Meet The SHEROES: Sonam Kalra: Musician, Actor, Creative Powerhouse

Sonam Kalra's music blends the soul of gospel with the techniques of jazz leaving you craving for more. The powerhouse of a vocalist has trained under masters of  both Western and Indian musical traditions. Sonam  is also an award-winning actor and says she has been a performer since childhood. She shares this and much more in an e-interview with Karuna John. Excerpts:

Did you always know think that music was to become your calling and bring you fame?

I've never been interested in fame, and that's the last reason I would do anything.  I think I always knew music was my calling and that's why it took me so long to come to it, because it meant so much to me.

What was your childhood ambition, and how did you share it with family and friends?

I was a complete performer. I sang, danced, acted, painted, debated, participated in every artistic activity I could. I used to direct and organise shows with the neighbourhood children, my friends, and invite their parents. I would organise everything--from the direction to the choreography and the costumes! My parents were amazingly supportive and always went along with all my crazy plans!   

Was your formal education targeted towards what you hoped to be?

I went to art school, worked in advertising as a graphic designer and then shifted to writing because I wanted to be at the beginning of the ideation process. And then, when I knew I had done well and was done, I  quit to study music. I have always loved music; I just reached it differently from other people. And I'm glad I had all these experiences because they've enriched my music, my skill set and my approach to everything I create.

How and when did you choose music to be your 'career'?

We don't choose our paths. Music chose me, and I hope it continues to do so. All I need to do is be worthy of that choice by working hard, working with integrity and honesty, and not be defeated by the lows or the hurdles.

What do you see changing for women professionals in India?

I think that in every period, every era, there have been women who have been strong and made a change. What's great now is that pre-defined roles for women are changing--women realise they can be great professionals as well as mothers, daughters and homemakers. We've always been good at multi-tasking! Families and spouses perhaps have become more understanding as women have begun to assert their independence.

I'm glad to see this change and I hope things will continue to change.

What inspires you, and what is your long-term goal?

My parents inspire me. They always have. The people they were--loving, compassionate, kind, intelligent, funny, fun, secular--they always had time for goodness and kindness. They saw the simple joys in everything and worked hard to achieve everything they had.

My father taught us that we were not equal to men, but better. My mother taught us to feel everything with great passion and depth. Everything I am, and can hope to be, is because of them and for them.

And now, please do share what you always need around you, the five must-haves in your bag?

The five must haves I would love to travel with are my five beautiful, wonderful and crazy dogs: Gadbad, Chatney, Ladka, Ladki and Chhokra!

Other than that, my five must-haves are a portable speaker, my iPhone (it has my taanpura and voice recorder on it!), a writing pad, a pen and sunscreen! (PS: I also often find my landline phone in my bag!)