'Salman Khan sir's advise is patthar ki lakeer for me' - Palak Muchhal

Palak Muchhal may just be 23 years old, but the songstress already has almost 200 songs to her credit. She comes across as a sweet, simple girl but when you speak to her,  the hidden passion for music is what slowly gets unveiled. The ambitious girl that she is, has worked hard to create a mark for herself in Bollywood, and she has indeed been successful. From singing for Katrina Kaif in her debut film, to working with mentor Salman Khan, Palak has done it all and that too in such a short span. In Pinkvilla's Musical Monday we get you our exclusive chat with his 'Jumme Ki Raat' singer who talks of her musical journey, 'Godfather' Salman Khan, her desire to croon for Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone and more!

How did music happen to you?

I come from a Marwari family and don't have any connection with music or film industry. So this wasn't an obvious choice. When I was two and half years old, there was a family function happening where I sang Lata Mangeshkar's song leaving everyone surprised. My mother realized my interest and she got me trained in classical music. I later participated in Kalyanji-Anandji's troupe 'Little stars'. They saw that spark in me and asked my parents to shift to Mumbai. I traveled globe with Anandji uncle's group and that is how it started. And ten years back we finally shifted to Mumbai and things changed after that.

Was it difficult to get a break in Bollywood?

No not at all. In fact I was very lucky. I knew Rumi Jaffrey, who is a writer and director, and he asked me to meet him as soon as I was in Mumbai. When I came to the city, I called him up and he asked me to come down to RK studio. And there, the first person I met was Salman Khan sir. When I met Salman sir he assured me that I will soon sing for his film. He made me sing a small part of 'Meherbaniya' from 'Veer'. But it was kept only in the film because the album was already out. But that was a big thing for me. Later, he told me, that I would be singing for Yash Raj Films. Whatever he told me, I used to take it as a compliment. Salman later recommended me to YRF and Sohail Sen called me for 'Laapata' for 'Ek Tha Tiger'. That was a turning point. And immediately after that song, I recorded 47 songs. Two songs from them were 'Aashiqui 2', which was a game changer for me. Everyone associated me with 'Aashiqui 2' fame singer.

Why do you say that your first song was a turning point?

The first break is the most important one and if you have a song in such a big film, then it indeed helps. And for this the entire credit goes to Salman Khan sir. He is the biggest support I have in the industry. I keep saying that but this is true. Had he not been there, then I don't know if I would be able to sing even one song. Not only his films, but he has recommended my name to different directors, producers. I think Salman sir, because of him, things became easier.

You have 3 songs to your credit in 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo'. How was it recording them?

PRDP is most special project for me because of three things - firstly,  I am a big Sooraj Barjatya sir's fan. To be associated with Rajshri Productions is a huge thing because they give lot of importance to music, singers, music directors. Secondly, it is Salman sir's movie. Third thing the songs are composed by Himesh Reshammiya, with whom I have worked for the maximum times. All three people are special to me and the whole experience was very endearing for me. Sooraj sir was personally involved in each and every thing about the song. We got lot of inputs from him and he was present for all the recordings. This was the first time I got a brief from the director before singing the song. He explained the entire story and asked me to sing. It was a solo song and the story that he told me, helped me a lot in recording the song.

Can you tell us something more about the songs?

Yes I can reveal certain things to you. PRDP is the title track. I can't tell you much about the situation where this song comes but then this is the main song. I have also seen certain portions of the song when it was being shot. It is picturized beautifully on Sonam Kapoor. 'Jab Tum Chaho' is a romantic song involving lot of nakhras and chedchaad because it is a conversation between Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor. 'Aaj Tumse Kehna Hai Hame' I cannot tell you the situation again but yes it is a special situation. All songs of mine feature Sonam and Salman. I am Sonam's voice in PRDP.

Since most of your songs have done well, does it add more of a pressure while choosing newer songs?

Not a pressure but yes it adds a responsibility. My competition is with my own self. I never thought I will sing so many songs 10 years back. I give 100% from my side. It feels good when you are appreciated for the songs and fans love it.

When you always work with a certain set of people, then everyone puts you under these camps. Does that affect your work?

Yes, camps are there, lobbies are there but for me I think it has not been a problem. Though Salman sir gave me my first break, but after that I have worked with different banners and composers. I personally, don't belong to any camp. 

What kind of equation do you share with Salman Khan?

He is both my Godfather and mentor. Godfather because he helped we reach where I am today. And mentor because, not only do I seek advise for professional things but also for all the personal matters. Smallest of things I do after taking his advise. His advise is like a patthar ki lakeer for me. He is very important to me. He introduced me to the industry and told me with whom should I get associated. If I am in a problem, I just have to call him and he is there to help me out. That is like a blessing for me to have Salman sir in my life. He is such a nice person. Not only does he help me in this but he also helps me with my social work. He gives me the assurance that someone is there with me always.

Any actress for whom you want to sing?

There are many in my wish list. I want to sing for Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone. Something for both is in the pipeline but I can't reveal much. It is too early. But I always wanted to sing for Katrina Kaif, and my career's first song was for her. So I am lucky!

What about directors and music composers?

Again, I have a long list for music composers. I am keen to work with Vishal-Shekhar, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Amit Trivedi, Salim-Sulaiman, A.R. Rahman Sir. In directors, I want to work with Ashutosh Gowariker and Imtiaz Ali film.

You have worked many times with your brother Palash Muchhal, who is a music composer. How do you balance out whenever there is a conflict?

No the best part is that he is a music director and I am a singer so we have very different career path. We associate with different people despite being in the same industry. Whenever we are working together, we share professional relation and don't get the sibling relation in between. Though it is difficult, but then I do manage that. Later on at home we sort out the conflict! (laughs)

Which are your forthcoming projects?

I just recorded my 198th song last night that was for a film which is releasing in January 2016. It is a beautiful song. I have a line up of some amazing songs till December 2016 and all the songs that I have recorded belong to different genres. After 'Aashiqui 2', I thought I would get typecast, but then Himesh ji saved me from it. He made me sing 'Jumme Ki Raat' and 'Ice Cream Khaongi' that I wouldn't have imagined in my voice. So I am working on PRDP, 'Traffic', a film with Vishesh films, T-Series, Yash Raj Films etc. If Salman Khan film is happening, people expect me to sing.