Kanika Kapoor: The doll and her glory

Singer Kanika Kapoor talks on her music career, giving back to her roots and staying fit

Kanika Kapoor

HYDERABAD: The strength of ‘Baby Doll’ singer Kanika Kapoor lies in the lilting folk element she brings to her numbers. Just before she performed for a fest, Shiznay at TKR Engineering College, the singer, with strong classical roots admits, “Folk music is what I enjoy the most, it adds a significant dimension to my personality.”

It’s been two good years for her in the film industry now and we ask if she owes her stardom to Meet Bros for launching her with ‘Baby Doll’. “I owe my popularity to every musician, mixer, programmer and also the people who made me meet them. All deserve that bit of credit,” she replies.

2015 was a rewarding one for Kanika, with numbers in

Dilwale, Roy and

NH10; the lineup for 2016 promises to be no different. “I’ve sung for

Udta Punjab, Do Lafzon Ki Hai Kahaani and a series of tracks for the latter half of the year. I have tried hard to differentiate this from the work I’ve done in the past,” she says.

Some proof that this Lucknow-born, London resident values her roots is her effort to revive her mom’s fashion label in Lucknow that trains women artisans in textile decoration and embroidery art. “She (mom) has been running the organisation for over 25 years now. I felt the idea had to be reworked in terms of design. It’s a dying art and I am happy to be doing my bit to ensure employment to people, educate children. My busy music schedule gives me little time though!” she states.

Given her work schedule and other commitments in India and the frequent travels, is she thinking of finding a home here soon? “I truly love the time I spend here, but London is home. That’s where my family stays. I end up coming here often; however the shift may take time,” she keeps us guessing.

Fitness may not feature among Kanika’s immediate priorities, but the fact that she keeps running around, working consistently is enough to keep her body in shape.

“I generally eat well. Being active and busy at work is the secret,” she reveals. While playback singing gives her a chance to breathe, she admits live performances are way more challenging. “I need to be excited, jumping and also maintain control over my singing, all at once.”

Beyond work, she travels, spends time at the spa, cherishing little moments with friends, family (her two kids and parents) and interacting with her fan-base. On her last visit to Hyderabad, she had a wholesome view of the city from the Falaknuma Palace. “Hailing from the City of Nawabs (Lucknow), I find it very similar to my home town. I love the Old City atmosphere, and feasting on the kebabs and biryani of course,” shares Kanika with a happy smile.