In-Side Thought

Tulsi Kumar, Indian playback singer known for her contributions to Bollywood hits like 2006’s Chup Chup Ke, 2010’s Once Upon A Time In Mumbai and 2016’s Sarbjit to the 2019’s Paniyon sa and the daughter of the legendary Gulshan Kumar, is the brightly twinkling star of this issue.

Tulsi Kumar, Indian playback singer known for her contributions to Bollywood hits like 2006’s Chup Chup Ke, 2010’s Once Upon A Time In Mumbai and 2016’s Sarbjit to the 2019’s Paniyon sa and the daughter of the legendary Gulshan Kumar, is the brightly twinkling star of this issue. Not only is her voice scintillating and tantalizing but she has her heart in the right place! She is also passionate about social causes that are tearing our society and she is working towards making our country a better place with her work. Glide along to the melodious tunes of Tulsi Kumar!

You began receiving training in classical singing at the Suresh Wadkar Academy at the tender age of six. Who was your earliest musical influence, and what did you learn from the influencer?

I grew up in a completely musical atmosphere even though I did not visit the studios at that age. Music lessons made me very happy and boosted my self-esteem. In school, I was always a part of music competitions whether group or solo. This really helped me to nurture my passion and build my confidence, making me the singer I am today. Following this newfound confidence and being more capable as a singer, I could then start to perform and thus grew into what I am today.

Though I always had a love for music and I started learning music too, I did not know that I would be a professional singer one day! My parents guided me in the right direction. There have been so many people in my personal life but my parents have been amazing role models.

Growing up, how important was music in your life? What was your father’s role in you becoming the singer that you are today?

There was always music in my house, my father Shri Gulshan Kumarji, used to bring home a lot of unreleased music too of movies that he was producing at that point in time, the music of movies like Aashiqui, Dil, Dil hai ki manta nahin, Sadak.

However, one of my first memories of my love for music that I can remember is watching the song Dil hai ki manta nahin over and over again in a videocassette. I was completely in my element being immersed in the music of dil hai ki manta nahin. I used to keep humming those songs in odd harmony here and there. That’s where my father heard me and he thought that I have a sweet voice that should be trained and he asked me whether I would like to learn music and I readily agreed and the rest is history!

“Singing along with Rahat Fateh Ali khan shahab made this song one of my most enjoyable ones”

Your album “Love ho Jaaye,” came out in 2009. Listening back to your old songs, do you wish you had done something differently or would you like to add something to them? 

After my album “love ho jaye” I have not done much of independent music but 2020 will see me featured in lots of independent music.

Growth is always a part of your music pattern and when you reach a certain point that when you look back at your old stuff you feel that you could’ve been done it differently. But I absolutely admire all the workup done because as I said it’s helped me grow as an artist.

If you don’t make a mistake how can you learn? so I think it’s very important when you are a beginner you know you’re not that confident and then when you become a seasoned singer and the confidence comes in, there’s a complete growth as an artist which is reflected in your career graph to.

“Helping others is hugely empowering and, in turn, you feel happier and more fulfilled”

You’ve done so much in the field of music at this point. What’s your favorite project you’ve done so far? Which was the most enjoyable one and helped you learn and grow as an artist?

Honestly, I can’t choose amongst the projects that I have done but there are certain songs that I feel connected when I did “Soch na sake” I instantly connected to the vibe and feel of the song which is very important. ‘Tum jo aaye zindagi me baat ban gaye’ composed by Pritam da is a duet along with Rahat fateh Ali khan sahab; this was a very important project for me! The romantic track that became essential in every wedding playlist, in every house party. Singing along with Rahat Fateh Ali khan shahab made this song as one of my most enjoyable ones. 

There are more things you can do with your voice depending on the song, but the most important tip would be to immerse yourself into the song and experience it. Even if you use all these songs, if you don’t ‘feel’ the song, it may just sound fake. If there is a genuine connection between the song and the singer, it has an amazing effect.

We really like “your way of styling ” – and how it all came together! Your tips on how to lead a healthy lifestyle? Is there any particular “lifestyle regimen” that you follow?

I believe that fashion is about feeling great about how we seem and feeling great in who we are. Basically, I like to wear what works best on my body type. You should know the best pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable. Half the battle is won when you know what works for you.“If your clothes are too big or too small, they are not going to look good,” so embrace your body type and learn to love all that fits perfectly.

On healthy lifestyle- I eat healthily, I make sure that I keep my dinner light and I do yoga. It’s no secret that the benefits of yoga transcend your mental and physical fitness. Regular meditation and breathing practice can transform the rest of your life. And I always try to retain practicing yoga despite my very busy work schedule and I’m also a mother of a 2-year-old so keeping all my responsibilities and my work commitments in mind I do yoga and I have made it a lifesaver regimen for me.

We have heard a lot about your social work like the Swasth India Campaign. What inspires you to engage in charity? Tell us about the social causes you are passionate about?

Yes, I was part of the Swasth India campaign and I’m very proud to be associated with such campaigns that inspire me, help me have a positive social impact.

 Again I think it’s something that I have grown up seeing in my own house. My father used to believe in humanity and the power to improve the lives of others. He was involved in many charities. I love to visit the smile foundation. I feel it’s my moral duty to use whatever I have to help others, a sentiment very much rooted in my personal values and principles.

 My mum is a very compassionate person and believes in being associated with many social causes. I am passionate about child education, women empowerment and save the girl child. In the end, helping others is hugely empowering and, in turn, you feel happier and more fulfilled.

Any special message you want to convey to our readers?

I would like to thank my fans and their consistent support. it’s their love that inspired me to do different kinds of songs and different genres of music. 

Thank you for loving and accepting my work. It encourages me to work harder and give the best. And a lot more music is coming your way from me.

Thank you for your kindness, and support you have shown me.