From Being Inducted In The Limca Book Of Records To Winning Multiple Awards - We Chat With Renowned Singer, Sagarika Deb

From being inducted in the prestigious “Limca Book of Records” in their music special edition, to winning music awards and having won international competitions, here's a candid conversation with the talented singer. 

Tell us a little about yourself! 

I'm an ordinary girl from Delhi with extraordinary dreams. I always had a great interest in the internet, social media and in using these, wanted to share not only my music but also important social issues like Women's Empowerment and Animal Rights, another cause which is extremely close to me. 

The music in me and my love for the internet/social media helped me to create the World’s First Internet Girl Band, after that numerous media coverages and awards followed. Some of the most memorable being honoured as the “Top 10 Shining Faces/Young Achiever of the Year 2012” for Delhi/NCR by ‘Delhi Desire’, Dainik Jagran Group Magazine, being inducted in the prestigious Limca Book of Records for their music special edition and to be featured in the ‘BBC World News series ‘Digital Indians’. Now I have started my solo journey under the guidance of French Music Firm, HorizonVU Music as an International Pop Artist. I released my first Single “Shine A Light”and the music video as a homage to Nirbhaya/Jyoti.

Who or what inspired you to become a Singer?

A singer that has inspired me the most is my mother. I happen to come from a very musical family and my mother and sister are both brilliant singers. Ever since I first opened my eyes as a baby I heard my mother singing to me and later too I was so proud to see her performing on stage. I always wanted to be like her, she really inspired me. I have always got my inspiration from my mother and she always encourages me to aim high. 
Before my mother got married she lived in Kolkata, and living there was a very famous music teacher. He was truly gifted and very special, even more so because he was born blind. He once said to my mother, “If there is anyone to take the place of ‘Lata Mangeshkar’, it would be you”. So of course I cannot be asking for any other inspiration than in my own family, my Mother.

How long have you been singing?

Coming from a musical family, singing has always played a BIG part in my life. My first steps on stage were at the tender age of two and half when I dressed up as a beautiful Bengali Indian Bride and my sister acted as my groom. A musical act followed and I can remember being so excited to be part of it all. Even then I was a child with big dreams, and I knew there was nothing else I wanted more than to be performing on stage in front of an audience.

Through the years I have won numerous certificates and awards for singing, dancing and acting. I have always been very passionate about mixing the styles and sounds of Western music with Indian music, a ‘fusion’. Luckily my musical abilities enabled me to build up friendships and contacts with some truly talented songwriters from different parts of the world. My confidence as a performer and singer has grown and I am more aware than ever of the singing career I wish to pursue. I have not looked back.

Are there any famous singers that have influenced you down the path of your career?

If I have to choose from any of the famous singers I will definitely be Enrique Iglesias. I just love his voice and the way his vocal timbre goes. 

What did your family do to encourage you? 

My mother and sister are both brilliant singers. My parents have always told me to chase my dreams and most importantly, that there is no difference between a boy and a girl and that we are all equal. I am exceptionally close to them. There were times when I lost hope and was disheartened with the failures but my parents have always asked me not to lose hope and believe in my talent, believe in the power of the universe and spread a positive message. 

They totally understand my life, career and the pressure of being in the entertainment business. They are totally my comfort pillow on whom I can rely upon anytime without worrying about anything. 

The last three years of my life has been like a practical tutorial. I have learned how to work as a team - Now it is all about ‘WE’ not me. Everything I have been able to achieve today is down to a big team effort. The support that I have had from my management, songwriting team and family has been overwhelming.

I have learnt that a successful artist wants and needs a team that can be relied on. After all, it is about trust, sensitivity and support for everyone involved. So now my team is like my second family.

What characteristic according to you is unique to Delhi (What makes Delhi, ‘So Delhi’!)

It should definitely have to be the History of Delhi, the special monuments spread at different parts of it. My entire team is based out of India (America & Europe) and they are extremely moved with the historical monuments in the city. The director of my music video Casandra Prerost has read the very famous travelogue by William Dalrymple ‘City of Djinns’ about the historical capital of India many times, and the monuments are one of the reasons she visits the capital. Several times during the shoot I felt she might know more about the city than me

Other than the unique monuments the different street food joints all around the city are also what make Delhi, ‘So Delhi’. I travel for work and needless to say I miss it a lot whenever I am out of town.

A Hidden gem of the city everyone must know about?

The Delhi Green Ridge and the bird life found in it! The Delhi ridge protects us from the hot winds of the deserts of Rajasthan to the west, and is also responsible for earning Delhi the tag of the world’s second most bird rich capital. Since I am very close to nature it attracts me a lot and of course everyone should know about them and try to protect their natural environment with whatever means possible. 

Also I do feel Delhi has the potential to become a world class city. It has all the resources, talent, is the political centre and the capital of our country. We find all religion/communities, people, fool, culture, festivals here in Delhi, so in short you can see the entire India in this region. So for me it represents a ‘Chhota India’!

What advice would you give to someone wishing to get into the singing industry?

The biggest message I would like to give to aspiring singers is that there is no shortcut in life especially in the entertainment business. It can be very hard on your voice, riyaaz (vocal exercise) is important and should be done regularly as without your voice you have nothing. Although luck can sometimes come into play, true talent is recognised so never give in; share your voice where you can, the internet is super for this. Be prepared to take criticism, take advice and work hard. Always dream big, there is nothing wrong with that. 

Before anyone believes in your efforts you have to believe in yourself. Believe in your own strength, believe in the power of the universe and always spread a positive message. I always try to be the person I am, I won’t let anyone change me just to conform. Be kind but don’t let people take advantage of you. Everyone should have a dream, something wonderful to aim for!

Follow Her Here | http://www.sagarikaofficial.com/