Daughter of late Gulshan Kumar, singer Tulsi Kumar has made a name for herself as a playback singer. She reveals why she owes her success to her father and that music is the love of her life

Your song Mujhe ishq se in Yaariyan is topping the charts. How does it feel?
The song has a simple and smooth texture to it. My voice has been tried with different keys and the result is wonderful. The reaction to the song has been encouraging.

Considering that you are the daughter of late Gulshan Kumar, was singing the obvious profession?
Today I am a playback singer because of my dad. He had heard me sing when I was six, he went to my mother and said 'Tulsi has a sweet voice. We must train her, so that she can take this up seriously.' Today, I feel he's proud that I'm living his dream. I owe my success to him. I grew up listening to Aashiqui songs because dad was involved in it. So when Aashiqui 2 happened, I got emotionally connected with it.


What kinds of music do you enjoy listening to?
I love every form of music. I grew up listening to Bollywood music. Now I enjoy songs by Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Corinne Bailey Rae. Besides Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, Sonu Nigam is one of my favourite singers, as he is very versatile.

You have sung many songs for Pritam. How do you work as a team?
Pritamda is chilled out during recordings but post recording; he puts in an extra effort to enhance the song. Tum jo aaye (Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai) was the turning point in my career. It was wonderful singing alongside Rahat sahab (Fateh Ali Khan).

Which actress do you think complements your voice best?
I have to sing for many actresses yet (laughs). But I feel my voice gels well best with Kangana Ranaut in Tum jo aaye (OUATIM). I also enjoyed lending my voice for Deepika Padukone in Love mera hit hit (Billu).

Which singers do you perceive as your competitors?
It's great to have different voices today. Lots of talent means you are driven to work harder.


Any unfulfilled wishes?
I stul have to achieve many goals. I want to sing good songs and start doing live shows. My family has welcomed the idea of me performing on stage.

What do you do to relax?
I do riyaaz every day. I'm a huge music buff and love listening to songs. I'm a foodie too and love to try out different cuisines.