Shalmali Kholgade came to the limelight with her debut Bollywood song Pareshan from the film, Ishaqzaade. Since then, she has sung several hit songs like Balam Pichkari, Daaru Desi and Lat Lag Gayee. She recently released her first non-film single, Ruka Ruka, which she co-created with Digvijay Singh Pariyar and Sunny M.R.
Q/ You are debuting as a music composer.
A/My debut confirms my belief that nothing you do is inconsequential. When I was at Berkeley studying music, I got selected for the sing-a-song writer showcase. Film producer Nikhil Mahajan really liked the song I wrote, Love You Double, and asked if he could use it in his film. I suggested writing another one for it. Then he asked me to do the music, the scores and a couple of songs that were part of the film’s script. So I got onboard. Everything I have written so far has been what I felt like writing at the moment, but this is different—it is a new role for me.
Q/ How has your music journey been so far?
A/It has been beautiful and was so even before Bollywood happened. But Pareshan gave me my break. I went from doing a cabaret for a few months to singing at smaller clubs and restaurants to landing a song in Bollywood. Since then, I have delivered a few hits every year. Coming this far has been a wonderful learning experience. Now, I am able to give the kind of time, energy and effort to independent music, which is the path I always wanted to take.
Q/ Tell us about Ruka Ruka.
A/I have become known as the girl who sings peppy dance numbers, but Ruka Ruka connects with me on a deeper level. It is my honest representation of who I am. When Digvijay met me at a coffee shop and showed me a clip, I decided to go ahead and develop it. Aparshakti (Khurana, actor) further added to the charm by playing the male protagonist in the music video.
Q/ Any plans to make your Bollywood acting debut? Your Marathi-Konkani film, Tu maza Jeev, received a positive response.
A/I do wish to act at some point. Maybe it will happen soon. But I will await an exciting opportunity.