Interview with Irfan

Voice of India (VOI) offered you a great platform in terms of reach & recognition. How was the experience?
When Sa Re Ga Ma Pa happened, I had my Engineering exams constantly at the back of my mind. I could not give music my fullest. But once I acquired my degree, I was ready to completely focus on music. That was when VOI happened. The timing was perfect. It helped me take the learning curve that began in Sa Re…, to a complete learning experience. The judges, unit members and co-participants, Shaan bhaiyya, and my mentors - Anand Sharma & Anuj Kapor, all helped me become a polished and ready singer. Of course, it was a lot of hard work and focused effort from my part as well.

What are personally your favorite performances in VOI?
‘Alvida’ earned me a lot of name. Even today, wherever I go to perform [stage shows], it is the most requested for song.
I derived great personal satisfaction from ‘Tadap Tadap’. There are very few performances of mine that make me go, ‘Ah, that is a good performance.’ To that extent I am perhaps my most difficult critic! But ‘Tadap Tadap’ was one song that made me smile when I saw it. Despite the fact that I got eliminated that day (Smiles).
I also like my ‘Dil Se’ and ‘Piya Haji Ali’ performances.

What have you been doing post VOI?
Life has acquired a new meaning. I’ve become extremely busy, but I am full-fledged doing what I always wanted to do. I do a lot of stage shows. I have performed in Pune and Bhuvneshwar amongst other places in India. Out of the country, I performed in Colombo and Dubai.

You also recorded a song for Mukesh Bhatt’s film. Pritam [music director] was super impressed with you. How was the experience?
This was the first time I was recording in such a big studio, with Mukesh Bhatt and Pritam observing me. I was a little nervous. But everyone was very encouraging, boosting my morale, assuring me I will do a great job. I hardly felt like a newcomer thanks to their support. They even gave me a break during which I refreshed myself with a masala dosa (laughs). When I finished recording the song, everyone was happy with the end result.

Your fans are looking forward to this song that according to Mukesh Bhatt will do for you what ‘Bhege Hont’ did for Kunal Ganjjawala. When is the album releasing?
News is that song I recorded might not be used in ‘Jannat.’ It might end up being used in Raaz – 2. Nothing is definite for now. I will keep you posted.

Sure. Well, fact still is you are now a Bollywood singer! Which brings me to the invariable question: who is the one Bollywood music director you really want to work with?
Undoubtedly, A. R. Rehman. He is a genius, a maestro. It will be my honor to be work with him. Inshallah, this dream of mine will surely come true some day.

How is the experience of performing on stage?
The first thing that strikes you is the immediate audience interaction. To dance and sing amidst your audience, hi-fiving them and getting them involved with your performance, that is the best aspect. It creates so much energy. To that extent, stage performances offer artists instant gratification. Yes, you are performing live so there is no chance of correcting something if it goes wrong. But I’m confident of myself as a singer, so this does not worry me.

From what I hear from your fans, your crowds can never have enough you!
(Smiles) My foremost duty when on stage is to entertain my audience. I also need to ensure my song creates melody; as a singer, that is my duty. But I have managed to gather the art of maintaining the balancing act.

Which was your most memorable experience when performing on stage?
In this show in Pune, I went into the audience, danced with them. When I returned to the stage, without my noticing, a girl followed me. She got onto the stage, barring the security. I willingly gave her the mike when she said asked for it, thinking she will ask for photo or say she liked my performance. And guess what she said. ‘I love you, Irfan.’

Oh my God, she proposed to you! What did you do?
I was so embarrassed in front of this crowd of 10, 000 plus people. And all of them started whistling and screaming! Anyhow, I took the mike back and thanked her for loving my music and my performances so much.

Oh so you diverted her attention from you to your performance. Neat! Is that because you already have someone in your life ?!!?
Not at all. I am single. There is no love angle to my life. I want to focus fully on my work.

For all the girls who love Irfan, there is still hope; he is single! Going on to a different love, when did you first realize your love for singing?
When I was in my 2nd standard, Ramachari sir, my guru, recognized me as a potential singer. He talked to my parents who were frankly quite surprised, because even though we are a family of music lovers, no one actively pursued singing. But they supported me a lot. Thanks to their support and sir’s training, I participated first in many state level, and then in national level competitions, and even won in some of them.

Apart from Ramachari jee, is there anyone whose guidance/training proved helpful?
I learnt Hindustani classical music from Mrs. Lalita & Mr. Jangayya for about four years. But I always consider Ramachari sir to be my guru, not only because of the talent he found and shaped in me, but also because it is from him that I learnt the importance of first being a good human. My parents too have provided me a wealth of values that help lead a life of simple living and high thinking. My guiding forces are God, parents, and my guru.

Pretty much explains why you are so humble! On a different note. Orkut/online presence brings stars like you closer to fans. Some artists feel this kind of intimacy dilutes their celebrity aura, making them one amongst the masses. Your take on this.
I totally disagree. I consider it my honor to be one amongst my fans. I am what I am today because of their blessings and love. Why should I isolate myself from them? They are my well-wishers, and I will always be there with them. Giving my fans melodies to cherish and entertaining them is my greatest passion. Also, my fans are best source of feedback, both positive and negative.

Your fans will love you for this, Irfan! Since we are on the topic of Internet, a recent article showed how Internet downloads are affecting audio sales. As an artist, does this cause fear?
I am yet to launch my own album. So I’m not well-versed with marketing aspect of things. But as a singer I know, it is very wrong to download a copyrighted material. The music industry suffers, their profits are hit big time. The producer and his whole unit is affected, because it takes a lot of effort to produce an album. Worst of all, creativity is affected. Because each time you download songs instead of buying the CD, you are denying singers an official seal of recognition. This is a message to all my fans. Please, always buy only copyrighted CDs and cassettes.

Well said Irfan. When CD prices have fallen so much, I see no reason why people should download music. Moving ahead, what are future plans?
Things are going good. I see opportunities arise in playback singing. On 28 January I’ll perform in Karavali Mahotsav in Goa. I am also getting many show offers. Beyond that, I have never been the sort to plan. I always believed in living a day at a time, giving it your best shot, working hard in all sincerity. The rest as they say is just the play of destiny.


Extremely well said, again! I am sure this interview will make your fans love you all the more. Is there any message you would like to give your fans?
I would like to mention you first, Shastri for creating this site, I appreciate it. It helps me stay in touch with my fans. And yes, I want to thank all my sweet-natured fans for their continued, support, love, and blessings. I promise to work hard and entertain all of you for many years to come, without ever disappointing you. Love you all.

We all love you too, Irfan! Thank you for taking out time for this interview.