Kunal Shenoy
Daijiworld Media Network - Entertainment
Mangalore, Aug 12: Popular Bollywood singer Nakash Aziz, who hails from Moodbidri near Mangalore, has made his Hollywood debut as a singer in 'The Hundred Foot Journey.'
The English film has been produced by none other than Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Juliet Blake. The music for this film is by Oscar-winning music director A R Rahman.
Nakash Aziz was born in Moodbidri to Naushad Aziz and Shamshad. At a young age he started practicing singing from his father, who was a part of the famous band 'Rema Roses' in Mangalore. Nakash started to take formal training in Hindustani Classical music during his high school days.
In 2005, he participated in Indian Idol 2. He made it to the top 28, but had to face exit soon from the show. He took the defeat in his stride and started to make independent music and devotional albums.
Music director Sandeep Chowta who was impressed with Nakash gave him a chance to sing a song in Kannada film 'Thammassu'. Having made his debut in Sandalwood, he then worked as a music assistant under Pritam and A R Rahman, while working with them, he was offered to sing the title track of 'Aisha', composed by Amit Trivedi. The song became a huge hit and there was no looking back for Nakash. He was offered many songs by A R Rahman and Pritam.
In a short span of time he gave many chartbusters like 'Pungi', 'Saree Ke Fall Se' and 'Dhating Naach'. He recently sang a song in Armaaan Jain's debut film 'Lekar Hum Deewana Dil'. He has also worked in regional industries like Kannada, Bengali and Marathi. He has composed music for Marathi films 'No Entry-Pudhe Dhoka Aaye' and 'Washdiwasachya Hardik Shubbechha'. In the Bengali film industry, he has sung songs for films like 'Game,''Calling Bell' and 'Bindaas'. His song 'Remix Qawwali' has already become a chartbuster. He recently also sang a song for Kannada film 'Brahma', which had Upendra in the lead.
After working in different film industries, he is now all set to enter Hollywood with the song 'Afreen' in 'The Hundred Foot Journey'.
Speaking to Daijiworld, Nakash said that he considers himself lucky to work in a Hollywood film. "I am thankful to A R Rahman for giving me an opportunity to sing the song," he said. His song 'Afreen' will be launched on Tuesday August 12.
Nakash considers his father Naushad Aziz as his mentor. "Without my parents' support I would not have reached where I am today. I consider A R Rahman and Pritam as my gurus," he said.
Nakash loves Mangalore and is proud of his roots. "I visit my hometown whenever I am free. I like to spend time with my Mangalorean friends," he said.
He is also keen to make his debut as singer in the Tulu film industry and wants to sing more songs in Kannada.
On being asked to describe his journey from Mangalore to Hollywood, he put it simply as, 'It was entertaining'.
Here's wishing Nakash Aziz all the best for his future endeavours and hoping that he continues to make Mangaloreans proud.
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