Punjab has given splendid singers to the industry and one such singer is the sweet and exquisite Gurdaspur born Nimrat Khaira. This beauty with brains is sure to leave you in awe with her indelible charm and beauty. In an exclusive interview with TLJ writer Sudeeksha Dewan, the charming singer, who has recently blown everyone’s mind with her new and dazzling avatar in the popular song Designer, recalls her journey in the Punjabi industry so far.
Share your experience since winning Voice of Punjab Season 3. How has the entire journey been for you?
It has been wonderful. Voice of Punjab was a turning point in my life. Though I have been learning singing since 3rd standard, I pursued studies in biotechnology, but after winning Voice of Punjab, I finally decided to become a professional singer and make a name for myself in Punjabi music industry. In 2016, I launched my first song Ishq Kacheri. Many people appreciated my song and I got a lot of recognition as well.
What led you to venture into films?
Becoming an actress was always at the back of my mind since childhood. When I got an opportunity to be part of Lahoriye, I instantly agreed. That was the perfect opportunity to test my acting skills and find out whether or not people will accept me as an actress. Also, Amrinder Gill and his team is one of the best teams to work with in Punjabi film industry, so when a good film came my way, I gladly accepted it.
You won voice of punjab in 2012. And your first song came out in 2016. Why such a long gap?
I was searching for the right team to work with, team that believes in quality rather than quantity, team that thinks like me. Also, I was completing my studies.
Who is ‘Nimrat Khaira’ behind the scenes?
I am a very simple, dedicated and hardworking girl, and I am determined to achieve my goals. Being the only child of my parents, I love to take care of them. I take time to open up with other people because of my reserved nature. I respect humanity, and for me nothing is above humanity.
Between singing and acting what will you prefer?
Of course singing as I am a trained singer and it has always been my priority. But in the near future if people continue to appreciate my work as an actress, I will love to do singing and acting simultaneously.
What next is in store for you?
Well, a lot of things have been happening lately, and these include some Bollywood project. In 2018 I will be launching my debut album, and along with that a couple of Punjabi playback songs and movies are in the pipeline.
Who is your inspiration in Bollywood?
Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor. I am completely in love with their style and I am truly inspired by the kind of work they do.
How was it working with Amrinder Gill in Lahoriye?
It was an amazing. The experience becomes thrilling when you get to work with a senior artist in your debut film. While shooting for the film, I got a chance to learn so much about acting from him. It was truly a splendid experience.
The song Designer has created a lot of buzz in the Punjabi music industry and the video is completely out of the box. How did you come up with the entire concept and video for the song?
(Smiles)Yes, this song has created a lot of buzz. Coming up with a completely different video was a joint decision taken by the whole team. I love experimenting and I am always open to trying new things. So this time I thought of coming up with something completely different than my usual videos, and this turned out to be an amazing experience for me.
How comfortable were you portraying a completely different avatar in the video?
I was totally comfortable with this new avatar. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed portraying it. The best part about shooting this video was that I got a chance to work with Baljeet Singh Deo. Every artist has a dream of working with him and I got to learn a lot from him. According to me, each and every artist should experiment with their looks and work. I will keep experimenting and entertaining my audience.
Which Bollywood/Punjabi singer do you look up to?
I look up to numerous singers and artists as I believe that every artist has an x-factor and I always try to pick up their good qualities. The list is very long but if I have to give a few names, I will say Richa Sharma and Noor Jahan. I love their voice.
Which Bollywood/Punjabi singer do you look up to?
I look up to numerous singers and artists as I believe that every artist has an x-factor and I always try to pick up their good qualities. The list is very long but if I have to give a few names, I will say Richa Sharma and Noor Jahan. I love their voice.
Where do you see yourself 5 years down the line?
I see myself working in the Bollywood. I would have done a couple of Punjabi movies and playback songs as well till then. After these five years I want to see myself transformed into a grown up and a well-polished artist.
The best compliment you have received so far?
(Laughs) The best compliment I have received so far is, “I will be a superstar and reign in the industry for a very long time.”
What type of outfits do you prefer, traditional or western?
Well, this one is a little hard to answer as I love wearing both traditional as well as western attire but I think I am more comfortable in a traditional look, especially a ‘Begum Look’ (laughs).
If you were not a singer or an actress what would you do on a normal day?
Nothing at all. I would just want to sit freely, be on my phone all the time, surf the internet and yes, watch Bigg Boss.
What is the craziest thing you have done?
I am a very boring person when it comes to doing crazy stuff. Frankly, I have hardly done any crazy stuff, may be little naughty things here and there but I seriously haven’t done any craziest thing yet.