Known for the popular numbers in films like Ragini MMS 2, Satyagraha, Hero, Bezubaan Ishq and others, Rourkela-born Arpita Chakraborty is on cloud nine after her new song ‘Paisa Ye Paisa’ from Indra Kumar’s Total Dhamaal starring Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgan and Madhuri Dixit Nene turned a chart-buster. Apart from lending her voice for Bengali and Telugu movies, Arpita has so far performed in over 1,500 shows in India and other countries. She is looking forward to working in the Odia film industry. Orissa POST spoke to the promising singer on a range of issues. Excerpts:
Tell us about your childhood and about your passion for singing?
I was born in a family where everyone has a connection with music. My mother Guru Tapati Chakraborty was a Hindustani classical music exponent and ran a music training institute called ‘Surangana’ in Western Odisha. From the age of four, I would sneak into her music classes quietly and listen to her singing along with her students. Our Institute was affiliated to Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Prayagraj, where I did my masters in music later. At the age of five, I gave my first musical performance at a Lions Club event, where I was given a standing ovation by the music connoisseurs and dignitaries present. That event inspired me to enhance my singing skills and I became pretty serious about music even at that age.
Any specific song that you can think of that changed the course of your career?
I am honoured to have lent my voice to a song performed by Madhuri Dixit Nene on screen in the film Total Dhamaal that released last month and has earned more than a 100 crore at the box office in just a week’s time. I consider this a major breakthrough. This could be a turning point of my career. I absolutely adore the style, poise, and beauty of Madhuri Dixit and had to make sure that reflects through my singing as well. It was a big responsibility and all credit goes to the music directors Gourov-Roshin who gave me the opportunity. I am also grateful to director Indra Kumar and creative director Kookie Gulati for appreciating my voice and encouraging me.
Tell us about some of the most memorable moments of your career.
I cherish the memory of the moment when the legendary singer Prafulla Kar (uncle) invited me to perform at the Puri Bhajan Samaroha when I was 12. I performed in front of thousands of people for the first time in my life. That memory still gives me goosebumps.
Have you ever tried for playback singing in the Odia film industry?
I had the opportunity to record a couple of songs with Udit Narayan composed by Premananda for Anubhav Mohanty’s film Mo Hatha Dhari Chalu Tha in Mumbai. But, the songs got replaced and re-recorded by Ira Mohanty once they reached Odisha for some strange reasons. However, I am looking forward to work again in the Odia film industry. I love the Odia language and Odisha’s culture.
You must have faced ups and downs in life. How did you face up to the challenges?
I look up to people who never give in during difficult times, and their stories inspire me to keep growing and keep moving forward no matter what.
A few months back, you were in the news for accusing lyricist Abhendra Kumar Upadhyay of sexual misconduct. How did you deal with that episode?
I was shocked to receive some very cheap and sleazy text messages on Facebook from lyricist Abhendra Kumar Upadhay. They were disrespectful, unacceptable and hurt my dignity and self-respect. That’s why I decided to publicise his act on social media to make him feel that all women are not available. I did it so that he won’t repeat the same with any other girl in future. What was more shocking to me was that some ‘big names’ of our music industry kept calling me to withdraw the post. But I stuck to what I felt was right and two months later Bombay Times featured me in an article during the #MeToo Movement. Abhendra Kumar Upadhay called me a lot of times later to apologise for his disgraceful and shameful act. However, once you lose respect for someone, it is difficult to regain it. I did not file an FIR against him only to save his life and career. I despise all men who disrespect, fool and exploit women for their momentary selfish interests.
What does an award mean to you? Tell us about the awards you have received in your career.
Awards and recognition give you a boost. But I believe in good work and winning hearts through my voice. aAwards will follow. I have won several awards, some significant ones in Odisha being the Balakrushna Dash Memorial Award and the Youth Icon of Odisha.
Do you have any godfather to help you achieve stardom?
I wish I had a godfather, but no. I trust my talent, destiny and hard work. These three give me an insane amount of energy, confidence and satisfaction.
Whom do you attribute your success to?
I owe my success to my parents, time, my stars and hard work.
What is your advice for aspiring singers?
Follow your heart and chase your dreams because no one else can do that for you.