“I’d rather be an ‘A’ grade singer than a ‘B’ grade actor” – Aditya Narayan

By Subhash K. Jha -

February 11, 2014 - 3:08 AM IST

A chip off the old block would be an apt description for Aditya Narayan. Renowned playback singer Udit Narayan's son Aditya Narayan who aspired to be a leading man in Vikram Bhatt's horror film Shaapit has now opted to fully follow in his father's footsteps.

Aditya made quite an impact as a child actor playing almost a parallel role to Salman Khan as the superstar's son in Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai. Aditya also had hit songs as a child like 'I Love My India' in Subhash Ghai's Pardes (after which Ghai had vowed to launch little Aditya as a leading man, a promise that Ghai didn't keep) and 'Chota Bachcha Jaan Ke' from Masoom.

Aditya's career as an adult actor-singer seemed to face teething troubles after his debut as a leading man-singer sank, and sang, without a trace.

Says Aditya, "I was in too much a hurry to make my debut. I was only 21 and I to make it worse, I looked 17. But it's ok. Everybody makes mistakes. And I've learnt more from that one mistake than I've learnt from all the success I've seen with my two songs in Ram Leela. I am not going to act again until I get an absolutely irresistible offer. I'd rather be an 'A' grade singer than a 'B' grade actor."

It was filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali (SLB) who convinced Aditya that singing was his forte. The success of the two solos number 'Tattad Tattad' and 'Dhishkiyon' in Ram Leela made Aditya see the wisdom of following his larynx into a lyrical nirvana.

Ironically, SLB was all set to launch Aditya as a teen hero in Hamari Jaan Ho Tum opposite Alia Bhatt who was to play Aditya's child bride. The project never took off.

The exuberant actor-singer says his voice is mistaken for his father's. "Music is my first love. And Bhansali Sir made me realize that. People were very surprised when they realized I had sung 'Tattad Tattad' and 'Dhishkiyon' in Ram Leela. Suddenly my father who has sung for Bhansali Sir in Hum...Dil De Chuke Sanam began to get calls for his songs in Ram Leela. Since my father has not sung in Ram Leela he was baffled by the unwarranted compliments. When he realized my voice was being mistaken for his he was very happy. That my singing is mistaken for my father's singing is a huge compliment for me."

Aditya says his life has changed after Ram Leela. "Naturally, if you sing two solo songs in of the biggest musical blockbusters of the year life is bound to change for good. I am getting lots of offers for singing. I am looking forward to singing some good songs in 2014."

Concerts also keep Aditya busy. "Live shows have also multiplied after Ram Leela. Every time I am spotted on the road people do the signature 'Tattad Tattad' dance step running their hands on the back of their heads. To see them smile and dance at my song is ample compensation for the mistakes I made in my career. Life is good. I couldn't ask for more."

Though Aditya is constantly spotted in female company he says he has no love interest. "I am enjoying my singlehood. I travel widely just savouring the moment, hoping that soon I'll find my own Leela."