I am focusing more on my acting career now - Adnan Sami

Adnan Sami is back and how. Looking slim, trim and handsome in his brand new avatar, the singer cum composer is all set to take the plunge into acting in Bollywood. In an exclusive chat with Tellychakkar.com, the singer cum composer and soon-to-actor discusses his future career plans.

Sweeta from Kill Dil was well appreciated. Do you see it as your comeback?

Interesting question. I did take a small break but I didn’t really go anywhere far. You have to go somewhere to come back. Even though I took a break from recording, I have been doing concerts in different parts of the world. I think it is being termed as a comeback because it has become a hit. 

Has this break done you a world of good?

Yes. I have been working since 1986 and had never ever taken a break in my life until now. I think this time was absolutely needed to rejuvenate and come back with renewed fervour. Aslo, since I really love what I do, I literally had to force myself into taking a break.

Did you miss Bollywood during this time?

Yes. I missed Bollywood and there were tempting offers but then I needed to take some time off. There were occasions when I was offered a great song but I declined doing it because I knew I couldn’t do enough justice to it. I am honest to my art. My approach to music has been one of honesty where I want to do something that also appeals to my spiritual conscience. If you look at my body of work, there is not much in terms of quantity. There are two reasons behind it. One, I have always believed in trying to maintain a certain kind of quality and secondly, every single piece of work of mine have utilized my skills as a singer, composer and arranger. It is time consuming and you get emotionally and physically spent.

So now that you are back after a break, what will be your prime focus?

I am focusing on playback singing, composing music and also more on acting.  I am getting launched as an actor in Bollywood. I am reading two scripts now and before you ask me, let me tell you that I am not playing a musician in the movie. It’s a fun film.

But why acting all of a sudden?

It’s not all of a sudden. Infact nothing happens all of a sudden in my life. Acting is not something new for I have acted in a Pakistani film in 1992. So that keeda of being an actor has already been achieved. But it was not something that excited me anymore then. But today I am in such a position where I can say that if I find anything interesting I will do it. I was reading quite a few scripts but none attracted me until these two came my way which I have locked now.

It’s common to see extremely successful musicians becoming actors in our country. Is acting the next step for every successful musician?

It’s not a question of acting being the next step. Singers becoming actors is not a new phenomenon. Frank Sinatra did it, Elvis did it and so did Justin Timberlake. In India you have Kishore Kumar.

But Kishore Kumar has been the only success…

Yes, he has been the only success. It is not a given guarantee that just because you are a successful musician, you will be a successful actor too. At the end of the day, when you are walking into a different field, you have to ensure that the decisions you take in that field are sensible ones. A lot depends on the kind of projects you take up and whether you have the flair to act it out well.  Also, I am not playing a musician which would have been the most clichéd thing to do. Finally at the end of the day, the script is king. You may be the greatest actor in the world but at the end if you don’t have a good script you will not be able to fly.

Will you be composing music for the film as well?

I am partially composing the music. Also, when I walk into the realms of acting I don’t walk with any preconceived notion. I don’t turn around and say I am a package deal as I can sing act and compose. I am open to another composer scoring the music. But when it comes to the voice, it is only logical to have my voice because audience will not accept anyone else singing for me.

Finally tell us how fast are you on keyboard?

(Smiles) All I can say is when the Swedish television filmed me they said my fingers moved faster than 24 frames per second. The camera couldn’t catch it.