How happy were you when your song “Nas Nas Mein” in Welcome Back was declared a big hit?
It was my good luck that “Nas Nas Mein has clicked in a big way like “Humka Peeni Hai” in Dabangg, thanks to Aneesbhai, Meet Brothers & Anjaan, besides Kumar. I am glad that I have been a part of a big film like Welcome Back in which my song was picturised on different actors.
How did you bag the offer to sing “Nas Nas Mein” in Welcome Back?
Out of the blue, Anjaan who is no more a part of the team of Meet Brothers called me and told me to come immediately to record a nice song that they had composed for Welcome Back, though I was quite reluctant as I was having some other personal commitment. I am glad I adjusted my time and went ahead and did the recording.
Is it true that you have already sung 36 songs for Salman Khan?
Yes very much Including the hit chartbuster song “Humka Peene De”, I have sung as many as 36 songs for Salman Khan. It is thanks to my good friends like Sajid – Wajid, Meet Brothers & Anjaan & above all Himesh Reshammiya that I have been able to accomplish this rare feat and come out with flying colours. Then I sang my 37th song for Salman Bhaijaan for Rajshri’s Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo. Amongst the films for which I had sung for Salman earlier are Jai Ho, Mujhse Shaadi Karoge, Veer, Dabangg.
You made your debut long before Dabangg though you shot to fame with “Humka Peeni Hai!” Comment!
Yes its true. It was with the film Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya that I got my 1st break as a playback singer way back in 1998. I should confess that it is only after Dabangg in 2010 that I have been able to establish my own identity as a playback singer.
Was it easy or tough for you to get a break as a singer in films?
It was at the age of 16 that I got my break as a playback singer literally on a silver platter with Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya when I sang the song “Teri Jawani Mast Mast”.
How do you feel about today’s music scenario?
To tell you the truth, the competition here is so stiff. The biggest problem with most of the singers is that no one tries to establish his own identity. No one looks for excellence and everyone is quite happy with whatever they are able to sing irrespective of quality.
You are related to Sabri Brothers! Right.
My father is Ustad Iqbal Sabri. I have learnt a lot from him as well as my uncle Ustad Afzal Sabri as well as Ustad Rasheed Khan.
Which are your 5 favourite songs till this date?
My 5 favourite songs till this date are “Humka Peeni Hai”, “Tere Naina”, “Jaadu Tone Waliya”, “Chala Aao Na Naino Se Baan Re”, “Dil Mera Mukt Ka” & “Nas Nas Mein”.
