Chinmayi

“I like the continuity of singing my lines together instead of going line by line.”

“Rahman sir keeps pushing himself. He keeps trying new things, whether it is his craft, music or sound... he is always learning. He looks for opportunities to learn, even from children.”

“There is a myth that Rahman sir only works at night. He works through the day and night, so it depends what time slot you end up working with him. Besides nights, I have sung for him in the morning and at noon, too. I think he's the first composer to work at night, and that's why it's spoken about so much.”

“When I was offered to sing 'Tere Bina' in 'Guru' by A. R. Rahman sir, it was a surreal experience. The song clicked, and many composers took notice of me and my work then.”

“I do more singing than dubbing.”

“Every time I meet Rahman sir, it's a fan moment for me. I don't take the fact that I am working with him lightly. I get excited every time I see and work with him. But I don't embarrass him.”

“Also, there is a way I like to lead my life, which would adhere to certain norms. Anything that goes beyond that is not my purview.”

“The truth is, I have an excellent team, a staff that handles Blue Elephant, my translation company, perfectly. It is like a well-oiled machine.”

“I am grateful to Rahman sir. There is no way I can repay the graces he has extended to me by making me sing his compositions.”

“I'd rather not have to come face to face with predators. I'd rather not be harassed. But no. Those weren't my choices to make, were they?”

“I will safely say that I prefer singing a song in a stretch if I am allowed to. A lot of times, I do choose to and do sing the asthayi and antara in one take, respectively. And I give a few takes until I feel it is perfect.”

“I have sung all the songs in '96,' and I have dubbed for the film as well.”

“I feel blessed that I got an opportunity to work with the likes of A. R. Rahman, Vishal-Shekhar among others.”

“Bollywood has a pretty chilled out approach. For instance, we don't wear shoes inside the studio. There is a strict behavioural protocol to be followed in the regional studios, while here in Bollywood, it is more informal.”

“I'd rather not be called 'brave.'”