a month. For me, music was a process that happened gradually.
Was your journey from Punjab to Mumbai easy?
I’m a Punjabi who belongs to Amritsar but most of the time I am in Rajasthan for work as I have my factories established there. I don’t think anything is easy. You have to give your best when you get a chance to entertain your audience. You have to deliver your best and if that's not happening, it doesn't make any sense. At Dharma Productions & Dharma Cornerstone Agency (DCA), they won't compromise on quality. If your voice is suiting a song, they'll take you and support you. That's why Dharma Productions' music has been ruling the charts; this year's anthem, Kesariya, is from their film Brahmastra.
Does Karan Johar share his input on songs with you?
Karan Johar, being a busy person, has his own projects to look after. He is currently directing Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. There are projects he overlooks, for example, he took a personal interest in Brahmastra’s music. Whenever we meet, it is over songs. He’s the one who is taking the final call. He is clear with his thoughts and will never compromise on the quality and the class.
You made your Bollywood singing debut with Liger. What was your first reaction when you were offered the song?
I dubbed Mera Banega Tu 1-2 years ago. Due to the lockdown, projects were on hold. Albums are curated when work on a project starts. When I did the song, I wasn’t aware that it was for Liger. It is secretive here; the singer is not sure about the fate of his/her song. They inform the singers only when everything is locked. The team doesn't want the singers to have high hopes as things don't always shape up as expected. Just 3-4 months before Liger's release, I got to know that the song has been passed. A few days before the film's release, it was told to me that the song has been included in it.
This is an age of remixes and remakes. What’s your take on it?
There are people who wish to create original content and some don’t. I’m a music lover and never look at songs as original creations or remakes. If I like a song, I’ll listen to it. Before Liger, I gained a strong fan base with my cover songs. If it is sounding good, it doesn’t matter whether it is a new song or a recreation.
Will you be singing songs for Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani?
I don’t know. No singer knows this honestly. It is Karan’s personal project and he will do what justifies it. I believe Arijit Singh must be singing many songs for Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. As of now, we cannot say anything about it, let’s see what happens.
An actor you wish to sing for?
I feel my voice will suit Ranbir Kapoor.
