Kritika Sharma - Focus on Having Something Different Than the Usual


I was always passionate about music. I could leave every other hobby, but not singing. It has been a part of me since I was born

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I'm Kritika Sharma, and I'm 22 years old. I have spent my entire life in Assam. I am a student pursuing a Masters in Psychology. I have completed my Bachelors in Psychology as well.

The journey of my life has not been quite simple, but I'm really glad I had parents who supported me through thick and thin, and they motivated and inspired me to do more. My dad is my idol! 

2. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue music, and how did you start?

I was always passionate about music. I could leave every other hobby, but not singing. It has been a part of me since I was born and I realised it when I grew up a little and started humming 'soldier, soldier, meethi baatein bol kar'. 

I kept singing in school functions, competitions, and always received a very positive response from my peers, teachers, and everybody who came across my singing. Well, I'm not a formally trained singer. All I've ever learned is by listening to music and singing with it.

3. Who is your favourite artist, and why?

I've always looked up to Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan, Sonu Nigam, Arijit Singh, and legendary singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

My favourites will always be Mohammad Rafi and Arijit Singh. Their style and the feel they put into a song make me feel like I'm living the lines that they sing. They are remarkably talented and can make you feel the music while listening to it.

4. Can you throw some light on opportunities one gets as a singer?

I'm an untrained vocalist. I've got several opportunities for singing on different stages, big or small. If you enjoy singing, there's nothing called a big or small platform.

The journey has not been very smooth and fulfilling when it comes to pursuing music full time. There's a lot you need to go through. Especially when you're trying to get into the music industry.

Auditioning for reality shows, which are never real and staged, requires you to be strong-headed to bear the reality that they are not going to select you based on just talent, and you'll need more, a story. 

Apart from that, now we all have access to social media platforms. We can put out anything and everything we want, which is a boon. If you enjoy what you are doing, you'll eventually get recognised.

So never stop chasing your passion and dreams. Keep working, and you'll be there someday. Even if you don't get there, never be disheartened because you know, you did your best to achieve it.  ️

5. Is formal training required, or can one train themselves purely on the basis of talent?

Formal training is always good. If you believe that you have an aptitude for music, you must try to learn more. It always helps in enhancing your skills and to get more music knowledge.

But, there's nothing like you can't learn or sing or make music without training. Several examples in the industry itself are not trained but sing angelically, and one such person is Kishore Kumar. Yes, he isn't trained.  Hard to believe, right?

There's no stopping. Trained or untrained, if you've got the 'X factor' in you, which people like, appreciate, and love listening to, you'll be there soon. Just focus on having something different than the usual. That's my tip.

6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring artists?

First of all, I'm no one to pass on any advice or ideas. I'm still in the learning phase. I'm still figuring out how to become better at what I'm doing. But if asked, I would say, never underestimate yourself.

Never start comparing yourself with anyone. What you have will always be different from what others have. Instead, focus on how you can build yourself. Be kind enough to appreciate other talents around you and support them. You never know how you can help them in a way to make their days better.

Never think you've learned enough. Keep learning. Always try something new, polish your skills, listen to criticisms, and learn from it. Keep making yourself better every day and it will help you, both in the case of your music, and having good mental health, because you'll focus on just yourself then, and no one else's opinion would distract you. ️

7. Which is your favourite book, and why?

I'm not a person who is into books, to be honest. I enjoy watching movies and visual presentations. But, if I must name a book, it will be ' The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank.

It makes me aware of all the negativity that surrounds us, all the monsters who keep pulling us down. It is the human instinct to survive in any condition and the power within us that inspired me about it. And also, reading about that dreadful period sends chills down my spine.


Kritika Sharma
Vocalist
Instagram - @kritikasharm4

Interviewed by - Amruta