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Akriti Kakkar, the 19-year old winner of 1999 Sa Re Ga Ma National Talent Hunt and Sangam Kala Group from Delhi, made her debut as a playback singer with Vishal Shekhar in 'Dus' with the song "Chham se vo aa jaye". She was crowned as a winner of various national talent competition organized by Sangam Kala Group. She came to her home town to talk about her latest numbers in 'Namaste London', 'Red' and 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom'.

Excerpts of her chat:

How did you get into singing?

Music has always been in my mind since I was five and half. I used to take part in lots of singing competitions even during my studies. After finishing my schooling from Springdales School in Delhi, I decided to take it as a full-fledged career and for this I shifted to Mumbai along with my family.I am looking forward to working with more music directors in lots of films.

What about your very first performance?

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My first performance was at the age of five and half when I sang 'Piya to se naina lage re" in a National talent hunt happening in Delhi called "Sangam Kala Group". From there I started singing and then became the part of the Kalyanji Anandji troupe called "Little Wonders and Little Stars". After that I participated in "TV Sa Re Ga Ma" where I emerged a winner. I always tried to keep a balance between my studies and singing . My focus was on my studies, though.

Have you received any formal training in music?

I got training in Indian classical music from my mother and my Guruji. I am still continuing it because I believe that it lays a solid foundation for any kind of music. One gets full control on voice only through the classical training. It helps us gain confidence to deliver the best during our performance.

Which music do you enjoy the most?

I love soft melodious numbers more but I love listening to all kinds of music ranging from jazz, pop, ghazals to African music. I listen to Whitney Housten, AABA, Ghulam Ali, Lataji and Ashaji.

Who has been your inspiration?

My inspiration is definitely Ashaji because of the versatility she possesses. She is definitely a goddess to me ; when it comes to singing she does full justice with all the tracks which she sings. I am looking at learning a lot from her and if I can get even ten per cent of what she has sung till now, I would be more than satisfied.

Share your experience you had till now?

My first album "Baby Doll Chapter Two" had seven tracks and the song was 'Rangeela Re' which was a remix. After that I came with my own album 'A-TEEN' featuring the hit track "Jal Bin Machhli". Now, I have just signed an agreement with T series Music and we are still working on the album.

Who is your favorite music director?

I have worked with Himeshji, Vishal Shekhar, and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. I would definitely love to work with Vishal Bharadwaj, AR Rehman, Shantanuji and many other young music directors coming up in the industry.

What about your latest numbers?

'Boom Boom Saka Laka' is all about the celebration of the spirit of life and I have a completely romantic number in 'Namaste London'.

What about the tracks in your forthcoming films?

The forthcoming films are 'Good Boy Bad Boy' by Mukta Arts and Director E. Niwas's 'My Name is Anthony Gonsalves' in which I have the title tracks. I also have numbers in 'Apne', 'Cinema', 'Welcome' and 'Harry Potter'.

What are your next projects?

My next album which is by T series will be releasing in July and August this year .Right now I am working on the contents of the album.