It’s just been a day since singer and composer Nakash Aziz has landed in India after a series of international performances, the last one being in Bangkok. However, amidst the recognisable traffic noise that threatens to cloud our telephonic conversation, his voice is as energetic as it can get. The man is after all happy to have had a solid start to the year with hits like ‘Fan Anthem’, ‘Blockbuster’ and ‘Tauba Tauba’ under his belt. Nakash replies, “I’m happy but I just hope to continue my momentum. That’s how you grow as an artist.”
Opening up to Telugu films this year (as a singer) had him feel anxious initially, only until he met composers Thaman and Devisri Prasad to realise how much fun things can get. “They’re really good fun people. Both of them were different personalities, yes, but were full of energy. I’ve been following their work for a while in the past and it’s wonderful to see this happen,” he states. Nakash, groomed by A R Rahman in his early music years, opines that the southern industry is more experimental in their approach to music production than the others.
“There’s simplicity, individuality in tracks here that are equally situational. Say, ‘Tauba Tauba’ (Sardaar Gabbar Singh) fit into the narrative so well. I’m equally happy with the zest with which they shot ‘Blockbuster’ (Sarrainodu). The makers did a good job to not restrict its potential as a promotional song.” The Mangalore-born who currently stays in Mumbai, feels his South Indian accent has helped him sing his numbers sans nativity issues. “I may not be familiar with the languages (Tamil and Telugu). I still believe I have a tongue that gets the nuances right,” Nakash oozes confidence.
He hopes that he’ll continue to find better singing opportunities and goes beyond the ‘Fan Anthem’ guy-label. Nakash adds, “I’m glad Fan happened. I wish I find many such numbers that help me earn an identity.” Though working in television ensured he got a solid foundation in films, he is in no mood to return unless something really excites him. “Television tends to get monotonous due to which the quality suffers. If something as good as ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Breaking Bad’ come up here, I’ll grab them with both hands,” he has a hearty laugh.
Meanwhile Nakash is also ticking a few boxes from his bucket-list, especially his desire to launch an independent music album. “It’s been something I’m working on. It’s too early to talk about it though,” he adds. The man doesn’t think twice before reeling off a list of what he really likes about Hyderabad. “The landscape is an asset. The ORR, hilly roads, rocks and diverse eating joints (his favourites being Chutneys and Paradise) make it a real cool place.”
Claim to fame
-Fan Anthem (Fan)
-Blockbuster (Sarrainodu)
-Tauba Tauba (Sardaar Gabbar Singh)
-Dhating Naach (Phata Poster Nikla Hero)
-Vandemataram (Leader)
