I’d love to do an ass kicking part: Anushka Manchanda

During her recent visit to the city, singer-songwriter Anushka Manchanda speaks to TOI about her music, crooning for filmstars and living life to the fullest. Excerpts...
Journey As A Musician...
My life as a musician has been difficult and easy in parts just like a roller coaster ride with the dips and the highs! There is so much I have to do as a musician, as a songwriter and singer, that sometimes it scares me.
Acting as an option...
There was so much to do with music, I never really thought about acting seriously. Even then, when something interesting popped up, like a fun cameo or a part in a film with crazy people, I did it. Something is either got to satisfy you creatively or be really fun to do, then it makes sense to be a part of it.
A role you would like to play...
Kate Beckinsale’s part in the movie The Underworld. I’d love to do an ass kicking part.
Do you feel as an artiste, singing for actresses on the big screen is a challenge, considering every song has a situation and mood attached to it?
It totally depends on the song. The music director is there to guide you through, and it’s amazing what you can learn from almost every recording. When you’re doing your own song, you can do what you like, you even write it the way you know you’re going to sing it best, the way that’s most natural. When you sing a song written by someone else, you have to work to fit their vision. Sometimes it’s easy and sometimes it can be tough.
Your band Shkabang, has a combination of musicians who are part of various bands with different sounds, does that help your band?
It’s great because the musicians have the experience of being onstage and playing to various crowds. They all have their own style of music and they bring that to the table. It also sucks a little because everyone is busy and it’s hard to make time for rehearsals.
Has the indie music scene evolved in India and did you wish ‘Viva’ had launched now?
Indie in India is awesome now! So many new venues to play, so many new bands! There’s still a lot more that can happen, and it’s getting there slowly. Viva was launched perfectly though; at that time it was one of the first big reality shows and indi-pop was still alive. I don’t know what would happen if it launched today.