The old city never fails to fascinate me: Arpita

We catch up with singer-designer Arpita Chakraborty who recently performed in the city. This former NID graduate and textile designer is making a mark in the music industry. Excerpts:
Tell us about your connection with Ahmedabad?
I am from Mumbai and that is where I am based right now but I have a very special connection with Ahmedabad. I studied at National Institute of Design (NID) and was here for three and a half years.In fact I also took part in cultural events and concerts during my time here. I performed and won at IIMA’s Chaos four years in a row.
So how come you switched to singing full time?
It was like an inner calling. I moved back to Mumbai after graduation and was into designing when singing just happened. My mother runs a music school and so while growing up I was surrounded by music. But I never thought I’d sing for Bollywood. was my big break and one thing followed the other.
So what do you enjoy more – singing or designing?
Both! I was a designer when life took an interesting turn so I got into singing. Now when I perform on stage I design my own costumes. I am lucky I get to live the best of both worlds and to have shared the mic with superb singer like KK, Mohit Chauhan, Arijit Singh, Shafqat Amanat Ali and many more.
What were your favourite hangout spots in the city?
CG road and law garden were our group’s favourite spots. We used to frequent municipal market a lot. I used to love eating at Tomato’s! Ahmedabad has its own charm and the old city never fails to fascinate me. Even today when I visit NID, it still feels the same and I get very nostalgic.