You have taken training in English classical music from Ontario Conservatory of music. How is it different from India classical music?
Western classical singing is completely different from Indian classical. It is a much more structured form of music and singing western classical often involves much more projection and vibrato. For my recitals, I had to sing in an auditorium full of people and be heard without a microphone. Indian music involves a lot more improvisation. Both styles of music have their own unique challenges.

You made you singing debut with Bollywood’s biggest starrer film ‘Chennai Express’. How difficult was it to find the spot in the same?
Chennai Express being my Bollywood debut was a matter of me being in the right place at the right time. I recorded it with no expectations of them keeping my part, and I was thrilled when I found out that my vocals would stay in the final song.

What do you have in mind for the near future?
I'm working on some independent songs and collaborations at the moment. There is no limit to what I want to experiment with and I plan to keep trying new things as I continue to develop my voice. Along with original works, I will be coming out with a couple of Bollywood releases in the upcoming year, God-willing.

You are a singing sensation in India with a huge fan following. How does it make you feel?
That's a generous statement! I'm thrilled to have people who believe in me and follow my work. The greater my following gets, the more I feel motivated to work harder and bring out great music. My fans are a blessing to me and I owe it to them to keep practicing and pushing forward!

You are an inspiration for youngsters settled abroad aspiring to be singers. How do you think you are impacting the Indian diaspora around the world with your talent and art?
I haven't given much thought to that! I think the internet has really made the world smaller and living "abroad" is no longer a barrier to musical collaborations/projects. Several of my collaborations with Aakash Gandhi (88keystoeuphoria) were done remotely. We recorded the audio and shot the videos from different ends of the world, and used the internet to edit it all together. I think people who follow my work have seen that you can make great music no matter where you are, and I'd love to encourage aspiring singers to keep at it and not get discouraged by physical distance. Talent doesn't remain hidden for too long. Use the resources you have—the internet, social media—and get yourself heard!