This Bengaluru-based playback singer-turned-actor has turned to reel life now. The Laung Gawacha singer recently debuted in a supporting role with the film, 5 Weddings which was released in October 2018. The sprightly Saru Maini opens up about her life as an actor, singer, her family and the late switch to acting in this candid chat.
Having acted in two other films that are yet to be released, Saru says, “There are a lot of challenges you face in any stream of work. With acting, my first challenge was that I had to start from scratch. Unlike music, I had no prior experience nor had I learnt the skill. A lot of sacrifices and adjustments had to be made. But this role was ideal for me. A movie in which I was acting and singing as well; a dream come true.
I also believe that, unlike singing, acting restricts itself to a particular age. There is a time constraint. So I really wanted to give it my all and make the best out of it.”
Her debut film 5 Weddings is about an American journalist who travels to India to cover Bollywood weddings and uncovers a mosaic of cultural clashes, transgender tangles and lost loves. She plays the supporting role of a singer in the movie which has Nargis Fakhri and Rajkumar Rao in the lead roles. The movie is directed by Namrata Singh Gujral.
Saru made her debut in the playback genre with the song Bhangara Paale, in a duet with Sonu Nigam, for the movie Anthony Kaun Hai? in 2006, the song was written and composed by Himesh Reshammiya. She is also known for her songs Laung Gawacha, Jhoom Jhoom and Ishq Hua. She has also collaborated with artists like Shaan and done several music albums.
Letting us in on her life as a singer, she says, “Music was always my passion. After training in classical music, I shifted to Mumbai because I felt it was where all the opportunities were. As a musician, it is hard for you to get a break; there are so many of us. It is extremely important for us to be innovative and introduce interesting concepts. My family never agreed with me on following my passion for music but once my work was out there, and it was being appreciated, they realised that this is what is good for me. Now, they are very supportive of what I do. Music means everything to me.”
Saru draws inspiration from singers like Arijit Singh and Sunidhi Chauhan. She plans on collaborating with Mika Singh in the future. With a knack for interior designing and fashion, she has many roles to juggle.
