Namita Nayyar:
You are well-versed in five languages- English, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, and Spanish. Has it helped you in your singing skills in any way?
Mallika Mehta:
Well, I have been speaking in English, Hindi, and Gujarati since the time I started talking. So, singing in all 3 languages came to me very naturally. I don’t speak in Punjabi and Spanish but I can easily sing songs in them and I’d love to increase the list very soon. It has helped me connect with a wider audience and made my live gigs extremely fun, not only for the audience but also for me.
Namita Nayyar:
What challenges did you encounter when you set out to pursue your dreams? Also, how did you overcome them?
Mallika Mehta:
I think one of the biggest challenges for a singer is to be able to get their music heard. The number of singers releasing music is only increasing day by day but the audience size stays intact. My first 4 releases were in English and to be able to find the right audience in India seemed hard at the time but as soon as it found its audience the songs did well. I think one of my most loved songs even today is my first one ‘War Solo’. People who have heard it have dropped in messages and emails telling me how much they love it. Well, what I did to overcome this was just sing more and create more. I kept creating new music and reaching out to people, sharing my music with them. People began to hear my music and share it with their friends and just like that people got to know who I was and what I did. It’s a never-ending journey, to be honest. With every project and every release, there will always be butterflies but then that’s the thrill of it.
Namita Nayyar:
Which was the first song you wrote and sang? How did it contribute to your personality? Share the role of family and friends in your growth.
Mallika Mehta:
‘War Solo’ was the very first song I wrote, composed, and released. It’s a one-sided love story where a young girl falls in love but is left fighting the war solo. It’s now also a part, and the first chapter of my EP, Evolve: The Story of Her. ‘War Solo’ made me realize that I enjoyed songwriting and storytelling. A lot of people who heard the song told me that they connected with the lyrics and that made me feel powerful and excited to write more songs and tell more stories. Stories people would feel, connect, and heal with. I belong to an extremely open-minded and modern Gujarati family and my parents have always been incredibly supportive. I would’ve never been able to do what I’m doing or be where I am without their love and undying support. I remember, with the release of ‘War Solo’ came in a lot of love, excitement, and cheering from my friends. They were so thrilled that I was releasing an original and I always make it a point to make them hear all my originals before I officially release it for the rest of the world.
