'I feel really fortunate to have sung with Arijit'

Singer, actor and VJ — Khushboo Grewal dons many hats. She has acted in movies such as ‘Raaz: The Mystery Continues’, television shows like ‘Dil Dosti Dance’ (Channel V), and has even playbacked for films like ‘Hate Story 2’, ‘Junooniyat’, ‘Calendar Girls’ and ‘Baaghi’.

In a tête-à-tête with Shweta Sharma, she talks about her journey and the experience of singing with Arijit Singh.

You started out as a VJ, went on to act, and have now turned singer. How has your journey been?
I started as a VJ, acted in television and films, and now am a singer and performer. I also host shows and perform live shows, so it’s been an interesting and fruitful journey. I have enjoyed doing whatever I have done. Am still discovering myself and have a long way to go. I don’t know where I will be 10 years from now, but it’s a journey which is constantly on, and I can’t wait to discover the new exciting things I will do.

How did you bag your first singing project?
My first singing project was ‘Pink Lips’ (Hate Story 2), and it came my way because I was working at the ‘Meet Bros’ studio and they asked me to dub a scratch for it. Then one day I got a call from them saying that my voice has been approved for the song. They said that the producer loved my voice, so I should come to the studio with a box of sweets.

How was the experience of singing with Arijit Singh in ‘Baaghi’?
I feel really fortunate to have sung with Arijit Singh so early in my career. I think, currently, there are very few people in the industry whose legacy is going to go on long after they are gone, and Arijit is one of them. For someone like me, who is just three to four songs old in the industry, singing a duet with him is a blessing. He is a very versatile and effortless singer, and to see him sing the way he does, with a smile on his face, is a treat not only as a musician but also as a fan.

Which actor do you wish to sing for?
I would like to sing for Madhuri Dixit because her expressions would give a whole new meaning to my voice. I have always been a fan of hers. Her smile simply lights up the screen, and singing for her would be a privilege.

Many actors are now also singing in their movies. Does it take away
opportunities from playbacks?
There were no playback singers in the black and white era; actors used to sing for themselves. I think it is great that Bollywood has come a full circle with actors now singing for themselves again. This is the time for multitalented people. If you can do justice to both then why not? Bollywood actors are even modelling; it doesn’t mean that models have stopped existing. But it is about being the best; and if a person is not
multitalented in today’s times then they are going to be out of the race very soon.