My brother is my role model, says Tulsi Kumar

Mumbai, April 15 (IANS) Tulsi, T-Series baron Bhushan Gulshan Kumar's sister, has ventured into playback singing with "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye" and says she always wanted to be a singer.

"Ever since I can remember, music has interested me. Even as a child I would keep humming songs. One day, dad (Gulshan Kumar) heard me and loved my voice. He suggested that I take up singing professionally. I was just six years old then."

Tulsi started her singing career with devotional songs, reports Bollywood Trade.

"I come from a very religious family and I am a religious person. I first wanted to seek the blessings of god before kick-starting my career. That's why I got into devotional songs."

In her home production "Humko Deewana...", she lends her voice to Katrina Kaif in the title song with Himesh Reshammiya.

Excerpts:

When did you decide to pursue singing as a career?

Ever since I can remember, music has interested me. Even as a child I would keep humming tunes of songs. One day dad heard me and loved my voice. He suggested that I take up singing professionally. I was just six years old then but I knew I wanted to be a singer. I joined the Suresh Wadkar Academy and now for the last four years, Arvind Jha has been my guide.

How supportive was your family about this decision?

It was my father's dream to see me sing. Even my mother has consistently encouraged me and helped me to remain focused.

You started off with devotional songs. Why the shift to mainstream songs?

I come from a very religious family and I am a religious person. I first wanted to seek the blessings of god before kick-starting my career. That's why I got into devotional songs. I have sung for around six-seven devotional albums.

Also, I have done a lot of remixes and sung numerous cover versions. So I wanted to experience the whole gamut of songs before I actually get into mainstream songs.

Will devotional songs take a back seat?

No, not at all.

Which is the first Hindi film song you recorded for? How was the experience?

The first ever song I recorded for a Hindi film was the title song of "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye". Anu Malik, who has scored the music for the film, was very patient and made me feel very comfortable. I sang it along with Sonu (Nigam). The song has shaped up really well and is rocking the charts.

Who is your favourite singer?

From the previous lot of singers, I adore Lata Mangeshkar-ji and Asha Bhosle- ji. From the current lot, I really like Sonu Nigam.

Which is your favourite song?

I like all the songs by Lata-ji. But my favourite is "Chand phir nikla" from the movie "Paying Guest".

Any role model?

I look up to my brother. He has worked very hard from a very young age and faced a lot of difficulties. He has inspired me to work hard and make it on my own merit.

Future projects?

I have sung a song "Mohabbat ke" for "Aksar, which has just been released. Although I sang first for "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye", the song for "Aksar" released first with Himesh Reshammiya.

My track from "Tom, Dick and Harry" has also just been released. I am also singing for Priyadarsan's "Chup Chupke" releasing on June 9.

You have sung Malik and Reshammiya's version of the title song of "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye". Which do you prefer?

I really like both of them. These composers are such big names and I am glad I got to work with them at the very start of my career.

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Humko Deewana Kar Gaye