by Subhash K Jha

In Orlando for a triumphant Aap Ka Suroor concert, Himesh Reshammiya is aghast by a story (in DNA) that he's involved with T Series - baron Bhooshan Kumar's sister Tulsi Kumar.

"What nonsense is this!" Himesh bursts out. "Tulsi is like my sister. I've met her just three times for the three recordings she has done with me. I don't even have her cell number. Whoever has started this rumour has a very sick mind. It's cheap and embarrassing. I'm very close to the whole T Series family. Bhooshan Kumar is like my brother and his sister is like my sister."

While Himesh is enjoying unprecedented success on his world concerts, the unsavoury rumours keep reaching his ears. "But this one about Tulsi and me is the limit. But I'm getting used to the back-biting."

About the rumour that Himesh is charging an exorbitant royalty for his ring-tone, Himesh explains, "It varies from project to project. I don't have a fixed fee. The terms and conditions differ according to the projects. It depends from producer to producer and music company to company. I try to make sure everyone earn from my music."

Himesh has eight more concerts in the US and Canada. "Up till now my concerts have broken all previous records for all Indian shows from Bollywood. There hasn't been a single show in the US that has gone anything but full. I still have to perform in Chicago, Ohio, LA, Boston, New York and Washington.

The one-to-one interaction with the fans has been an emotional journey for me. The fact that audience members from the age of 6 to 60 at every venue have gotten up and danced for the finale, is unheard-of. And in spite of security hazards we've at least 19-20 youngsters joining us on stage to sing and dance."

Himesh's most popular song in the US? "Undoubtedly Jhalak dikhla jaa...I believe Sony tv's new dance show has been named after my song."

Himesh isn't sure whether it's a copyright infringement. "When I come back I'll definitely look into it. Jhalak dikhla jaa is the biggest song of my career."

Himesh returns to India on 3 September.