It’s exams time for students, and the stress levels are rising, especially for the ones appearing for crucial academic exams like Class X and XII. Singer and song-writer Paroma Dasgupta has decided to give these students the much-needed morale boost through her new single Mann Ke, which is dedicated to all the young students preparing for their exams.
Paroma believes that songs can be a very powerful medium of stress-busting and encouragement. The exam-induced stress is a major concern for students, their families and for everyone involved. The single tries to convey that exams are just a part of the journey called life, it’s not the end, but a beginning.
Known for songs like Kaara Fankara (OK Jaanu) and Coffee Peetey Peetey (Gabbar is Back), Paroma says that her song speaks of chasing one’s dreams and freedom in love. “Through my song, I want to tell students that they must never let others decide their choice of career. It’s commendable to become an artist or a poet or anything that you choose. Having said that, do not neglect your studies but it’s also equally important to know what’s your calling,” she says.
Follow what you are most passionate about, she insists, giving the example of music being her calling. “I have been lucky to have parents who understood me and nurtured my music; not everyone does that. The idea behind the song is to stand up for your love and passion and listen to your heart,” says the young singer.
Adults often exert undue pressure on students during such crucial exams which Paroma says is very “unfortunate”. In fact, “this happens to an extent where children are driven to take extreme steps and some end up taking their precious lives.”
Speaking of her childhood, Paroma says that she liked appearing for exams. “This might sound funny but it’s true. I have always got decent grades but never been very well-prepared. The day of results however worried me,” she laughs.
The singer, who will next be heard in Aanand L Rai’s Nimmo, has a few interesting collaborations in the pipeline but she refuses to talk about them.
Paroma has sung for different actresses from Shraddha Kapoor to Shruti Hassan in both films and jingles. Ask her how she gets the nuances of each actress right while singing and she replies, “Mostly you don’t know which actress you are going to sing for but if I am told in advance, I like to keep the body language of the actress in mind — whether she is calm or bubbly and energetic. I remember singing for Parineeti Chopra for a jingle and people actually thought the song was sung by Parineeti herself which is a huge compliment for a singer.”
What does she enjoy more — films or jingles? Paroma says that the two formats are quite different. “I really enjoy singing jingles as it has helped me grow. It has taught me to think of various approaches to a song and understand my voice and strength. It has helped me grow as a singer. Having said that, you get to learn in a longer format too but I thoroughly enjoy both,” she concludes.