Priya Patidar Calls Bollywood Singing Debut a ‘Dream Come True’

MUMBAI — Singer Priya Patidar, who has sung the title track for the upcoming Bollywood film “Welcome To The Jungle,” said making her playback debut in such a major project feels like a dream come true.

For Patidar, the song marks the beginning of a goal she has pursued for nearly two decades.

“It feels like a dream come true. Being part of such a huge project with an incredible star cast, especially alongside my favorite actor, Akshay Kumar sir, feels surreal,” Patidar said.

“This is my first big Bollywood project, and I’m grateful and excited for many more opportunities ahead,” she said.

Patidar said the achievement comes after an 18-year journey that began when she moved to Mumbai as a teenager to pursue music.

“It has been an 18-year journey since I came to Mumbai as a teenager to pursue my dream. There were many ups and downs along the way, but today I value that struggle because it taught me patience, hard work, and resilience,” she said.

“I always believed that this opportunity would come to me, whether sooner or later,” Patidar said.

She said she got the opportunity through composer Vikram Montrose, with whom she had previously worked on a few tracks.

“I had previously worked with the composer of the song, Vikram Montrose, on a few tracks. One day, he called me for a recording session, and I didn’t even ask whether it was for a film or something else,” she said.

“The moment he played the ‘Welcome’ title track, I was shocked and excited. At the same time, I knew the song was still at a very initial stage, so I simply recorded my part and left it at that,” Patidar said.

She said she did not follow up on the song afterward because she did not want to become emotionally attached before knowing whether it would be used.

“After that, I never followed up or asked him what was happening with the song because I didn’t want to feel heartbroken if things didn’t work out. I felt that if it was meant to happen, he would tell me himself,” she said.

“Then, a few days ago, he finally called and told me that the song was released in my voice. I was overwhelmed when I heard the news,” Patidar said.

Asked whether she felt pressure while recreating an iconic song at a time when remakes often face criticism online, Patidar said she focused on enjoying the moment.

“I had no idea what I was going to record that day. The moment I heard the ‘Welcome’ title track, I felt excited because I knew how iconic the song is and how incredible the star cast is,” she said.

“I grew up watching Welcome, which was released in 2007, and I remember humming its songs as a child. So the entire experience felt nostalgic and surreal. At that moment, I wasn’t thinking about remakes, criticism, or trolling. I was simply happy and grateful to be part of something so special,” Patidar said.

“Welcome To The Jungle” features an ensemble cast that includes Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Lara Dutta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, Mika Singh, Mukesh Tiwari, Zakir Hussain, Yashpal Sharma, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Tusshar Kapoor and Sayaji Shinde. (Source: IANS)