Nakash Aziz - Mangalorean voice in Bollywood music

Sanchia Nazareth
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Sep 29: Many Mangaloreans have already made an indelible mark in Bollywood, be it actors, actresses, directors or even choreographers. Now, another Mangalorean has joined the bandwagon, this time charming the entire country with his sonorous voice and music.

Meet Nakash Aziz, the recent sensation in the Bollywood music industry, the voice behind hits like the title track from 'Aisha', 'Pungi' (with Mika Singh and Pritam) from 'Agent Vinod' and 'Second-hand Jawani' from 'Cocktail', 'Phata Phati' from 'Barfi', and the latest, 'Dhating Naach' from 'Phata Poster Nikla Hero'. Not is Nakash a singer, but also a music composer.

For Nakash, who was born in Moodbidri to Naushad Aziz and Shamshad, the inspiration and music has come from family. His father Naushad, retired employee of Corporation Bank, and his uncle Ameerjan were well-known as 'Junior Kishore Kumar' and 'Junior Mukesh' respectively, and their music band 'Rema Roses' was famous in Mangalore and other parts of Karnataka and Kerala as well. Nakash was a master of tunes from a very young age, and he regaled audiences even as a child with entertaining performances with his father and on his own as part of various concerts.

Speaking to daijiworld, Nakash said that music has always been in his family. Although he did not recieve any formal training till his later school days, he followed in his father's footsteps especially when it came to practising. It is only during his high school and college days that he studied Hindustani classical music.

Nakash never hesitated to do anything in life. His father's colleague suggested that Nakash participate in a couple of music shows which encouraged child talent. He took it up, and for around three years Nakash along with several other kids entertained audience all over.

"That is where several doors opened. I met different people and I was prepared for anything that came my way. Determination and constant practice helped me reach the next level," says Nakash.

Entry into the popular 'Indian Idol' contest gave a new dimension to his career. He made it to the top 28, and although he had to face an exit soon after, it did not deter the budding singer and only encouraged him to perform better.

"Although the journey was not as I would have imagined, the exit from Indian Idol was in in fact a major positive sign for me," he says.

Asked who he considers his role model, Nakash says, "Being around musicians is amazing. My true role model would be A R Rahman. Listening to his music live is like sitting at a Dargah... so peaceful. Pritam is another composer-musician I adore. I learnt to be humble from him."

He adds, "During my college days I did not even have money for an ice cream, still I would somehow save up and ensure that a CD or a recording of A R Rehman was in my possession. A R Rehman has made a major impact on my music, and I listens to all his music including in Tamil, Telugu and others."

Bollywood's top music composer Pritam is more of a friend to Nakash. "He (Pritam) taught me to be grounded... this is what will help me go a long way. Success sometimes does carry you away from reality. I will work hard and strive to keep my head firm on my shoulders."

Nakash Aziz has also assisted Pritam as music composer and also A R Rahman in films like 'Delhi 6', 'Rockstar', 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan', 'Raanjhana', 'Olympics Song 2012' (Danny Boyle) and has sung for A R Rahman in a few films like the recent Tamil film 'Maryan' and Commonwealth Games theme song and so on.

Under the guidance of music director Sandeep Chowta, who incidentally, is also connected to Mangalore, Nakash has sung in a Kannada film 'Tamassu'.

The music for Marathi movie 'No Entry-Pudhe Dhoka Aahey', a remake of Hindi 'No Entry', was by Nakash, and was a hit.

Nakash Aziz has also rendered his music to TV serials  and ad jingles for brands like Asian Paints, Hyundai, UltraTech Cement, and Microsoft, to name a few.

His advice for budding young talent is 'application' is the key. "Be there for music and keep up your interest. Although the experience can be breathtaking and I still can't believe my luck, I will try to avoid getting carried away."

His future endeavors will consist of more music recording as well as music production. A couple of music videos on YouTube are also on his to-do list.