All over the world, 21^st June is celebrated as 'World Music Day'. It is also known as 'Fete de la Musique' in French and Make Music Day as well. 

World Music Day was first celebrated in France in 1982. The Minister of Art and Culture, Jack Lange, gave this festival a green light, along with a renowned French composer named Maurice Fleuret. Every year, it is celebrated on the day of the summer solstice, which is 21^st June. The aim behind this was to bring people out on the streets and enjoy themselves listening to the music, however they like it. 

Today over 120 countries celebrate day.

Anusha Mani is one more singer who owes her Bollywood break to Shankar Mahadevan. Although she'd been singing with Dev D's music director Amit Trivedi as a collegian, it was Shankar who offered her Johnny Gaddaar after listening to an album she'd sung for. Then followed 'Lazy Lamhe' (Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic) and magically brought her recognition.

Anusha Mani is one among many artists who will be performing on Vh1 and MTV on World Music Day. She shared a few insights on her music. 

When was the moment you fell in love with music? Do you remember the song which played when you decided that you want to pursue music as a career?

I remember being on-stage when I was called to sing as a backup for someone who couldn’t make it. This group of artists asked me to come in. I remember singing ‘Raat Baaki hai.’

You will be performing on World Music Day for Vh1 & MTV in collaboration with Loreal, tell us more about the collaboration please and which songs can we expect you to perform to?

Well, the collaboration is huge and great. I am going to be singing an original of mine, Savera which is very close to my heart. I feel that defines me as an artist then it is this song. Savera’ resonates with me and is that song. Given a choice, I always sing my originals.

How do you draw the line between work and personal life? Do you disconnect from music or is it always a part of your life even when you’re not working?

I don’t draw a line because I am married to a musician, and it works well for us. It’s a blessing to do talk about something that you love all the time. It becomes annoying at times when you can’t do other things, but things gradually fall in place. We learn things over time.

Where do you go to for inspiration?

If you are looking to be inspired in life, then inspiration is everywhere in the world. We see various kinds of people and draw inspiration from them.

What’s your advice to budding musicians?

Don’t take no for an answer. Just find your own voice, strength, and creativity.

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira