Aakanksha Sharma: I regret that I didn't do regular schooling

She is just 19, but already has two popular songs in her kitty ' '

Tu Alvida

' ('Traffic') and the more recent, '

Dhal Jaun Main

' ('

Rustom

'). And what makes these numbers special for Aakanksha Sharma is that both the songs she ever recorded for have released in her voice. The cheerful youngster says, 'When you are 19, no one takes you seriously. But I've got a lot of love and respect from the audience and industry people alike. It is overwhelming.' In a chat with BT, the singer talks about her journey to Mumbai 'the city of dreams, her experience while recording for Jeet Gannguli in 'Rustom' and why she thinks young achievers should take it slow...

Bollywood is home to many struggle stories. What is yours?
I have none (smiles). I belong to a small village in Rajasthan and my parents are now settled in Jaipur. When I decided to pursue my dream in the playback industry, I was prepared for a long-drawn struggle. I knew it would take me at least a year to get a foothold. But, I just got lucky. About nine months ago, I came to Mumbai to stay with my relatives. My plan was to do some sightseeing, indulge in street food and go back home. But I met Anurag sir (head honcho of a music label) by chance and a few days later, I'd made Mumbai my home.

How was it recording for 'Dhal Jaun Main'?
Jeet da has composed a classic song and to be honest, I was extremely nervous while recording it. The pitch was too high for me, and I wasn't sure if I could pull it off. But I guess they liked what they heard and my voice was retained in the album. If you ask me to sing the song now, I am not sure I will be able to pull it off. What's interesting about the two songs I've sung so far is that both released while I was travelling. I got to know from social media that my songs were being received well.

Tell us something about yourself...
I'm not formally trained and none of my family members are musicians per se. But my dad loves listening to songs and I would give him company. I used to win all the music competitions at school and my music teacher suggested I try my luck in reality shows. I travelled all the way from my place to audition for the 'Voice of India Chote Ustad' and ultimately won the reality show when I was 12. After two years, I tried my luck in 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar'. I was the youngest contestant and one of the finalists. By then, I was convinced that I wanted to pursue playback singing and started working towards it.

What's your take on young children doing reality shows? Do you think there is undue pressure on them to sustain the fame they have earned?
I can't speak for everyone, but I think at least singers should wait a while before they aggressively pursue a career in music because they need to give their voice enough time to mature. So many kids take up a lot of assignments immediately and shift base to Mumbai to try their luck, but I think they may not be able to meet the expectations. I was sure I won't take up a lot of performances because I wanted to save my voice for playback singing. Actually, I'd come to Mumbai a few years ago to do voice test for Aashiqui 2. I recorded a track, but I didn't like the way my voice sounded. I'd got my mom along and we were staying in a hostel. But, I decided to go back because I wanted to come to Mumbai only when I had something concrete to look forward to.

Do you have any regrets?
Yes; I regret that I didn't do regular schooling. I'd stopped going to school because I wanted to concentrate on music and have been taking private lessons ever since.

My other passion is...
I love dancing as much as I love singing. I'm this crazy kind of a dancer who can shake a leg for any kind of song, in whatever language. If I am happy, I just play some music and start dancing. For now, 'London Thumakda' is my favourite dance track.

Listen to 'Rustom' songs on Gaana.com