Abdul Sheikh has sung photo credit for Hindi film ‘Tumo Meri Kasam’: Special arrangement

Each winner of a music reality show does not secure a success in playback singing – and in every way the contestant is not eliminated in ambiguity. Abdul Sheikh is an example of the latter. He captured the audience with his intimate voice Sa re ga ma pa In 2023. A difficult journey has now inspired him for an exciting milestone – not one but two songs for Vikram Bhatt’s upcoming film, ‘Berang’ and ‘Ishqa Ishqa’. I swear to youIn this telephone conversation, Abdul opens about his musical roots, reality TVs in playback singing and the creative process behind his debut in Bollywood.

Asked if singing for films felt like verification of his talent, Abdul has shown the unexpected events that carry them forward Sa re ga ma pa“This happened by mistake,” he remembers. “I didn’t want to audition, but my friends kept moving forward to try me. Reality shows exposure, but many finalists still struggle to make a mark in playback singing, ”he says.

Scratchly

Abdul has consistently focused on playback singing – an art that she has been refining for the last seven to eight years, lending her voice for recording for music directors. “Live singing and playback singing are completely different practices,” they explain. “I have spent countless hours in the studio, learn to distribute emotions through a mike.” He has an impressive track record of recording 350 to 400 scratch songs for various projects.

His break came unexpectedly in 2016 when he recorded a draft for producers Mukesh Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt for the film. JalebiHe said, “He liked my voice and asked me to record the entire track.” However, despite his excitement, the song was eventually recorded in the voice of Sonu Nigam and later replaced with another version. “It is,” Abdul says, accepting the unexpectedness of the industry.

Reached with turning point I swear to youAbdul put his heart and soul in two tracks for the film – ‘Berang’ and ‘Ishakasa Ishqa’ – later a couple with Neeti Mohan, who was also a judge Sa re ga ma pa During the season of Abdul. “Neeti Mam immediately recognized my voice and was surprised,” he remembers with a smile.

Abdul Sheikh | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Recording Unstable There was still a magical experience for Abdul. “Vikram Bhatt sir wanted a new voice – someone who did not sound like someone else,” he says. “He told the story behind the song, guided me to feel the feelings of character. Typically, it takes about two hours to record a song, but that day, I finished it in just 35–40 minutes. ,

The main attraction of the session came after recording. “Vikram sir hugged me directly for three minutes,” Abdul Remember. “He said, ‘There is valor in your voice’. It was a moment that I will never forget.”

Sculptures and motivations

Abdul is learning Indian classical music and has been trained for three years under Ustad Mohsin Khan Niazi, the founder of Agra Ghar. After his demise, he continued his training with a famous Bollywood sargun player Ustad Liaquat Ali Khan.

Abdul, who studied in Mumbai, did not always plan a career in music. It was an inter-college competition during its junior college days that changed everything. At the time, a self-proclaimed bathroom singer without any formal training, he almost excluded the stage, but the encouragement from friends and teachers pushed him to perform-and he unnecessarily won a medal. Abdul took a year off to focus on singing by his father to choose either music or study. “The first six months were hard, the second half attracted me because I developed my voice. Eventually, I chose music. ,

Speaking about his idols, Abdul’s response comes without any hesitation. “KK Sir has always been my inspiration. Their realization, their singing – this is something that I aspire to do, ”he says. “I want to make an impression, maybe not so big, but somewhere close.”

Now that he has entered the Bollywood playback, Abdul’s dream is to work with music director Pritam. The characteristic of Pritam’s songs with about 70% of his performances, he says, “The vibe he makes is incredible – this is the dream I am following.”