Feel blessed to have AR Rahman as my mentor: Arpita Gandhi

Arpita Gandhi, a playback singer who has lent her voice to projects in different languages, including The Diplomat(she performed Uzma’s theme), Devara: Part 1, Jawan, Thiruchitrambalam, Dhootha and Tamasha, says that she feels “blessed to have AR Rahman as my mentor.” Arpita, who hails from Ahmedabad, talks about her music, how the city has contributed in her journey and more. Excerpts:

Nobody in my family was into music but they were very supportive of my dreams. I went to Chennai to study Western vocals, where I was spotted by Rahman sir and he later mentored me. Thanks to his guidance, I started singing as a session vocalist for films. I relish the challenge of singing in different languages. Singing the French track J’aime La Viein Tamashawill remain one of the most memorable recording sessions of my career. I was invited by Rahman sir to his Mumbai studio for the recording session. I was asked to refer to a sweet track by Edith Piaf (French singer) but bring my own interpretation to it.

Working with a living legend like AR Rahman, whose music is timeless and borderless, has been a dream come true. I feel very blessed to have him as my mentor and my approach to music as a solo session vocalist has been influenced by him. Early in my career, he told me that having mastered my techniques with the best, it was time to unlearn and let my voice flow. This advice has been one of my biggest learnings as a musician.I don’t consider AI to be a threat to artistes. After all, it can’t feel the audience, right? When it comes to portraying the emotions and vulnerabilities of a character, a playback singer will always do a far better job.

I was born and brought up in Ahmedabad. Although I moved to Chennai to pursue my music studies and it’s my second home now, I consider myself a pakkAmdavadi. My creative journey started here and the city (Ahmedabad) has inspired my music. The kind of person I am and the professionalism I bring to the table as an artiste have been shaped by Ahmedabad. In Chennai, I have been lucky to meet musically like-minded people.I would love to work in the Gujarati film industry. As a Gujarati, I feel I can offer a lot to our films.