Happy to work with a singer like Divya: Mahalaxmi

Can you tell us about the Coke Studio concept?

I think it's a great platform for both established and upcoming musicians to come together and try something new that they can't experiment in the mainstream media. I have performed in two productions this season and both are different from each other. One song composed by Ehsaan and Loy, 'Man Patang Mast Malang', is Assamese music and I doubt if they would have been able to do it in any of their Hindi movies. At the risk of sounding controversial, I'm saying we are a little typecast when it comes to film songs.

How did you get into this?

My association with Ehsaan and Loy dates back to the time when I hadn't started singing in films. We have done many non-film projects including ad jingles. When they were invited to participate in the second season of Coke Studio, they were kind enough to tag me along. Like any musician, I'm a big fan of Coke Studio Pakistan and have been following since its first edition. It made me aware of the similarities between Indian and Pakistani music, though there is a border between us. Still, their music is varied due to the other influences. So it's really an opportunity for me to be part of the innovative initiative.

Why was Assamese music chosen for Ehsaan-Loy’s composition?

It just came about. The song is about a soul breaking its barriers and the music required one line to repeat. When I suggested Assamese words, they were found apt. Lyricist Manoj Yadav penned the song in Hindi and there are a few Assamese lines. I sang the female version and even had chances to offer my inputs in the composition, which Ehsaan-Loy have implemented. I'm happy to have participated in another composition along with an emerging singer Divya Nair.

Why no Tamil songs of late?

I have sung some good Tamil numbers in the past, but sadly, they didn't make it to the popular category. But there are some songs coming up which have been composed by LV Ganeshan and D Imman. I hope people will like them.

Any plans to turn composer?

I have worked with different musicians and even composed a few ad jingles. So, may be, I would turn a composer in the future though I have never thought about it so far.