Being badnam is not so bad

Sheetal

Bollywood singer Mamta Sharma’s career sky-rocketed with the song, Munni Badnam Hui, in 2010 for Salman Khan’s film, Dabangg. And many awards later, she has bagged the bragging rights for hit party numbers like Anarkali Disco Chali, Fevicol Se, Pandeyjee Seeti, Aa Re Pritam Pyaare, Aata Majhi Satakli, and the list is endless.

Speaking about her journey from Munni Badnam Hui to Munna Badnam Hua, she says, “It has been a fantastic journey so far and I hope it continues to be the same. The credit goes to Arbaaz and Salman sir and, of course, Lalit Pandit ji, who discovered me in the first place. From the first movie to its sequel and now a prequel, I am happy that I got to sing in every part.” 

Mamta’s songs have that electrifying energy to make anybody dance. She can be credited for bringing the Bhojpuri accent into Bollywood with her songs. After singing so many dance numbers, does she feel typecast to sing a certain type of songs? She quips, “Work is work. There’s no good music or bad music. Every song I did, I enjoyed the making of it. When you are in love with music, you don’t care what songs you are doing and I am enjoying every part of my career.”

All praise for the music industry, she says, “I believe the industry has been very welcoming and it still is. Your talent matters and at some point, your luck does as well. But, once you prove yourself, people in the industry stand by you and you will be offered something that suits your style. For all those budding singers out there, I have one advice—be yourself instead of copying others.”

Amidst all the controversy going around Munna Badnam Hua, Mamta stays calm. She believes when your work is out there, you must prepare for both positive and negative feedback. She adds, “Since my childhood, I have been exposed to live audience and although the applauds and smiles led me where I am today but those stage shows also made me tough enough to handle criticism. Though such news troubles you but I let go easily and concentrate on what’s next.”

The workaholic nature of Mamta does not let her escape for a long vacation but she did manage a four-day-long leave for sightseeing when she went to Vietnam for a show this year. Originally from Gwalior, she is now settled in Mumbai. As next year marks 20 years of living in Mumbai for her, Mamta confesses, “The lively nature of Mumbai instantly caught my attention. People here are helpful.” She also has a mellow side to her music, which she showed through her hit single, Yaara, which garnered 116 million views.