Aditya Narayan, the singer son of ’90s chartbuster king, Udit Narayan, has released his next romantic track Lillah to rave reviews. Shot extensively in the Maldives, Lillah features Aditya along with model Sushrii Mishraa and is a tribute to IndiPop. Considered a comeback for Aditya, Lillah illustrates the singer-actor in a different light after his brief hiatus. A conversation with the man of the moment:

Lillah is an ode to the golden era of IndiPop, how did this come to your mind?

As a 90s kid I grew up watching MTV & Channel V, which during those times used to be music channels. I used to thoroughly enjoy film music videos, non-film music videos as well as international songs and videos. The IndiPop scene was thriving with amazing songs and videos from artistes such as Lucky Ali, Euphoria, Silk Route, Alisha Chinai, Sonu Nigam. The songs were all beautifully written, played and arranged by the best musicians in India. So when I thought of releasing my own indie content, this was what came to my mind.

The genre IndiPop is vast, how do you judge what to make and what to avoid?

It’s easy. We retain what sounds beautiful and let go of sounds that don’t complement the lyrics, voice and feel of the song. Well, it’s not that easy, but you just know.

You have acted with Salman Khan (Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai), Aamir Khan (Rangeela) and Shah Rukh Khan (Pardes). Who do you think is a better actor and a better human being?

They are all wonderful actors as well as people. You can’t be just one of the two and be at the top of your game for three decades. I’m lucky to have worked with them at such a young age.

As a child actor we had seen a spark in you. Why did you leave acting?

Well, let me be completely honest and say that music is what moves my soul. I have been singing since I could talk and it’s unfortunate for me that I am given the least opportunities as a musician. Even the movies I was offered as a kid were after the producers/directors watched my (singing) performances at award shows. For that matter, even Shaapit (2010 horror film) happened only after (director) Vikram Bhatt agreed that I could sing all the songs in the movie. I didn’t care, as long as I got to sing. The offer still stands. You want to cast me, I will do your film for free if you let me sing all the songs.

Why a single? Why not a full-fledged album or playback?

It is a full-fledged album, I’m just releasing the first four singles along with videos. I will then put out the whole album sometime in the first quarter of 2020. Playback is also happening. Just wait till November.

Do you think the music industry is more competitive now than what it used to be when your father was the reigning king of Bollywood?

My father never had it easy. His struggle is talked about by the entire fraternity. It’s a proper rags-to-riches story. I have immense respect for all his achievements and love him dearly. The music industry has always been competitive. But yeah, the number of people working in the music industry has increased exponentially so it’s more challenging to make a big name for yourself now and sustain a long career. But I’m someone who enjoys such challenges. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

What are your next projects?

I’m hosting the current season of Indian Idol and am in talks with another show for Sony but 2020 will probably be my final year as a host on TV. Then there’s my upcoming album, the second and third singles (Kyun and Main Dooba Rahoon) will release in December and February respectively. And then there’s a Bollywood song that releases in November. Plus, the show season is starting so looking forward to touring with my band, The A Team.

Do you seek help from your father when you need advice? What does he say when you are low?

Not really. I seek his love and blessings. That’s enough. Oh and diction, I always seek advice for diction. He has got, arguably, the best diction among all male playback singers ever. When I’m low I’m usually just quiet and around family. Probably have a glass of scotch with dad.

You come from a music family. Is that a burden or a boon?

I come from a nice humble family. That’s all that matters. People think that just because we are singers we sit around the house singing songs. That’s not how it works. When we’re home we like to disconnect and recharge.

One advice to people struggling in Mumbai to make it in playback?

Keep at it, man! Persistence and belief are the key. Look at me, I’ve already been around for almost 25 years and I’m just getting started. If you want to shine like the sun, you must be willing to burn like the sun.