If you think that balancing a full-fledged business and a passion for singing is a difficult job, then you need to meet Punjab-based Lakshay Kapoor, who has been managing his family business and has a passion for singing for years. For Lakshay, it’s been an exhausting journey, where he chose to drop out in the second year of engineering and take over the family business, reshape it and today his furniture business is serving 800 families and plans to expand his business overseas as well. Lakshay admits that the real kick comes from power and money, but when it comes to calmness (sukoon), he finds it in his music that he regularly shares on social media. In a detailed conversation with TMM, Lakshay talks about his passion for music and why he will never participate in singing reality shows.
How and when did singing happen to you?
My mom is a Sitar player and she has an excellent sense of music and notes. As a kid, I used to sing at home and my nani and mom both observed this habit minutely, and eventually, I started learning classical music. Later, I realized that I am a self-learner and I chose to explore music on my own. During my school days, this talent helped me gain a lot of attention and recognition and that’s how my journey in the music world started.
Instagram has changed your life as a singer. Is it true?
Definitely! Today, I am doing this interview and the credit goes to my Instagram account because it made me connect with the right people, and I could let my passion grow and get recognition at the right time. I still remember, 5 years ago I started posting my singing videos on Instagram and one fine day, some music page re-shared my video and I started getting more than 10,000 followers every day. Next, a music video director approached me and on my trip to Mumbai I managed to record my first professional music video which received more than a million views and since then there has been no looking back.
What is your favorite genre and why?
Romantic and sad. I always play around with these two genres because I am very emotional at heart and it often happens that my business decisions are also influenced by my emotions, and interestingly, till date, they all have been successful. I feel that when you make decisions from heart, it helps you connect with people and such bonds go a long way.
Do you have any inspiration in the music industry?
Ever since I have started, Mohammed Rafi (ji) has always touched my soul. His songs have made me happy and sad too. I don’t think we can ever have any singer close to his body of work. When it comes to contemporaries, I closely relate to Arijit Singh’s tracks. I can simply close my eyes and sing his tracks and feel them. I feel his music comes from heart and touches mine. It’s something magical!
When it comes to singing, practice makes all the difference. How often do you practice?
To be frank, I don’t practice regularly; because I have a business to run that is a source of livelihood for 800 families. As and when I get a chance during the week, I do the practice. As of now, I am trying to practice at least thrice a week, and going forward I might have to get up early in the morning and make it a part of my daily schedule because things are changing and I need to gear up for it.
We have heard that something is cooking up with one of the biggest production houses in India. Would you like to talk about it?
Yes, something big is cooking up for sure. I think it’s too early to disclose the details, but yes, I guess with the blessings of almighty and the love of my fans, I have cracked something big in the music industry and I am concentrating on the same. I am sure the details will soon be out, and I will surely talk about it at length in the next interview. (laughs)
Singing reality shows fame and money too. Would you like to participate in singing reality shows in the future?
In my opinion, singing is not a sport or a competition; it is an art that needs love and respect. I find these shows very staged and dramatized. They talk less about music talents and more about the show itself and the judges, so I don’t think I will ever be a part of any singing reality show. I would rather do something more creative on Instagram or YouTube and get an immediate response.
Music mashups and medleys are trending these days. Do you feel that recreating old tracks is a healthy practice?
I feel it’s an art, and if art is crafted right and proposed rightly to the public, it is surely a healthy practice. If we look at the era of 70s and 80s, the kind of work that has been created by the gems of the music industry, nobody can beat them. When the new-age artists recreate them, it is actually a celebration of those iconic pieces. The only problem is that when the recreation is not done right, it disturbs music lovers and needs immediate attention.
What are your plans in the music industry?
Honestly, I am very self-absorbed and I think I am blessed with more than what I could have asked for. So, in terms of the future, I want to balance my music practice and keep working so that I can live all my dreams and goals. Rest, all I can ask for is the love and blessings of people around me, because that is my ultimate strength.
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