After a long sabbatical from playback singing, Alisha Chinai is back with a song in a just released film.

Also working on an upcoming album, she is all agog about her comeback. Excerpts from an interview.

Time is right
It is important to marry the right singer to a song. The song was a high pitch number and I was apprehensive how it would sound. But all my fears were dispelled when I heard the final version, my voice was crisp and suited the song. More than me choosing a song, I think it's the song that chooses me. I guess certain songs are made for me. For instance the Kajra Re number.

While singing a song, I visualise the actress on whom the song will be picturised.

The reality behind shows
No doubt, reality shows are a good platform for youngsters to display their singing talent. Eventually they get their 15 minutes of fame. I was a part of one such show and simply loved the energy that the participants show. I would feel emotionally charged because you experience all the human emotions - anxiety, happiness, disappointments...


Musical Inspirations
I am inspired by music from the east as well as the west. My dad is a classical singer and mom played the piano and also sang. I grew up listening to Bade Ghulam Ali Khan saab besides being an ardent admirer of Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Geeta Dutt and Noor Jehan. My western influences are Barbra Streisand and Beatles.

Not getting their due It's disheartening when singers don't get their due credit. Background singers are the underdogs who are given the least importance and remuneration though they are the star of a song. I did my best to fight this cause but I realised that it's a futile battle. Only if singers are willing to stand for their rights then they can come together and demand justice.