I’m very happy with the work I’m doing’: Shahid Mallya

Shahid Mallya has much to talk about. The playback singer recently won the best male singer award for Daryaa (Manmarziyaan), for which he beat other popular names such as Arijit Singh, Diljit Dosanjh and Amit Trivedi – who composed the number. Shahid says about his victory, “I didn’t expect to win. I’m really thankful that the listeners gave the song so much love.” However, along with boosting his confidence, the award has added to the responsibility of doing better work. “I hope to live up to expectations and improve here on,” he avers.

The singer, who gained recognition with Rabba Main Toh Mar Gaya Oye (Mausam), has had two film songs hitting the marquee – Bulleya in the spy thriller Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW) and Bibi with Asees Kaur in the comedy-drama Gone Kesh. He has also dropped singles Wajood andTera Chehra Noor Sa. Though, Shahid states that he’d rather focus on playback singing. “This year, I will have a number of releases. Bollywood songs are going to be my priority and when I have some time, I will put out independent material, as well,” says he, “I really like working on non-film music, so inshallah, I will be able to more of that soon.”

Shahid has teamed up with Bulla Ki Jaanahitmaker Rabbi Shergill for Bulleya in John Abraham-starrer, Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW). The Radha (Jab Harry Met Sejal) singer enthuses, “He is a fabulous pop singer. He has a unique tone and his voice has a lot of emotions. He is also a great person, which made the experience better.”

The singer also feels extremely lucky to have worked with renowned film music composers such as Pritam (Rabba Main Toh...), Vishal-Shekhar in Kukkad (Student of the Year), Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s Iski Uski (2 States), Ikk Kudi, Chitta Ve and Hass Nach Le (Udta Punjab) for Amit Trivedi among others. “I want to sing for everyone that I haven’t yet. It’s not about established or new composers; if the composition and production are good, the track is mixed and mastered well, then it’s an achievement,” he points out. The singer says that he is also working with new musicians. “Audiences will hear those songs soon and I’m very happy with the work I’m doing,” he signs off.