THERE is a feast of fabulous film songs loved by different generations in the forthcoming Bollywood Time Machine tour.
Talented British singers will deliver Hindi cinema music classics from different eras at various family-friendly concerts. Drupti Vaja will be one of the headline performers at the Harrow Arts Centre next Saturday (14).
Eastern Eye caught up with her to talk about the Bollywood Time Machine tour, live performance, Hindi film music and key inspirations.
How much do you love singing live on stage?
For anyone who knows me, music is my life. From the moment I wake up, I’m humming and singing right up until I go to sleep – some say I also sing in my sleep. Energy from the audience is what feeds my musical soul.
Do you ever get nervous before starting a show?
No matter how many shows I do, I always get nervous. Having the right guidance and discipline of bettering myself vocally is something that has been instilled since childhood, which means the learning is always continuous. So, nerves are always there, but to channel it, I try to learn from each and every performance. My guruji once told me, ‘it’s good to have nerves, and when you don’t is when you should be nervous’. That has stayed with me every time I get ready for a show.
How much are you looking forward to the Bollywood Time Machine show?
I am absolutely honoured to be a part of the Bollywood Time Machine show. I have a lot of Bollywood songs I will be singing on the night, which I have prepared. I am looking forward to singing them all for you.
What can audiences expect from the concert?
You are in for a real treat – from dancing to live singers and lots of entertainment. What more could you possibly want in a Bolly filled evening?
In terms of Bollywood music, which is your favourite era?
I was born in the 1990s – what a beautiful era that was. Although I love all eras of music, including the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the 1990s will always be my personal favourite always.
Which songs do you most enjoy singing live?
It is a cliché, but I absolutely love singing love songs because they basically encapsulate the essence of Bollywood as a whole. Whether they are about romance or heartbreak, I enjoy singing love songs that stir the soul.
Who is your favourite Bollywood singer?
My favourite singer is the one and only, late, great Lata Mangeshkarji. I also admire many others – Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, and Arijit Singh – to name just a few.
What inspires you as a singer?
Learning and developing my knowledge in music inspires me. My parents did so much for me in my earlier musical days, taking me from one show to another and supported me with singing lessons. I also learned so much from my musical friends. I have been lucky to have been surrounded by musicians, who inspired me on stage, and I’m vocal in expressing my gratitude to them. I am also inspired by the thought that music is the ocean, and we are just a tiny drop of it. There is always so much more to learn.
Why should we all come to the Bollywood Time Machine show?
It’s going to be a great evening filled with laughter, music, dancing and a throwback to the greatest hits of Bollywood.
Why do you love classic Bollywood music?
You can’t beat Bollywood classics – there’s a song for each and every person. It’s something you can’t compete with, so make sure you all get your tickets for an unforgettable night.
Bollywood Time Machine concerts at Harrow Arts Centre (next Saturday, 14), The Beck Theatre, Hayes (September 26), Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton (November 2), Landau Forte College, Derby (November 3), Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch (November 8), The Core Theatre, Solihull (November 9), Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (November 24), 2Funky Music Café, Leicester (November 30), Birmingham Hippodrome (December 7), and Glee Club, Glasgow (December 8).
www.luventertainment.co.uk
Sandhya Suri poses during a photocall for the film "Santosh" at the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 21, 2024.