The very name of Sophie Choudry has today, become synonymous not just with unlimited talent and gorgeousness, but also style and grace. After having tried her hand in almost everything, Sophie is back in the news, courtesy, her groovy track 'Raat Akeli Hai', which she has sung alongwith yet another bundle of talents Raghav Sachar.
Satish Sundaresan of Bollywood Hungama caught up with Sophie Choudry for an interview, wherein she speaks about the album, her singing career, her childhood and much more!
Sophie, to start with, how did the offer of 'Raat Akeli Hai' come about? And what made you say yes to the offer?
Raghav and I have always wanted to collaborate for the last few years and finally this year it all came together! And as they say, when you are destined to do something, it is definitely bound to happen. The fact that Raghav is wonderfully talented, I thought that it would be an interesting collaboration and different, as compared to the stuff I've done before… at least completely different to 'Hungama Ho Gaya'.
How different do you sound in this track as compared to your previous ones?
We all know that 'Raat Akeli Hai' is a cult classic sung by the legend Ashaji. It's a really tough song and not your regular dance number. So, one has to be an exceptionally good singer to pull it off. Let me tell you that, my version of the track is much mellower, sensual, and seductive than my other songs!
What, according to you, is the USP of this track?
In my opinion, the USP of the track is the fact that it's a combination of style, fashion and music. Additionally, it has me singing (read 'attempting') a different track and also Raghav with totally fresh music arrangements. All of these simply make the track to watch out for.
How was it to work with the multi talented Raghav Sachar?
It has really amazing working with him. We started off as acquaintances and now we are buddies. Trust me when I say that he is an unlimited bundle of talent! We both combined our talents to come up with the best possible version of this classic song. It was a huge challenge for us both, but the end result was simply brilliant.
You even reprised 'Raat Akeli Hai' in the reality show 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa'...
I'm just really grateful that 'Jhalak…' allowed me to perform on this track on such a big platform. The theme was 'Latin week', I was performing a 'Bachata Kizomba' routine and my choreographer Deepak heard 'Raat Akeli…' and really loved it. We asked Raghav to add some Spanish guitar and a light 'Bachata' groove. The result was sheer magic! It will always remain one of my best and favourite performances.
Of the trio consisting of Karan Johar, Madhuri Dixit and Remo D'souza, which of the three judges you were scared of the most?
I don't know about scare, but the fact remains that I admire all three of them, so much that it's an honour to perform before them. I also want to impress them all! Remo is the toughest because he is the most technically sound man dancing wise. So, I'm just waiting to knock him off his feet with one of my performances!
Is it true that you both (Raghav and you) have created all the sounds including the percussion?
Yes we have... (smiles). Except for the saxophone, flute and a little piano, everything else has been vocally created and by using everyday fashion and stylish items like wine glasses, high heels, zips, nails, perfume spray, comb and many more. We have created sounds from almost everything we could find which went with our theme.
Raghav went on record to say that, "Sensuality and Sophie go hand in hand". How do you react to statements like these?
That's such a huge compliment for me! I'm not someone who has ever thought of me as sexy or glamorous. I simply like to be myself. I like style, luxury, feminity and maybe that's why I come across as sexy and sensual even without trying.
The track's getting rave reviews. Which has been the best compliment so far and by whom?
Everyone from Sanjay Gupta, Anubhav Sinha to Tusshar Kapoor have tweeted about it. But the best compliment was from Mika who tweeted that he loved it and was shocked that I could sing such songs also!
Many artists do not like the olden classics to be retouched. What's your take on this?
My biggest hits have been remixes: 'Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Ke Gaya', 'Mera Babu Chail Chabila', 'Hungama Ho Gaya'. So, clearly people do love new versions of the old songs, provided that they are well made. I believe one has to respect the original song and not tamper with it too much, but still add your own style and some freshness to it. In 'Raat Akeli Hai', we have penned a male English part as well and it flows so naturally that everyone is loving it. This way, the song appeals to a new and old generation as well.
Will you focus only singing only or are you still open to acting offers as well?
I have never felt the need to choose. I'm an entertainer and will try to make the best of both worlds because that's what I believe! As far as my films are concerned, I'm hoping to start shooting for a new film in October, whose details I will give to you guys very soon. Till then, I'm dedicated to 'Jhalak...'
Is it true that you were one of the backup chorus vocals in Biddu's 'Made In India' track?
Yes (Smiles). I was only 12 years old and I did that in my school uniform!
How does it feel to have reached where you have reached today?
I still feel I have too much to achieve and so much work to do. But I'm very grateful for everything that I have achieved so far. This is a really tough industry and to make your own niche and place is not easy. I feel blessed and grateful, which inspires me to work harder.
You had sung in French for your dear friend Preity Zinta's film. What's your stand on her case today?
I love Preity. She is smart, dignified and righteous. As a friend, I will stand by her in good times and bad.
You are a fabulous dancer yourself. Who is your favourite dancer in Bollywood?
I love the impeccable pairing of Govinda and Karisma! Other than that, Madhuri is amazing and so graceful, Hrithik is just incredible and in the new lot, I like Tiger and Varun!
Last year, around this time, Malaika Arora Khan had gifted you something which you refused to reveal. It's been one year now. Can you at least tell us now what the gift was? We have been holding our patience for over a year now!
Hahahaha! That's so funny! I feel like making you guys wait a little longer, but I don't want to be cruel. The gift was a super sexy black dress from her collection.
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