Shahid Mallya became a household name with Rabba in Shahid Kapoor-starrer Mausam (2011) and then hit it out of the park with Ik Kudi in Udta Punjab (2016). Last year’s Daryaa from Manmarziyaan got listeners talking about his unique vocal texture and versatility. Shahid is now coming out with a non-film single, Mera Rab, where he will also feature in a video for the first time, alongside Sana Shaikh. The singer talks about how nervous he was while facing the camera for the first time and more.

Tell us about your upcoming single, Mera Rab...

I faced the camera for the first time while working on it. The experience was different while doing the playback and working as an actor. I was nervous and have to thank the director for getting the best out of me. The character I play (in the video) is shy and awkward. If I have to act again in a single, I will have to learn it! The song also features Sana Shaikh, which is her debut too and I hope that people appreciate our work.

Would you be open to featuring in videos in future?

No. Acting is a tough job. We are going through a phase of singles, so I thought of giving it a try to see what happens. The main intention of doing the video was to get more visibility as an artiste. 

The singer and Sana Shaikh in Mera Rab

Your voice stands out among your contemporaries. Would you say that’s your USP?

I think everyone should have uniqueness. I feel lucky that people find my voice different. As long as I am getting the work and do playback, I have no complaints. As a versatile playback singer, I try to sing as many Bollywood songs as possible and like to do justice to each one of them. I don’t like to blow my own trumpet but people think I am melodious and soulful.

What is your take on the Indian music industry vis a vis when you started?

Indian music has always carried a rich legacy and we have created Bollywood as well as regional songs from it. The music industry also has its ups and downs and I would agree that the current phase is not stable, but quality music is still being produced. People have also become money-minded and songs are being created like fast food. But not all is doom and gloom as composers like Amit Trivedi, Vishal Dadlani, Pritam and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy are doing a great job of producing marvellous melodies.

Apart from Mera Rab, what are your upcoming projects?

I am working with Pritam, Vishal Dadlani and Amit Trivedi. I have 15-20 songs coming up later this year.