Musician

My father was a great admirer of music and the arts, so there was always a lot of culture in the house. As it happened, while my father was the ambassador in Portugal, the ambassador's residence had a piano, and so I started learning how to play it at the age of five.

I want people to get over my weight and the loss of it. It's been years, and I am sure people can find better things to talk about.

The love, adulation, and warmth that I got from India is the reason why I chose this country.

If someone ever decides to tell my story, it will make for a typical masala movie.

I was 230 kg, with a size 81 waist. I couldn't buy anything off the shelf and needed more than one tailor to measure and stitch my clothes.

Though music was not in my blood, I always considered myself belonging to music, and that remained with me throughout my studies. The studies were my parents' wish, which I fully complied with, as one must be educated at the highest possible level.

I don't give a damn about trolls.

I know we live in a materialistic world. I am not living on Cloud Nine; I am not living in Disneyland. I understand all that.

When I was obese, I reached a point where I was about to meet death, and I lost weight to restart my life.

I believe every artiste, at some point, needs to take a step back.

Terrorism doesn't have a border. Terrorists attack Mumbai, Peshawar, and also Paris.

I'm grateful to God that I'm able to praise his glory through my music.

I had my own ups and downs in getting Indian citizenship. But, ultimately I got it and I am happy about it. I like India. My love is here. I am a proud Indian.

I love the classic marble inlay work of Arga.

My independent songs are actually about me, so if you really want to know me, listen to my songs and know what I have been through in my life.

I come from a non-musical family.

I want to be able to touch people's heart through my music. I want to bring a smile on every face. In my own humble, small way, I want to touch lives.

Northeastern folk music influenced me from a very young age. Sachin Dev Burman is one of the inspirational musicians in Indian film music. The way he fused folk music with his signature style is amazing. So, I am aware of the beauty of northeast folk music.

My roots are in classical music and jazz, and I want the freedom of being able to improvise. This freedom is possible only in a live concert.

My weight is this permanent topic that just doesn't fade away. Most days, I am fine with people talking about it. That doesn't bother me as much as how people use the fact to promote their own ventures.