‘I am living up to my image’

Gurnaaz Kaur

Featuring opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui in B Praak’s latest romantic single, Baarish Ki Jaaye, is Sunanda Sharma. The Punjabi singer is thrilled at the response and says it is the character that pulled her to do take up the job. Playing a girl with mental health issue, Sunanda says, “It wasn’t the usual glamorous girl showing how pretty she is. The character has this real side to it and a lot of people will agree to it. It needed intense work and that became the deciding factor for me. I play a girl who is a special child, has no idea about the world. She doesn’t even know what love is but she is getting married to this gangster played by Nawazuddin, who cares for her.”

While in the song they play a couple, it was her first time with the star but she says she was as comfortable as working with anyone else in Pollywood. “I have no words for Nawazzudin. He was really kind on the sets and is a very down to earth person. Not for a minute did he make anyone feel like he is a star. Shooting with him was so easy. For me, working with him was a huge thing and we thoroughly enjoyed the song.”

This isn’t the first time Sunanda has teamed up with a Bollywood actor for a song. Her recent single, Pagal Nahi Hona, featured Sonu Sood. Both the actors entered the music scene with these videos. So, roping in a Bollywood actor is a new thought process, an experiment that seems to have worked.

“When you see Hollywood songs, they collaborate with big artiste, so we thought let’s do it in Punjabi songs too as it will be a big thing for the Punjabi audience. With all the love that we have got for these songs, the formula is a hit.”

Working with an actor is in music videos, enacting different parts, is Sunanda also considering being a full-time actor? She says, “My prime focus is singing. I want to polish myself as a singer and performer. When we do live shows, the immediate response and feedback that we get from the listeners, it is a high in itself and I want to be the best at it. So, my priority will always be singing but never say never! So, when it comes to acting, if there is a character driven script, like I played in Baarish Ki Jaaye, I will consider it.”

Sunanda says the aim is to do something meaningful, which requires real effort and is away from the ordinary. That aim will translate into every project she takes up.

And unlike many singers, she isn’t keen on being a part of reality shows. Her plate is full; she is prepping up for the release of her debut album. “I’ve done many singles and finally I have a full album for my fans that will be out sometime next month. There have been back-to-back songs, so just giving the needed gap,” she smiles.

Basking in the glory of success, Sunanda says her mantra is hard work. “Nothing comes easy. When people love you, they recognise you and on your part it requires a lot dedication to live up to that image. I am doing just that!”