From paying taxes at the age of seven, his airport controversy to a misunderstanding with Salman Khan; Aditya Narayan gets candid about life

Singer and host Aditya Narayan has always been in the spotlight, whether for his songs, television shows, or his candid personality. He is currently entertaining fans on the famous reality show Rise and Fall, where his bold side has become a talking point. Recently, Aditya also appeared on Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa’s podcast, where he opened up about several unknown chapters of his life. From paying taxes at the age of seven to an unexpected misunderstanding with Salman Khan, he shared honest stories from his journey in showbiz. (Photo: Instagram)

When Bharti asked if he felt pressure to follow his father’s path, Aditya said he always knew music was his destiny. “Mujhe kabhi kisi ne pressure hi nahi kiya. Mein bachpan se hi laga hua hu. Mujhe pyaar hai music se,” he shared. He recalled how, at the age of three, he would sit quietly in the studio with his dad, and then sing the same piece at home from start to end. “Mujhe pyaar ho gaya tha. Studio se, woh studio ke silence se,” he said, calling it meditative. (Photo: Instagram)

Aditya entered the industry at the age of four. On his birthday, music directors like Kalyanji–Anandji were present, and Kalyanji suggested that Udit Narayan let him join Little Wonders. Sharing a funny memory, Aditya said he once got drunk by mistake when composer Laxmikant handed him a wrong glass. He laughed saying he couldn’t recall the night and kept comparing people at the entrance, which left everyone amused. (Photo: Instagram)

Talking about fatherhood, Aditya said, “Zindagi mein badhkar aur kuch nahi hai.” He explained that his goals are no longer for himself, but for his wife Shweta and daughter Tvisha. Taking a playful dig at Haarsh, he said even someone like him changed after becoming a father. Calling his daughter a “badmash angel,” he added, “Ek toh iss generation ke bache bohot intelligent hai. Mujhe lagta hai ki yeh hume bohot jaldi outgrow karenge.” He said their bond grows stronger each month. (Photo: Instagram)

Aditya shared how his hosting journey began with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. While studying in London, his parents got a call from the channel, who thought he was around 11–12 and wanted him for Little Champs. His parents clarified he was 18. Later, when the show needed a new host, Aditya was invited to audition. “A dozen of people had auditioned for that role for its popularity; however I got the role,” he recalled. (Photo: Instagram)

The singer shared that his first big break as a host came with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. “I had to go through three rounds of auditions before being selected as host. They offered me ₹7,500 per month.” He said he ended up earning ₹78 lakhs in a season, doing about 52 episodes. Aditya then revealed, “I paid my first tax at seven. I don’t remember if I even had a PAN card, but I definitely remember paying taxes.” (Photo: Instagram)

Aditya also spoke about a long-standing confusion with Salman Khan. Haarsh mentioned a rumour that Salman saw Aditya at J49 club, kicking a car door open and entering. Aditya clarified, “I was just very young at that time and no one would believe my age and give me entry.” He explained he only stopped his car near Salman’s, knocked on his door, said hello, and left. “This is the actual story and I have never even entered the club,” he said. (Photo: Instagram)

Aditya admitted that his 2010 film Shaapit was one of his first failures. “Up until that film I had never witnessed failure but after the show I didn’t get work for almost 1 year and 6 months,” he revealed. He said he had chosen the film mainly because he wanted to sing its songs and it was directed by Vikram Bhatt. Aditya even tried reaching out to a PR person for work, but never got a reply. (Photo: Instagram)

After struggling, Aditya took up smaller gigs and even did X Factor, where he met Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Having always been interested in filmmaking, he wanted to learn more. With Sonu Nigam’s advice, he approached Bhansali to assist in RamLeela. “He laughed at my statement and thought I wasn’t serious,” Aditya recalled, but he gave his best. Interestingly, Aditya’s scratch version of Tatar Tatar which his dad Udit Narayan was supposed to sing impressed Bhansali so much that it became the final song. (Photo: Instagram)

Aditya also reflected on one of his biggest controversies at the airport. He had told an airline staff member, “Let me reach Mumbai. If I don't strip you, then my name is not Aditya Narayan.” Looking back, he said mistakes are bound to happen publicly for celebrities. “Jaise aam aadmi galti kar de toh uski ghar walo ke samne galti ho jaati hai, humari saare am galti ho jaati hai,” he added, calling it a learning experience. (Photo: Instagram)