Her mellifluous voice has impressed one and all including one of the legends of music, Asha Bhosale. Singer Amrita Bharati Panda, who made a mark in the sixth season of Indian Idol, is planning to make it big in Bollywood as a playback singer. The singer from Orissa who was in New Delhi to perform at a mega event, spoke exlcusively to Page3Now about her singing journey, her future plans and a lot more..

How did you start your singing career?

When I was five-years-old, I was quite influenced by my elder sister who was a Odissi dancer. I also used to dance along with her and listen to Odissi music. One day I woke up and said to my father that I don’t want to dance and I want to become a singer. My father was quite supportive. Also, my mother used to sing in her younger days. But there wasn’t much support for her at that time. So quite understandably,, she supported me in a big way. I then learnt Odissi vocal for eight years.

How did you make it big in singing then?

When I was 10-11 years old, organisers of various cultural programmes used to invite me to sing in Orissa. Then in order to come into limelight, I took part in various singing reality shows including Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs and Indian Idol season 6 where I made it to the top 12. My singing was appreciated by judges including Ashaji (Bhosale), Sunidhi Chauhan, Annu Malik and that was a really big thing for me. 

You have done playback singing in the Orissa film industry?

Yes, I have. After the Indian Idol, I came back to Orissa and did playback singing in Olywood (Orissa film industry). In Orissa, people know me very well now. My next step is to make a mark in Bollywood.

You got married in 2015. Have your priorities changed after you got married?

No my priorities haven’t changed one bit. In fact, I’m very lucky to have a husband who is very supportive. We have recently shifted to Mumbai where I will be trying to start my career as playback singer in Bollywood.

Which heroine in Bollywood you would like to lend your voice to?

I will be really delighted to lend my voice to Deepika Padukone. She’s a wonderful actress and is my favourite.

Are you following the current session of Indian Idol?

Yes, I’m following this season of the Indian Idol. There are lot of good singers. One of my friends from Orissa, Vishwajeet is also there and I’m supporting him.