Himani Kapoor
Playback Singer
Anchor and Live Performer
Mumbai
Success never comes overnight. Behind that
success is a lot of hard work, opportunities, Gurus and Family
Our readers would like to know about your first song which gave you recognition as a playback singer?
I got an opportunity to do my debut in playback for Late Shri Aadesh Srivastava ji for the film “Chingari” starring my favourite actor Sushmita sen in 2005. Aadesh sir was a great mentor in my journey to music as a career in Bollywood.
Why you chose to be a playback singer and not any other profession?
During my school days I was initially preparing to be an Architect or a Lawyer but when I came in grade 9 my Guru Mrs Anju Munjal from my school DAV sector 14 Faridabad, she made sure that I practice music daily and always encouraged me to participate in various musical competition. That’s when I realised that I want to sing and do music as a career.
Please tell us your success story after initial performances on television to being a successful playback singer?
Success never comes overnight. Behind that success is a lot of hard work, opportunities, Gurus and Family. The reality show I participated in, saregamapa challenge 2005 , I was declared a female winner. That show gave me a lot of recognition in the film industry. My art was appreciated by the great maestros , music directors, established singers, film directors etc. Aadesh ji was the first to give me a chance to sing for a film followed by Himesh Reshammiya ji, Vishal – Shekhar, Salim – Sulaiman. I believe that Despite of getting the success , it is even more difficult to retain it. That’s when the actually struggle begins.
What is the significance of struggle period in your professional career?
The significance of my journey to becoming a playback singer is very important because of my Father, My teachers and my school.My Father is a very passionate man. He always made sure that his children standout. He always encouraged me to participate in Music and Sports. The journey is nothing but a roller coaster ride , a ride full of enthusiasm, fear, ups and downs.
You are a live performer. Your live shows are very popular. Tell us about the most memorable show which you have performed on an international platform.
I did my world tour at the age of 17 and 18. I turned 18 in Orlando during my USA tour. I performed in total 20 countries. The most memorable performance in my heart is the one I did in Wembley Arena, London. The stage was four sides open and the crowd was fully packed. They all shouted my name in sync, I got goosebumps all over my body and hence still remember the feeling. I shared that stage with Himesh Reshammiya sir, Vineet Singh, Udita Goswami, Alisha Chinai and Abhijeet Sawant.
In Bollywood Music Industry, one has to face a lot of criticism also, what is your experience? How do you deal with it?
Bollywood has given me inexplicable experiences. Whatever criticism that I got while working has helped me become more focussed and has made me work harder. The way I deal with it is first to acknowledge it and then either ignore it or work on something that you feel is the correctly said.
What is your message to upcoming singing talents who participate in reality shows? How Bollywood treats these talents?
I feel amazed to see the amount of talent we have now. Not just from television but on social media platforms or streaming platforms. Back when the reality shows were newly launched, they were more authentic and genuine. I honestly don’t watch the reality shows now anymore because they are a lot in number and I assume they fine tune the voices in post production. I just have to say to the upcoming artists that Reality show or no, if your talent and determination is strong, nothing can stop you to achieve your goals. Bollywood has been very kind in accepting and introducing new talents from across the country.
Your sufi songs are much appreciated by the audience world wide. How do you feel while performing sufi songs?
I have always been drawn towards the Sufi genre since my childhood. Performing Sufi songs is like feeding the soul of mine and the people around me.
Which is your own sufi song you love the most and why?
Recently I received the best Sufi singer award organised by CLEF music awards for the song “Fakeeri” composed by Rimi Dhar and written by Saaveri Verma. It is very close to my heart because I relate to its lyrics and the soul stirring composition.
Please share some memorable moments of your new song “Thode kam Ajnabi”. What is the main attraction of this song along with your unique voice?
‘Thode kam Ajnabi’ from the film Pagglait is again a song I will cherish for my life. I received Arijit Singh’s call, it is his first film as a music composer and he gave me a few songs to try in my voice. I recorded two songs for him out of which I got deeply connected with the song Thode Kam Ajnabi , I recorded it in lockdown in Chandigarh and sent it to him. I cannot explain his reaction after listening to my voice. thats how the song happened. The main attraction is Arijit Singh’s amazing composition, Neelesh Misra sir’s meaningful lyrics, Humtoo dada’s soulful Flute and Sanya Malhotra’s beautiful acting.
Who is your favorite music composer and why?
its a very difficult question. I love a lot of music composer’s music but My most favourite composers are Late Madan Mohan Sahab and Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali khan sahab. The reason to love their music is same, that its Soulful, heart wrenching , meaningful and aesthetic. I have learnt a lot from AR Rahman sir’s , RD Burman da’s songs. Forever grateful to their art and their existence.
In your professional career, who supported you the most?
When you ask about who supported me the most, its My Father, Shri Sudhir Kapoor and My Mother Smt. Savita Kapoor. Every one should have such a supporting father in their lives. He is my superman, my spine, my pillar of strength and support. Words fall short to describe the amount of gratitude I have for him.
Himani is introvert or extrovert by nature?
I am an Extrovert by nature. In my childhood, I have been the most talkative girl, spilling the beans. over the years I have learned to be quiet and diplomatic haha. But I am still an extrovert.
You are always fit and energetic, What is the reason behind your fitness?
I have always been very active in sports since my childhood, I used to enjoy gymming , weight lifting etc. but now I have completely switched to yoga and meditation.
You have been bestowed with many awards for your excellent performances. Which is the biggest award you feel you got?
If you ask me what is my biggest award according me, I would say , its the reaction of the audiences , their claps, their dance, their tears, their comments and shares. I received an appreciation award from the CM of Haryana shri Manohar Lal Khattar ji on woman’s day. my recent awards were best singer for Thode Kam Ajnabi and best sufi singer award for “Fakeeri”.
What are your compliments for your fans?
My fans are very special to me, fans who have made fan clubs, who comment on every post , who listen to and share every song of mine. They are very important to me. I feel blessed to receive an ample amount of love from them.
