Music is the greatest form of intoxication

Since when have you started singing?

Right from childhood, I used to sing at various social gatherings and parties thrown by my neighbours who are Parsees. I used to go properly dressed since I was in Class seven and sing songs. I also used to perform mimicry.

When did you take up music as profession? 

Though it was very difficult, I consciously hid my compering and mimicry skills during my college days in order to focus on studies. I felt that it would have become a distraction at that point of time.

It's a dual profession for you?

There were times when I did three shows a day on Saturdays and Sundays — some as mimicry artist, some as a compere and some as both. On weekdays, shows were slated in the evening and did not come in the way of my profession. In fact I often found my batteries recharged after doing a show.

Why have you chosen the name Khumaar? 

I feel music is the greatest form of intoxication — much more effective and better than what you get by consumption of the yellow and white liquid.

Why did you venture out on your own? 

Even today, I get invitation to conduct other musical nites. I happily accept. However, I often thought that there is a professional in me who wants to perform musical nites of high quality and give people happiness and joy, especially those connected with media, marketing and advertising.

What's special about your 10th anniversary show? 

Since last year, I have started a segment called Khumaar Ki Khoj, which gives scope to young aspiring artistes to display his/her talent. Last year, we had a girl from Nagpur and today she is a playback singer who sings with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. This year, we will introduce a boy from Delhi who is trying to make his career in singing. Also, watch out for the Qawwali Sequence. We associate with an NGO to promote its cause and help it to reach out to more people.

What response do you expect to your July 2 show? 

Well, by God’s grace, the number of audience was never a problem with Khumaar. In fact, many of my loyal and regular audience are not getting a chance to come this year due to the great demand. I started with We School auditorium with a capacity of 300. Thereafter, at Savarkar Hall with a capacity of 477 and now it is Manik Sabhagriha with a capacity of 600 on ground floor and 200 in the Balcony.

What do you aim at as a compere and a mimic? 

I want the audience to feel enriched after attending my show. I read, research and meet people. I will be giving anecdotes of Rafisaab and Kishore Kumar highlighting what did Kishorda feel of Rafisaab.

Future plan?

I want to go regional and then international.

When & where: July 2 (Saturday) at 5.30pm at Manik Sabhagriha

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