How does it feel when people begin to draw inspiration from you? Is it scary to be in such a position?
It feels great when people acknowledge my efforts and appreciate me for my hard work. But I don’t get scared of the responsibilities that come along with the trust that people have in my abilities. Instead, I take it as a challenge. It helps me give my best and live up to other people’s expectations. As the judge of Sony’s Indian Idol 5, my efforts would be to get the most deserving candidate win the title.

You are a thorough professional, that’s what the people you’ve worked with have to say about you. Does it come naturally?
I have worked hard to become a professional. I’m quite a funny person, let’s say different at home. But I’m also aware of the fact that such an attitude doesn’t work in the professional realm. I like being professional when it comes to work because it helps me perform better. It helps me concentrate more. I’m a kind of person who treats my personal and work life separately. That’s what keeps me going.

And you are addicted to your work?
You can call it an addiction. I’m totally passionate about my work. For, playback singing is what I simply love. I’m fortunate that God has given me the talent and all I have to do is sing.

At home, Sundhi is…
Like any other girl. I watch movies, meet my friends, plan outings with my family, make fun of other people and love to gossip. I want to learn cooking. Just that I don’t get to spend much time with my mom. But I know once I learn those culinary skills I will be a great cook. I’m also dying to start reading a book. The sad part is I don’t read at all. But I have heard so much positive about reading that I can’t wait any longer. I was in London a few months ago and I bought a lot of books. My first pick was Michael Jackson’s autobiography. He is my God. I read the first two chapters and had tears in my eyes.

Any memory of your stay in Delhi?
My school was in new Rajinder Nagar and we used to stay in Azad Market, we had a huge house – three bedrooms, a hall and a huge verandah. Yes, it was beautiful. I so enjoyed those scooter rides with my father.

Do you think you are a destiny’s child?
Destiny plays a decent role but ultimately, it all boils down to the talent one has. You might get an opportunity in life – just as I got – because of your destiny. But to say that everything depends only on destiny is a mistaken belief. A lot depends on one’s approach and the hard work one is willing to put in. But I firmly believe it is your talent that takes you ahead in life.

Do you ever feel you are underpaid?
Oh yeah, we are underpaid all the time. It is unfortunate that in India it is all about cricket and the film industry. There is nothing like music industry here. I mean, it exists but on a very small level and we all know about it. But it is getting better now. Stars have begun to respect singers. We are seen in the same league as the big stars. This wasn’t the case earlier because the producers and directors’ perception about the singers was, ‘Haan ek singer hai unse gawan lo.’

How did you react when Aamir Khan said lyricist don’t have a major role to play in making the song successful?
I respect Aamir Khan for he is one of the best talents we have ever had in India. Unka yeh point of view ho sakta hai. I’m not challenging that. However, as a singer mujhe yeh baat thodi samajh nahi aai. We have had songs which despite being picturised on not so popular actors have been a hit with the masses. Doosri baat yeh hai ki pehle gaana banta hai. Yeh baat alag hai ki log ab pehle gaana hi dekhte hain kyunki publicity hi aise hoti hai. But people hum the tune. It is all about team work. As a singer I can’t say it is just the composer’s song. I can’t work without composer who further can’t work without the lyricist. We all, including the actors, have to work hard to make songs successful. I don’t know Aamir personally. He is free to have his point of view. From what I have heard, it is maybe not so right.

Is there anything you regret in life?
I would be lying if I say I’m happy all the time. That’s fake. I agree there have been times when I felt, ‘Why the hell did this happen?’ But that doesn’t mean I regret anything that happened. I’m glad that a particular incident happened because it helped me emerge as a stronger person and allowed me to see things differently. I have got to know a lot about people I thought were close and not so close to me. It is that clarity of thought I treasure. I believe everything happens for good. Now I know only good things will happen.

Actors are used to linkups. Do you think it is somewhat safe for the singers?
Yes. But I have had my share of link ups. All those stories only make me laugh. I have enjoyed reading them and I’m absolutely ok now. Let people have their share of fun. It was quite funny and shocking to hear that I was linked up with Anu Malik once. I wanted to meet the person who thought of it.

What if you are linked with Anu again?
I’m all prepared for that.

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