Pitch Perfect: Kanika Kapoor

Your tryst with music: I trained for 12 years under Pandit Ganesh Prasad Mishra and completed my Masters in Indian classical music. I then moved to London to further my career. My first recording was in 2012 — and when Jugni Ji was released, the video created worldwide buzz. After Ekta Kapoor saw it, she contacted me, and the rest is history.

A composer and co-singer you enjoyed working with: I loved working with Vishal-Shekhar and Meet Bros Anjjan. If I had to pick a co-singer it would be Mika Singh.

A song you would have wanted to sing: Do Naina Aur Ek Kahani from Masoom.

Songs you enjoy: I love listening to Shubha Mudgal’s semi-classical and classical music. While performing too, I prefer classical songs. This is a genre no one has heard from me commercially, but that will happen soon.

Your inspiration: My mother has been a home-maker and a working woman — always doing something constructive in her own way. She has inspired me and made me try for more.

The importance of awards: Awards are a sign of appreciation, not only from the masses, but also from your fraternity. It felt great to have received my first award for my first song in Bollywood, and it gave me a boost to give my best.

One of your own songs that stands out: Baby Doll has and will always be special to me for being my debut in the industry followed by Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan from Roy.

Musical style: My training has equipped me to play around with different styles, and hence I’ve been experimenting with my singing.

Highlights of 2015: This year promises to be interesting. The projects include a song for Ek Paheli Leela which I have sung, composed and written; a song in The Legend of Michael Mishra, Chil Gaye Naina for NH10 and The Cricket Song which is inspired by the World Cup and being released by Universal.