Armaan Malik has released his first album at the age of 18, but he was making waves long before that! In this exclusive guest blog, he tells you all about his background and his early celebrity experiences. Plus, there are so many cute photos with him (while he was even younger!) and our favourite Bollywood celebs. Keep shining, Armaan! xoxo
I’ve just recently turned 18 and have so many things to be thankful for. First and foremost, I have been born to the most incredible and supportive parents in the world who have stood by me regardless of everything, every time. I feel blessed to have an older sibling in Amal who loves me unconditionally and who has been both a source of inspiration and motivation. He may be just four years older than me, but he is nothing short of a father figure to me.
The fact that I’ve been able to taste success so early in my Bollywood career with my three song debut in Jai Ho (and the success in particular of Tumko Toh Aana He Tha makes me feel blessed and humbled at the same time.
How did I venture down this path, you may ask. Well, I was just 4 years old when those around me realised I had a flair for singing and music. I remember my parents telling me that I used to cry in tune as a baby, even before I could speak! So, I guess the early signs were there for everyone to see that singing wasn’t just in my genes… it was what I was born for.
My parents soon identified my talent and interest in music and enrolled me in Hindustani Classical singing lessons at the age of 6. I may have been too young to grasp the gravity of what I was moulding myself into, but all I cared about was enjoying the entire experience and getting better every single day.
Gradually, bit by bit, I focused on building a sound foundation on which I could eventually construct a career down the line. A monumental moment came in 2009 when the Berklee College of Music, Boston came to Mumbai to hold auditions for music scholarships. I went for the audition as there was no harm in trying my luck. And just as luck would have it, within a couple of months’ time I received a Letter of Acceptance from one of the most prestigious institutes of music on the planet offering me a fully paid scholarship. It was a huge achievement for me personally as they only accept 4-5 students from Asia every year. I went on to complete the course with Honours. It was a great feeling to watch all the little puzzle pieces of life gradually fall into place!
I came back to India and quite literally plunged into the world of creating music. I may have been playback singing since the tender age of 9, but I believe my first big break came when I sang the song Mere Buddy from Bhootnath as a duet with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. The entire experience taught me that one really had to make the most of every single opportunity that came one’s way. The fact that I got to work with none other than the great Bachchanji was the icing on the cake.
Since then, I’ve tried to showcase my versatility and outdo myself every time I’m behind the microphone in the recording studio! From Bhootnath to now recording three hugely appreciated songs in Salman Khan‘s Jai Ho, it’s been a fascinating journey in Bollywood; one that has taught me so many lessons in progress. As this is merely the start if bigger things are to come, I’m eagerly looking forward to working on even more exciting projects in the future!
The story behind how I eventually got on board Jai Ho as a singer is an interesting one! I fondly recall the time when my brother, Amal, and I had gone to Salman Khan to make him hear a couple of our songs from my then upcoming solo album. We had merely gone to seek Salman bhai’s honest feedback, but when he told us that he loved these tracks and wanted them to be a part of his forthcoming film, we were spellbound.Our joy really knew no bounds and it certainly was a defining moment for us in so many ways.Since the tracks were for an album being produced by Universal music, we first needed their approval. After many rounds of discussion, the folks at Universal music were kind enough to hand over their rights and it was only then that we proceeded to include them in Jai Ho. The response to the same has been pleasantly surprising and very reassuring.
And if that wasn’t enough, I have also recently released my first solo album Armaan with Universal Music. The sound production of this album has been done by my brother Amal. All the applause and appreciation coming our way has really humbled us and will only serve as a catalyst to strive for something bigger next time around. The album revolves around the theme of “love” and is the perfect gift this Valentine’s season! One track that has really caught on is Krazy Konnection, co-sung by Salim Merchant for which we also shot and released a video.
It seems as though it was only yesterday that I was diligently attending my music lessons. So much has happened in these 18 years! I know I have only just begun on this journey of my choosing. I just hope to live up to the expectations of my parents and make them proud, no matter what. After all, it is the least I can do for the two people who’ve always been there for me!