Akriti often called the voice of Katrina

Feb 12, 2009 IANS

New Delhi, Feb 12 (IANS) Akriti Kakkar, who has sung songs like "Dekhoon tujhe toh", "Aanan fanan" and "Inshallah" that were picturised on Katrina Kaif, says people often call her the voice of the Bollywood actress.

"I am often called the voice of Katrina Kaif since I have sung for her in films like 'Namastey London', 'Apne' and 'Welcome' and my voice suits her personality. However, my dream is to sing for Rekha and Madhuri," Akriti told IANS over telephone from Mumbai.

Akriti has rendered chartbusters "Move your body" ("Johnny Gaddar"), "Marjaani" ("Billo Barber"), "Freaky freaky raat" ("Kismat Konnection") and "Dil vich lagiya ve" ("Chup Chup Ke"), among others.

After playback singing, the 22-year-old singer has now ventured into composing music. She has composed for her new album that will hit the stands in March.

"I'm composing music for my non-film album where I am receiving help and guidance from Shankar Mahadevan and Himesh Reshammiya," Akriti said.

"My film songs have given me recognition, but I feel there is more to my singing than is being explored in the movie songs. That's why I decided that I'll come out with an album that will have my flavour," she added.

But is it the right time to venture into the non-film category owing to the shrinking market for such propositions?

"I know it's the most risky time to cut an album, but I really wanted to explore my singing abilities and I'm trying to churn out quality songs, which I hope will be appreciated by the audience."

Akriti started her career with remixes. She first went behind the mike to sing "Rangeela re" remix and later came out with her remix album "Ateen". But soon she realised that singing remixes will not help her career.

The young vocalist got a head start and made her debut as a playback singer with composer duo Vishal-Shekhar's composition "Chham se vo aa jaye" in "Dus".

But she says it was the title track of the film "Johnny Gaddar" with the trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy that became a turning point in her life.

"Getting to sing 'Move your body' was a turning point in my career. It changed my image as a singer. I was so glad that Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy felt my voice will do justice to the song," said Akriti who often teams up with the trio for stage shows.

She has also participated in a reality show and said that she was approached for acting as well. However, she declined the offers due to lack of inclination.

She wants to "stick to what I do best, music."

Her forthcoming projects are "Aa Dekhein Zara", "Hello Darling" and "It's My Life".

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