The true humanitarian, whose compassion for the poor began not after she claimed fame… but at the tender age of four or perhaps she was born with it. In a candid chat, Palak Muchhal talks about her humanitarian cause, Bollywood and her dreams…
On tasting Fame at an Early Age
My life has literally been like a fairy tale. I have been so lucky! There are so many singers, who sing better than me, and there are people who work harder than me, but I have got to sing so many songs in Bollywood! I think this is because of the blessings of the kids I have been working for. For me, the biggest happiness is bringing a smile on someone’s face. I think that is the motive of my life.
About the ‘Palak Muchhal Heart Foundation’
I have been doing concerts all over the world, since the last 16 years for heart patients – the poor kids who are suffering from congenital heart diseases. So far, I have managed to donate more than 3 crores for 993 patients and I am soon going to complete a 1000 surgeries. I still have 442 patients in my waiting list, who I am continuously working for.
On her smooth sailing Bollywood Journey
My journey in Bollywood has been very smooth because of Salman Khan Sir. My music journey began when I was two and a half years old. Being from a Marwari family, I did not have any connection with music at all. But my mother got me trained in classical music. I have been lucky as Salman Sir introduced me to Bollywood. He recommended my name to different producers and directors. ‘Aashiqui 2’ was a landmark in my career and after that there was no looking back. I have more than 200 songs lined up to be released this year and next year in 2017. So, I am really excited and happy.
On How singing for Bollywood helps her charity work
There was a big difference in my charity work because of Bollywood singing. Earlier, singing for three hours would raise donation for just one patient. But now, when I perform my hit numbers, I manage to raise donation for 15 to 20 patients in a single concert.
God Father in the industry
Salman Khan Sir. One day he said, “You are soon going to sing for a YashRaj movie.” I was thrilled. I got a call from Sohail Sen sir and I recorded a song. But I did not know it was for ‘Ek Tha Tiger’. But when I was told about it, I was speechless, because at the age of 17 if you get to sing for a YashRaj film, that too a Salman Khan film and lend your voice for Katrina Kaif, then it is a big dream come true. I could not have asked for a bigger break than this. That song fetched me a lot of love from people, my fans and of course most importantly, immediately after Lapaata, I recorded around 67 songs for Bollywood films. So, I feel getting the first break is very important and after that, sustaining is even more important.
On challenges of the Music industry
Challenge to me is a negative word and I am a positive person, so I don’t find any situation challenging as such in a deeper way. But yes, there is a lot of competition in Bollywood, or for that matter in every field. For the singers, there is a huge competition because everyone is singing amazingly well, and everyone is working really hard. There is a flood of singers currently, but the best part is that, everyone is getting work. If you are working hard, if your voice matches a particular song or situation, you get to sing that song. There is no monopoly as such. So, it is a very good time. Because of the competition, we work harder to hone our skills. So, I think nothing is challenging if you are hardworking, focused and sincere.
Her Dream Project in Music
I wouldn’t say a dream project, but I want to do a lot more than I have done.
On being a Romantic and your Dream Wedding
I think I am a romantic person, I romanticise about life, yet I don’t lose the perspective of it. I have been planning about my wedding since I was four years old (chuckles). Wedding for me is the biggest celebration of life. Being a typical Marwari girl, mehendi, haldi, sangeet, sounds really exciting to me, so I would want my wedding to be really traditional.
Quickies
About yourself: Happy soul.
Desirable man: Haven’t found yet.
Perfect date: Haven’t thought about it.
Top of your playlist right now: Tum hi ho…
