Who would not be floored by Karan Johar? Shalmali Kholgade

Tell us about Aye, your first-ever solo single

Well, Aye is all about gender equality. We always keep talking about women’s  rights, but what about men? So, when we keep talking of equality, we should also remember their rights too.

Coming back to my single solo, this was something that I have wanted to do since a very long time. I am a fan of Rihanna and Beyonce and the trap genre. [This music is a sub group that originated during the 1990s from southern hip hop in the southern parts of the US]  So, Aye, is a trap song and am happy that people have loved it.

Why do you think, singles are so popular with singers today?

We as performers cater to the demands of the audience. The present generation has a very short attention span. They are also spoilt for  choice; they neither have the patience nor the appetite for an album with 10 songs. Also, singles give the artiste time and opportunity to concentrate on a single song and then come back later with songs belonging to a different genre. So, they in a way, give us the time to experiment.

Does that mean that we can expect more singles coming from you?

To be honest,  be prepared for at least six singles coming from me this year. Now that I am done with Aye, I am concentrating on this show Dil Hai Hindustani and my next single, which I shall be bring out sometime in March.

As to the reality show, how has your stint as a celebrity judge been so far?

Well, it has been interesting. It has definitely given me a platform to reach out to my fans, interact with them. Also, the fact that this show gives me a chance to hone the skills of the participating singers, gives a sense of contentment. The experience on the whole has been an enriching one. My co-judges have been extremely kind, especially Karan and Badshah.

Seems like you are smitten by KJo?

Who wouldn’t be floored by Karan? He is such a genuine person and he is damn witty. He is a nice person; there is a certain aura about him.

Have  you read his book An Unsuitable Boy?

No, I haven’t but I plan to. Maybe I should just buy his book and get it autographed by him on the sets. I have been hearing good things about it.

You mentioned earlier, that you are a performer. So, can we see you sometime soon on the silver screen?

Well, why not? If given a nice script, I wouldn’t mind giving it a shot.

A KJO movie then?

(Laughs) Well, Karan should answer this, right? However, if he does have a role for me and approaches me, then why not?

What keeps you busy when not singing or judging?

Crocheting. Seriously! I always have the crocheting needle and a yarn in my bag. So, when I get a break my hands on making booties or some cute crocheted item as a gift for my loved one.