Mumbai April 16 (IANS) Mathura-born Hemant Brijwasi winner of music reality TV show "Rising Star India 2" has already had a tryst with singing for Bollywood films. But he says his dream is bigger than being a playback singer.
Brijwasi won the title on Sunday night taking home a prize amount of Rs 20 lakh.
"I never imagined to be the winner " the young talent told IANS over phone.
"I am thankful to all our mentors and especially to Shankar Mahadevan who encouraged me to try out different genres " he added.
Brijwasi developed an interest in singing from a very tender age. He loves singing Indian classical and Sufi songs.
"Though I have got a chance to sing for a Bollywood film my mission in life is not to become a playback singer. I admire and idolise Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan saab and I want to be someone like him to who is remembered for his great music for generations " he said.
He has worked under Vishal-Shekhar s music direction for "Arjun - The Warrior Prince" as well as for some other projects. He also has a track in the upcoming Diljit-starrer "Soorma" and the song is penned by celebrated writer Gulzar.
"This is going to be a very special song because Gulzar saab has written the lyrics of it and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have composed the song " he said.
"Rising Star 2 aired on Colors had a panel of experts including Mahadevan and singers Monali Thakur and Diljit Dosanjh.
Mahadevan was a source of encouragement for the singer who competed in the final round with Rohanpreet Singh and Vishnumaya Ramesh.
"I remember my first performance was Tashan se and I tend to sing only Sufi style numbers. One day Shankarji came to me during our practice and very affectionately told me Why don t you try something different instead of something that you are already good at? Honestly I did not have much confidence but he kept pushing me " he recounted.
--IANS
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