Kumar Sanu's Daughter Shannon K On Following In His Father's Footsteps: 'I Was Told Singing Is Not In Your Genes'- EXCLUSIVE
Here's a candid chat with Kumar Sanu's daughter, Shannon K, where she speaks about her journey and the struggles she has faced
Kumar Sanu's daughter Shannon K, who is also an American singer and songwriter, is slowly making her space in Bollywood. Shannon joined us for a video interview from the United States, where she spoke about her latest song, Run.
Shannon also speaks about her journey of following in her father's footsteps and the struggles she faced to become a singer. Read on;
Shannon your new song Run has crossed 15 millions already, congratulations!
Thank You. It's been incredible because I have received so much love and such great feedback from all my fans and all the people. I am so grateful and thankful for each one who showed so much love and appreciation towards me and the music.
You shot for the song in India. How was the experience?
The overall experience was fun. I visited Jaipur for the very first time and as you all can see in the music video, I got to wear Indian outfit and it's a great feeling.
We got to know you had a near to death experience while shooting...
Well, I can say that I almost died. Actually, I twisted my ankle while climbing the mountain where I had to give my shot. But fortunately, I had my grip and I was back on track where we were filming. And yeah, there were other very hilarious things like my sister tripping twice.
The song has a message which is related to your personal life. So, what's that?
The song talks about having self-confidence and believing in yourself. When I had come down to the United States, I was pretty new and had no connections here. I didn't know anyone. Especially the place where I work, nobody knows who my Dad is. So, going to the states and having the aspiration of becoming something was challenging. I came across a lot of people who didn't believe in me and made fun of my dreams. So, all those things made me write this song and with this, I have tried to spread the message across people to believe in themselves and dream big.
Your previous song 'Give Me Your Hand' was about anti-bullying which was again out of your own experience?
Social media was a platform where I received a lot of hatred- from haters and trollers- and at that time I was 14, not mature enough to handle it. All those comments really affected me in a way that I went into depression. There was a phase where I didn't know what to do and I lost all my confidence. I started getting the feeling that I made a mistake by choosing singing as my dream and following my Dad's footsteps. That put me to self-harm. It was a very painful phase that I went through. But fortunately I had my family and friends with me, who made me believe in me and motivated me to do what I want to and just keep going.
What sort of harsh comments were they?
I saw a couple of comments which said about my adoption. And the fact that singing is not in my genes. So, I can possibly not take my Dad's legacy ahead as I am adopted. Also, I don't have that talent. I am fake and just trying to use my Dad's name to be where I am. A few comments were really personal. They attacked me in such a way that I couldn't handle it.
How old were you when you came to know about your adoption?
I think I was 8. Actually, my parents never wanted to tell me that I was adopted but then I noticed people used to treat me differently than my sister especially because I was a little darker and some people knew that I was adopted but I didn't. But honestly, I am so thankful and grateful to God and my parents who gave me this second life with so much love and support.
You always wanted to follow your father's footsteps and become a singer?
Actually, no because when I was young I had a speech defect. For me, speaking a proper sentence was a miracle. So, I have never thought of becoming a singer. But gradually because the music has been in the environment, I got very much passionate about it. It has a connection with me and obviously Dad being in the house and me hearing his songs really inspired me to have a dream of becoming like him.
What is your favourite song sung by your father?
I would say my favourite song is Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye. After understanding the lyrics, I was absolutely in love with it. It has such a deep meaning to it. I love the melody.
What was your father's reaction when you told him you want to pursue a career in singing?
He was very happy and proud that I made this decision because he didn't want to force me to take his legacy ahead. He has given me the freedom to pick whatever I want to do, even my sister. And when I told them I want to be in the same career as his, he was very happy about it. But he did tell me that this will be your journey and you have to face all the obstacles. Also, having the big responsibility of the name you are carrying. Even though I am your Dad, I will not be helping you with connecting with people as it's your journey and you have to do it by yourself, which is fair because now, when I have faced so much, I value things a lot more.
How did your journey as a singer in Bollywood started?
When I went down to India to film my music video, I was working on a song with this amazing lyrics writer and he happened to know Mr. Himmesh Reshammiya. So, I guess they had a conversation and he spoke about me to him. He heard my songs and liked it. That's how the TikTok song from his film Happy Hardy And Heer came to me. Initially, I didn't understand a couple of sentences but I told them to explain to me before I mess up.
Other than your father, any other singer you look upto in the Bollywood industry?
Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal, Shaan, Sonu Nigam- I feel everybody is very talented. They are incredible with their own skills. Each of their voices really inspire me to keep learning.
Image source: Instagram/shannonksinger
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