Singer-composer Oye Kunaal, who is known for tracks like Mera Yaar Hi Mera Rabb, and Patola, shares excerpts from his journey

• Tell us about your journey from Jalandhar to Mumbai…

While pursuing civil engineering, I used to make songs, not professionally but just for fun. So, my dad made a studio for me. I composed a song and uploaded it on a website and within two days, it was downloaded 1.5 million times! Later, I was called to Mumbai to pursue my dream.

• How did you get into music?

I never knew that I would produce music, but I liked to sing. I used to participate in a lot of youth festivals. Later, I started investing more time in my passion.

• Do you have any kind of professional training?

I have never taken any formal training. I used to make music every night; my dark circles are a testimony to that!

• What was your first music video?

My debut song was with T-series titled Aaj Tera Mera Saath Hai. I composed and sung it. It garnered nine million views on YouTube.

• What prompted you to change your name to Oye Kunaal?

My friend circle comprised people elder to me. Whenever we had to go anywhere, they would be like Oye Kunaal and follow it with whatever they wanted to say. This was when I added an ‘Oye’ to my name.

• What are your career ambitions?

To do quality work and not focus on quantity! Having an ambition is important; it gives you a push.

• Do you want to take up acting in the future?

The company that I am associated with is training us first and then they will think about acting. Right now, they are making only music videos.