Grammy-nominated Indian-American songwriter Raja Kumari, also a rapper, desires her music -- that she uses as a bridge between the East and West -- to reach far and wide. And so, she wants to get involved in Bollywood as it has a "great impact" on the world.
The California-based artiste with roots in Andhra Pradesh has been performing in India, appearing on reality shows and also teaming up with Indian talent for songs.
What else is she planning to explore in India?
"I want to use my time in India wisely and explore the opportunities and try something new. I want to do more stuff in Hindi films. It (Bollywood) has such a great impact on the entire world. The idea that something I write can reach so many more people, that's exciting for me as a musician," Kumari told IANS over phone from Mumbai.
The music scene in India is "completely different" from that in the US.
"In India everything is Bollywood music. It is the most popular genre. The genre that we are making (in the US) is a new thing here... the independent music.
"In America, there isn't much opportunity for Indian singers in mainstream music. It is something that we are trying to change," said the artiste, who was a celebrity guest in Amazon Prime Video's Unscripted Original, "The Remix" where she collaborated with contestants Yash and Kryll to recreate Bollywood number "Ankhiyon se goli marein".
The "City slums" hitmaker also got to fulfil her dream of visiting Himachal Pradesh, popular for its scenic beauty.
"For the show 'Lockdown', (singer-composer) Kailash Kher and I had to remix two songs in our style and shoot the music video. It was completely crazy. I was lucky to have a partner like Kailashji. He made it really easy for me and enjoyable. We shot in Himachal Pradesh. That was a dream of mine to go and spend time there. It was amazing," said Kumari.
"Lockdown", a ZEE5 project, is a series where each episode brings together a celebrated Bollywood singer with a YouTube singing sensation. Locked in one location for a day, these musicians collaborate to recreate two songs.
The musical reality show will also feature artistes like Raftaar, Shekhar Ravjiani, Gippy Grewal, Shirley Setia, Darshan Rawal, Arjun Kanungo and Jonita Gandhi.
So is this a competition show?
"We are not competing. We are just participating in the opportunity. These are collaborations that normally wouldn't happen. Every episode is a challenge," she said.
"The show has been shot all over India rather than just in a Mumbai studio. It's a cool way to show the beauty of our country," she added.
Without sharing much about the two songs that she worked on, the fan of Indian classical and fusion music said: "I sang in Sanskrit. It was my first time ever. That was a big challenge for me. So, it was awesome."
She had previously collaborated with notable artistes like Gwen Stefani, Iggy Azalea and Fifth Harmony.
Is she writing for more American or global singers?
"I am working on my own album. I will be releasing it this summer. I have a lot of songs which I have been doing mostly for my album," said Kumari.
But she doesn't want to give up songwriting.
"As a songwriter, it is amazing to be able to put other people's emotions (into a song) and to help them. But as a performer, rapper and singer, there is nothing like being on the stage and connecting with people and getting a chance to share music with the world. I couldn't let one go for the other," she said.
'Bigg Boss' contestants Soniya Bansal, Shiv Thakare unite for music video 'Koi Baat Nahi'
The 'Bigg Boss' fame contestants Soniya Bansal and Shiv Thakare have teamed up for a music video titled 'Koi Baat Nahi'. Soniya was a part of 'Bigg Boss 17'. The season was won by Munawar Faruqui. Shiv was the first runner-up of 'Bigg Boss 16'.
Bitcoin scam case: ED attaches assets worth over Rs 97 cr of Raj Kundra, Shilpa Shetty
The attached properties include a residential flat in Juhu, which is in the name of Shilpa Shetty, another residential bungalow in Pune and equity shares in Raj Kundra's name.
'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ keeps cash registers ringing, mints Rs 96.18 cr worldwide
The Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff-starrer ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ is receiving a lot of positive response from the audience as it has collected Rs 96.18 crore worldwide with an overall extended weekend.
Akshay, Tiger-starrer 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' rakes in Rs 36 cr worldwide on Day 1
Written and directed by Zafar, and produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, Jackky Bhagnani, Himanshu Kishan Mehra, and Ali Abbas Zafar.
Celebrity Hairstylist Hakim Aalim shares hair styling tips to help set your own vibe
Today, as men are realizing the importance of hairstyling in making a lasting first impression, they are investing time and effort in grooming themselves actively. Celebrity hairstylist, Hakim Aalim shares styling tips that men can incorporate into their grooming routine to set their vibe!
Sreejita De opens up on being 'chudail' to playing 'dayan' in 'Shaitani Rasmein'
Actress Sreejita De, who has entered the show 'Shaitani Rasmein' as Chaya Dayan has opened up on her character, who is a formidable woman, adding how she has a strong affinity for supernatural dramas.
96th Academy Awards: 'Oppenheimer' wins Best Picture, clocks 7 wins
The film edged out fellow contenders like ‘American Fiction’, ‘Anatomy of a Fall’, ‘Barbie’, ‘The Holdovers’, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’, ‘Maestro’, ‘Past Lives’, ‘Poor Things’ and ‘The Zone of Interest’.
Demi Lovato has a beauty advice for her teenage self: Have your own standards
Singer-songwriter Demi Lovato has spoken up about the influence of beauty standards on her teenage self.