Despite not making it to the coveted spot of the Indian Idol 1, Prajakta Shukre decided the next best thing to do was to follow her dream of making it big, using the slow and steady method to reach the top.

After the show ended, she received various offers to sing professionally. She was signed Sony BMG and with composer Leslie Lewis, she released her debut solo album ‘Dhakka’ which is also the title to her first pumped up music video which went onto become a chartbuster. Interestingly, Shukre was the only female contestant to reach top five in her season. She finished fourth in her season (Abhijeet Sawant was the winner and runner-up Rahul Vaidya).

In an exclusive interview with Verus Ferreira, Prajakta Shukre goes down memory lane recounting her musical journey and her rise in the music industry.

You were one of the most popular lot of singers after Indian Idol. How has the journey been?

Journey has been pretty good. Lots of learning’s not just in music also in life, when I came here in the city of dreams, I was 16 years old, everything was very new and level up for me. At Jabalpur, our primary language of communication was Hindi. Suddenly here in Mumbai, I had to quickly observe, learn and speak in English specially for interviews and all, which initially was a challenge. Also, the life style, traffic, industry, was a major shift from a school going girl to someone who received applause and cheers for several minutes by just going on the stage. I also learnt that the real journey begins after you step out of that bubble, every year, every month, everyday. At least one singer dreams of becoming a popular singer and decides to visit Mumbai. So many hardworking talented people. I learnt its about being at it. To keep working on self, on skills, on getting closer to the self. The learning is never ending.

So when did your music journey start?

Probably when I was in my mother’s womb. My first Guru is my mother and at the age of 4 was the time when my journey started. Sometimes while she was cooking something she would tell me to repeat after her, sometimes I just used to sit along while other students came and learned from her. My father too is a music lover. So, not at all a very hard core training, but there was always music in our home. I used to listen to a lot of songs by Lata Mangeshkar ji and Asha Bhosle ji.

Do you think that Indian Idol stood by what it set out to do in finding new music talent, then and now.

It did give me great exposure. It’s a huge platform to reach many people at a time. And since that was the first ever reality show, people had a very natural and strong connect with us, they still remember the show and cherish our journey. Yes definitely, there are so many names who are doing great professionally.

Have you faced any challenges along the way in your music career.

Yes, mostly mental challenges, there have been times when I felt lost, also demotivated, eventually all those hard times made me stronger, gave me more patience, and humbled me.

What are the most memorable moments you have experienced as an artist.

Ahh quite a lot of them. It will be too much to tell you everything. Some are being on the stage, some being in the audience, some are behind the mic. An artist I feel is a very sensitive empathetic person. It’s through connecting with others is how an artist grows. Being on the stage, when the audience sings along with you, that’s such a thrilling experience, behind the mic when you are able to connect to that new tune and those words which you make your own, that’s such an enriching feeling being in the audience listening to the maestros, the musicians, its such a humbling thing, so through these years these were the special moments for me.

How do you see your journey as a singer?

I feel I definitely have grown as a singer (though there always is headspace for improvement), I feel especially in terms of emoting, as one gathers life experiences, observes relationships, goes through heart break and hardships, becomes more empathetic and connected to their art form. And music is all about emoting your feelings.

Do you have people you look up to in the industry?

I have learnt from many many people knowingly and unknowingly. Also, I have been fortunate to get to share the stage with the legends like Sonu Nigam, Shankar, Ehsaan, Loy, as part of their band. I have learnt so much on and off the stage, not just as a musician but also the way they are as people, so warm and so loving. I also look up to AR Rehman sir for the genius that he is. I feel each and every musician in India has learnt from his music.

What is the most difficult part of being a music artist in India.

Most difficult part is winning over your own doubts, as any artist. Also practically Mumbai is an expensive city to live in. It’s God’s grace that I have a home here, but I know its not that easy for everybody, because of Indian Idol, I could earn well through shows at that time and because of my parents blessings and guidance, we have a beautiful cozy home here. Mumbai challenges you in many ways, financially, emotionally, mentally, it’s not always a smooth ride.

The trend of independent music is back. How do you look at it as a singer?

It’s great. Independent artists are getting really great space and opportunity to showcase their talent through social media. And I personally have always enjoyed independent music a lot. The only shadow to it is that there are too many now. It’s mostly about the number game now. Many times I come across some profiles on Instagram and I am like who is this? and why so many followers. Kiya kya hai bande/bandi ne aisa. Haha. It’s tricky. So in this number game sometimes a good artist, or a good song may get lost because of not having money to promote it well.

You don't do much film music, is there any particular reason behind this?

Hahaha. I so wish I get to sing more and more for films, if I had a choice. In India, film songs are the biggest medium for your voice to get noticed well. Though now I see independent music is also getting good hold. Punjabi music videos are produced with such great budgets and many independent artists are big stars.

What are you presently working on....album, new music and any music collaboration.

I am working on some originals for my YouTube channel, some self composed, some composed by friends. I will be releasing some tracks in the spiritual zone as well, then very soon couple of popular Thumaris are going to release on Strumm Entertainment music label. Our Unwind versions like Puchonayaarkyahua, Kakarusajani, Jaanekyabaathai and all, on their(strumm) channel, received lots of love and appreciation.

Is there any Bollywood work happening too?

I did work for Kangana Ranaut with the song Dankila in ‘Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi’ which I hear was highly appreciated. Kangana has made it so big independently, which is really inspiring and amazing. So I feel great that I am her voice again after ‘Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi’ through the film ‘Thalaivi’ where I did a song Teri Aankhon Mein for Kangana in collaboration with Armaan Malik. I really look forward to singing more and more songs for her.

Trivia:

Favorite movie - I am a movie buff, just like my brother. We love watching movies, whether its sci fi, or drama, comedy, suspense, thriller, investigative .. all sorts.

Favorite Music - Indian Classical to start with, as I was introduced to this genre first, Indian Folk music, pop, Bollywood, alternate rock, easy listening, electronic, sometimes Jazz and western classical, fusion.

Favourite Indian destination  – Pahaad. I love mountains, so anywhere close to them. I can’t handle too much cold temperature. I love Europe too, so anywhere in Europe is heavenly.

Hobbies - Painting, Writing, Pottery, Playing games on mobile.

Favorite Book - Haven’t read much at all. I have enjoyed reading Paulo Coelho, I enjoy the poems by Khalil  Gibran. Have read couple of books by Osho and some non fictional stuff, biographies and all.

Favourite Indian music artists: Many. Like way too many, don’t want to miss out on any name so not naming just a few.

Interviewed Verus Ferreira