Sniti Mishra
Classical Vocalist
Live Performer
Playback Singer
Odisha / Mumbai
Apart from Classical music I am fascinated towards sufi music and love to perform it everywhere
You are highly educated and hold many qualifications. Our readers would like to know more about your educational achievements?
Education has always been a first priority of my family so they want me to be a qualified person first before I take music as my profession. I was an Economics student in my graduation period and then I did my Post graduation in business management with a specialisation of Finance and control.
I was doing my training in HSBC bank to become a financial manager but god has different plans for me and I went for the audition of Zee srgmp and got selected. Rest is history.
Which was your first song which gave you recognition as a playback singer?
I am recognised more for my classical and non film renditions. As a playback singer I made my debut in the Tamil film industry for a period film “Maaveeran Kittu” and the music composer of the film was D. Imman. He wanted me to introduce to the Tamil film industry with the song “Elanthaari Reprise”.
Why did you choose the field of music for your professional career?
It was my father’s vision to see me as a classical musician and that’s why he tried hard to provide me with the best training in Hindustani classical music in Odisha.
I was born and brought up in Bolangir and there was no such facility for classical training over there but I was lucky enough to get a guru like Dr. Raghunath sahu Sir who taught me classical singing. When I was selected for srgmp 2010 and received immense love and support from the people, I got encouraged and decided to take music as my profession.
Please tell us your success story after initial performances on television/ digital media to being a successful singer?
I got a lot of appreciation for my classical renditions while performing in srgmp so, post reality show I decided to pursue my career in classical and fusion classical style. I started performing with shivamani, Luiz Banks, and many acclaimed artists accross the country. I also collaborated with an international world fusion band called “Mynta” who was performing with Shankar Mahadevan, Vikku Vinaykran and Luiz Banks before. Later I decided to produce my own song and recorded my first classical single “Hori Hori”, composed by Pt. Balavant rai Bhatt (Bhawrang).
What is the significance of the struggle period in your professional career in the field of music?
Struggle is nothing but hard work and it never ends. The day you feel my struggle period is over, your self growth ends there. I keep that feeling inside me all the time which keeps me grounded.
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?
There are many but one of the concerts I did with the band ” Mynta ” and Vikku Vinaykram in Nagpur was memorable. Also recently I performed in a concert for Govt Of India where nine different countries were performing and I was chosen to represent India.
In Bollywood Music Industry, one has to face a lot of criticism also, what is your experience? How do you deal with it?
Criticism is there in every field. As a musician I take it very positively when it comes to healthy criticism. When I was singing in a different language initially people used to criticise me for my diction which helped me to improve and come up with the correct version. Sometimes criticism becomes toxic which we prefer to ignore.
What is your message to upcoming singing talents who participate in reality shows? How Bollywood treats these new talents?
It’s great to see many new talents are coming through reality shows to become a part of the music and film industry. I will advise them to become self dependent and believe in their own music. One or two Bollywood opportunities might give a short term success but won’t last forever.
Your sufi songs are much appreciated by the audience.How do you feel while performing live sufi songs?
Apart from Classical music I am fascinated towards sufi music and love to perform it everywhere. Sufi music refers to the devotional music of the Sufis, inspired by the works of Sufi poets like Rumi, Hafiz, Bulleh Shah, Amir Khusrow, and Khwaja Ghulam Farid. I feel connected to the almighty when I perform Sufi.
Which is your own sufi song you love the most and why?
I love all the sufi performances of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan saab and like to perform all those songs on stage.
Please share some memorable moments of your work with AR studios?
I was introduced to kashmiri music through A R music studio. The most memorable moment was when I sang my first kashmiri sufi song “Peer Myanio ” as it was recorded and shot in a very simple manner yet conveyed a very powerful message through it’s lyrics.
Who is your favorite music composer and why?
My all time favourite composer is legendary Shankar Jaikishan ji because their music was timeless and unique. In their compositions the influence of Indian classical music is clearly evident but what makes their composition special is the utilization of the the western symphony orchestration . I do love S.D Burman, Shalil Chowdhury and Madan Mohan saab’s music.
In your professional career, who supported you the most?
My Sister Swati supported me the most. I consider her as my backbone.
I do admire my father’s principles in my musical career.
Sniti is introvert or extrovert by nature?
I am a bit introvert person for outsiders but very much extroverte for my friends and family who know me personally.
You are always fit and energetic, What is the reason behind your fitness?
I am a spiritual person so I try my best to stay positive alway. Of Course my music riaz plays a vital role in consuming my energy.
You have been bestowed with many awards for your excellent performances. Which is the biggest award you feel you got?
My biggest award is always the love and appreciation of my fans who support me and my music throughout the journey so far.