When women are inspired, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment, that grows far and beyond. The IWD 2024 #InspireInclusion campaign aims to collectively forge a more inclusive world for women. In recognition of IWD, check out the interview feature with Mallika Mehta a singer-songwriter and performer. She was featured in the New York Times Square for her original single.
As an independent artist, she has released 9 original songs so far. A musician since a young age, Mallika today, is exploring music in all its elements and variants. Apart from the creative talent of penning heartfelt songs, she also sings in languages not one, but five! She’s fluent in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, and Spanish. Mallika has earned the title of ‘Adele of Mumbai’.
Check out the interview Women Fitness President, Namita Nayyar had with Mallika Mehta, the singer-songwriter as a part of International Women’s Day!
Namita Nayyar:
When did it occur to you that music was an inseparable part of you and would be your future?
Mallika Mehta:
I was introduced to the world of music very early on. I was about 4-5 years old when I started playing the keyboard by ear and soon after started singing as well. Music always felt right and made me happy, content, and in a way completed me. There was always that urge to make my music, perform, and blend my creative side with my musical one. I participated in and won a lot of competitions in music throughout my school life. After I finished my schooling I automatically began to delve deeper into music. One thing led to another and before I knew it I started singing professionally.
Namita Nayyar:
You had taken a few lessons in music, one of which was at The Voice Academy in New York. Could you share some input about your learning and experience? Also, how has qualification in marketing from Harvard and Kellogg University helped you in your dreams?
Mallika Mehta:
One of my very first experiences of musical training was through The Voice Academy in New York City. I learned a lot from them and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Before that, I had never trained with anyone in music. I learned a lot of musical techniques, modulation, and the basics of music under them. I also recorded my Debut EP, Evolve: The Story of Her in NYC.
Marketing has always been of immense interest to me. Marketing is extremely important to any business or individual and I unknowingly would come up with marketing techniques to promote myself, my music, and my releases. Being able to learn Marketing at some of the most esteemed universities globally taught me a lot. I learned so much that I didn’t know existed and it helped me achieve my dreams specifically with social media and music releases.
Namita Nayyar:
You are well-versed in five languages- English, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, and Spanish. Has it helped you in your singing skills in any way?
Mallika Mehta:
Well, I have been speaking in English, Hindi, and Gujarati since the time I started talking. So, singing in all 3 languages came to me very naturally. I don’t speak in Punjabi and Spanish but I can easily sing songs in them and I’d love to increase the list very soon. It has helped me connect with a wider audience and made my live gigs extremely fun, not only for the audience but also for me.
Namita Nayyar:
What challenges did you encounter when you set out to pursue your dreams? Also, how did you overcome them?
Mallika Mehta:
I think one of the biggest challenges for a singer is to be able to get their music heard. The number of singers releasing music is only increasing day by day but the audience size stays intact. My first 4 releases were in English and to be able to find the right audience in India seemed hard at the time but as soon as it found its audience the songs did well. I think one of my most loved songs even today is my first one ‘War Solo’. People who have heard it have dropped in messages and emails telling me how much they love it. Well, what I did to overcome this was just sing more and create more. I kept creating new music and reaching out to people, sharing my music with them. People began to hear my music and share it with their friends and just like that people got to know who I was and what I did. It’s a never-ending journey, to be honest. With every project and every release, there will always be butterflies but then that’s the thrill of it.
Namita Nayyar:
Which was the first song you wrote and sang? How did it contribute to your personality? Share the role of family and friends in your growth.
Mallika Mehta:
‘War Solo’ was the very first song I wrote, composed, and released. It’s a one-sided love story where a young girl falls in love but is left fighting the war solo. It’s now also a part, and the first chapter of my EP, Evolve: The Story of Her. ‘War Solo’ made me realize that I enjoyed songwriting and storytelling. A lot of people who heard the song told me that they connected with the lyrics and that made me feel powerful and excited to write more songs and tell more stories. Stories people would feel, connect, and heal with. I belong to an extremely open-minded and modern Gujarati family and my parents have always been incredibly supportive. I would’ve never been able to do what I’m doing or be where I am without their love and undying support. I remember, with the release of ‘War Solo’ came in a lot of love, excitement, and cheering from my friends. They were so thrilled that I was releasing an original and I always make it a point to make them hear all my originals before I officially release it for the rest of the world.
Namita Nayyar:
You have been honored with the title of ‘Adele of Mumbai’, congratulations on the same. 5 qualities according to you that have contributed to achieving your dream.
Mallika Mehta:
Thank you so much. Incredibly humbled to have received that title. It’s a part of me.
The 5 qualities that contributed to achieving my dreams would be
- Resilience
- Perseverance
- Confidence
- Hard work
- Passion.
Namita Nayyar:
Your single, ‘But Tonight I Wanna Cry‘ is a pop-electronic song released on September 21st, 2022, and featured on the Nasdaq Billboard at the New York Times Square! Share your experience.
Mallika Mehta:
Ah! That’s larger than a dream come true. Being featured on the Nasdaq Billboard at the New York Times Square was a massive reassurance that I was on the right path. It brought in so much self-confidence, self-love, validation, pride, and more. I think a lot more people started knowing who I was and began listening to my music after they found out about this feature. It’s a feeling I will always cherish and savour.
Namita Nayyar:
Share a day in the life of Mallika Mehta. How do you like to kick-start your day? Any fitness regimes you follow for your musical career?
Mallika Mehta:
My day starts with a cup of black coffee. Every day looks very different but one constant is listening to music and rehearsing my set. I usually work on brand deals and collaborations throughout the day and have events to attend on most nights. I am very close to my family and friends so I do spend a significant amount of time with them as well. When I am rehearsing my set I usually always walk around and move around just like I would on stage to maintain the same stamina. With regards to fitness, I prefer swimming over any other form of workout but around important and lengthy performances I like to hit the gym to increase my stamina while on stage.
Namita Nayyar:
Is any specific food to include or exclude in your diet specific to your career and vocal health?
Mallika Mehta:
I have incorporated a lot of hot water into my diet over the past few years. It can be in any form, I usually have black coffee and herbal tea round the year. But closer to gigs and performances I have hot water with honey to moisturize my vocal chords. I am more careful, particularly during gig season. I completely stop ice, ice cream, and anything that would trigger my throat and include warmer food items that soothe my throat like teas and soups.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you decide your dress code and make-up for a concert?
Mallika Mehta:
Well, I love dressing up and enjoy doing my makeup. Most of my stage looks are bold and black. I believe it makes an impact. I tend to experiment with makeup and accessories. That’s what adds colour to my look. If I’m working with a MUA I take suggestions and play around with bold liners and coloured eye looks.
Namita Nayyar:
Message for your fans and followers?
Mallika Mehta:
Thank you so much for always showering the love and support that you do. I wouldn’t be where I am without the fans. You are the reason why I keep making music and experimenting with my craft. Thank you for loving all my music and I promise there is a lot more in store for you!
Namita Nayyar:
Women Fitness has selected you as a representative for International Women’s Day. Please share your message for women all over the world.
Mallika Mehta:
I am truly honored. Thank you so much for recognizing what I do. Women are incredibly powerful and most are perfectionists. If they put their heart, mind, and soul into something they can do wonders. Keep dreaming and believing in yourself, success will follow. Women can do anything and excel at it, let’s prove it in the years to come!
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