MUMBAI: Songstress Nilofer Wani, who recently sang the track ‘Kahaaniya’ from the film ‘Jazbaa’, has always pictured herself as an actor or a singer, despite having no formal training in music. A self taught singer, Wani used to hum songs, but very few people were aware of her talent.

“I spent a major chunk of my life in Kashmir, but shifted to Delhi later. Coming from a conservative family, my parents were not thrilled about me coming to Mumbai alone to follow my dreams. I got married and now when I have two kids who have grown up, I thought about chasing my dream of becoming a singer,” said Wani. Composer Arko Pravo Mukherjee, an old friend was aware of Wani’s interest in music, and so he approached her for the song. The only brief he gave her was for her vocals to be punchy and zestful.

With the success of the song, everyone including her children is now pushing her to become better and chase her musical dreams. “By now even my kids understand that music is something that is ingrained in me and is an inseparable part of mine,” she added.

Wani is also learning Indian classical music from her guru in Delhi as she feels that it is important to earn at least the basics of music. In addition to this, she is also currently working on a single with Arko, which will have elements of Kashmiri folk music. “Since I am a Kashmiri it will be a tribute to the people of my state and there will obviously be an element of Kashmiri folk music. With this single I urge many more people to come forward to the industry to exhibit their talent,” she explained.

The video for Wani’s upcoming single will be shot in Kashmir, and the track is expected to release in the next three or four months.