A Chat With Kornia

What are you busy working on nowadays?
I'm mostly busy with stage shows nowadays. Stage performances are all the rave right now, so I'm keeping myself busy with such shows on a regular basis. I'm also doing live TV shows as well, but my primary focus is on stage shows.

What have been some of your achievements after leaving Power Voice?
I covered one of Mehrin Apa's songs in Power Voice called “Rajkumar”. The popularity of that among the fans has sustained, alongside one of my own songs called “Hero”. I guess these are my top achievements in terms of music since then.

You've been doing playbacks as well. How is that going?
I've done quite a few playbacks for movies, and among them, the item number for the movie “Runout” has been released. A few more are scheduled for release as well and I hope to work more with playback songs. Also my solo album is in the works, and I have finished recording many songs for it. I hope to release it this year.

Albums aren't very popular these days as most artists release individual songs more often. Do you feel the same way?
I believe an album is an identity piece for an artist and I want to have an album of my own. Profitability can be considered later, as I am doing the album from passion and with no commercial motives. Even I may release a single song or a music video someday; it's actually a matter of personal preference. I have published my song “Hero” on YouTube. I have plans for including it in the album as well, but have not decided on it yet.

Who would you say is your inspiration in the industry?
Ever since I was a child, I have been an admirer of Runa Laila ma'am. I am astounded by her performances and by her sheer gracefulness. I used to perform her songs back when I was in college and if there is anyone I consider to be an inspiration and an idol, it is her. I also enjoy the works by James Bhai, Bappa Da and Warfaze and they're some of my favourites.

Isn't there a possibility of getting lost in the waves of artists if you perform only on stage?
I don't think that will be my case as I choose to do live shows on TV as well, and I always try to give something unique to my fans in every performance so that they're interested to watch. Live shows do tend to put a fair amount of stress on the voice, but to survive as an artist in the industry, I believe there is no alternative to doing stage performances.

How do you prefer to spend your leisure?
I sleep whenever I catch a break, and maybe watch a little TV. I'm usually so busy with stage shows that whenever I get a break, I choose to sleep and rest.

Tell us something about yourself apart from your professional arena.
Well, I am a good cook, but in a slightly different way. I only cook for my near and dear ones, and to be honest, I love cooking for them. Other than that, I like discreetly helping people.

How do you practice? What is your daily routine for it?
I do Sargam every morning. Other than that, I tend to download various raags from YouTube and practice alongside those. I don't go to any tutors anymore, however I still practice what my previous teachers have taught me.

What are your plans for the future?
As for the future, I hope to be a good stage performer. I plan on having a lot of songs to perform on stage and look forward to being a versatile performer on stage.

Interviewed by Zahid Akbar and Narrated by Showbiz Desk