UAE talent Shalu excels in India

A SINGER BROUGHT up in the UAE, Dubai's Shalu is used to the limelight - she even appeared in a Khaleej Times publication as a young adult. Though with her latest song, Aashiyana, garnering hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube and being picked up on Indian TV, the artist is experiencing a new stratum in her career.
An airline executive by day and using her free time to create Bollywood inspired tunes to further her creative endeavours, Shalu teamed up with fellow Dubai singer Danish for the release of Aashiyana. Danish comes from the Rampur Sahaswan Gharana (musical group) and plays the tabla. We spoke to Shalu to find out more.
What can you tell us about your latest song, Aashiyana?
My latest song is a romantic Hindi song and is pretty much simply an expression of love dedicated to all my fans and supporters.
What was it like shooting the video? What's it like seeing yourself on music television?
I always think of anything to do with music as a stress reliever. I really enjoy singing, recording and shooting. I was fortunate to have started my musical journey with my first song Shaame Suni Suni under the T-Series banner. They followed me with this song. Being associated with T-Series is a dream come true for any Indian singer. It really feels good to see yourself featured on music television and it is always a pleasure receiving feedback from friends, family and from people who you don't know.
You grew up in Dubai and were actually featured in Young Times. Let us in on your journey?
I had several opportunities after being featured in the Young Times magazine. Modelling was a hobby and there were offers. Then life starts getting busy and you get tied into making a career. My love for acting and music did not die, though. The connection was always there and, therefore, I would say my passion for music and acting has made me reach the point I am at now.
What advice would you give to other young people who want to get into music? What would you do differently if you had to do it all again?
My advice to the younger generation is to live your dreams and go make them come true. As much as the limelight looks beautiful, the journey requires one to be strong. Don't worry what people say. Some advice is helpful, some are just opinions, some motivates you while some may discourage you and make the path difficult. Just work on being the best version of yourself. I am very happy and grateful where I am in life today. I believe things come to you when the time is right so there are no regrets.
Tell us about Danish. How did you meet and what made you start singing together?
Danish belongs to one of the most prestigious musical families in India and was presented with a National Scholarship for Music by the Indian government. He is a versatile singer and has performed around the world for over 15 years. I was introduced to Danish through my family friends. I had seen him perform live at his place of work in Claypot Restaurant at the CityMax Hotel and, since I am a very attentive music listener, his energy, love and commitment towards music impressed me. As I have no formal training in singing, I would record songs at home and send them to Danish for feedback, which he would constantly provide and encourage me to pursue my hidden talent.
How important is YouTube and social media for up and coming singers? Does it level the playing field?
YouTube and social media such as Facebook and Instagram are the most important platforms to promote talent today. We have created our own YouTube channel, Alaap Makers, which is our way to reach out to people to promote our music. The word Alaap relates to music in Hindi.
Aside from singing what else do you get up to?
Singing is my hobby and I work full time. I love travelling and spending time in nature. I try and hit the gym a couple of times during the week. I like visiting places where you can dine and listen to good live music.
What have you got coming up?
I'm working on my next release which is a party number. The thought came up after my song Shape of You ( a Hindi, English and Arabic mashup) went up on our YouTube channel and gained a lot of appreciation. I realised people would like something peppy!
Check out Shalu's YouTube channel by simply searching 'Alaap Makers'
david@khaleejtimes.com