Shreya: I'm an actor while singing

Rajeev Masand: Most singers, including Lata Mangeshkar [WATCH: Ishmeet and Harshit take Lata's blessings] and Asha Bhonsle [Asha: Pure and unadulterated] say they like to know which actor they are singing for. They like to modulate their voice to suit those actresses. In one of your interviews, you said, it is not so important for you to know who the actress is, because you are keen on knowing the character you are singing for than the actress, really. Is that true?

Shreya Ghoshal: I do think so. So many times, there are new actresses and so many times I don't know the way they talk. I think earlier the actors had a certain style, for example, Rajesh Khanna, who had his own style of acting. However, today actors are adapting to all kinds of roles and characters. They are not the actors so to say, they are becoming the character. So, I need to know what I'm playing because I also am an actor when I'm singing.

Rajeev Masand: You have sung with so many of your seniors. Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sadhna Sargam, Udit Narayan [Read: Aditya Narayan interview] and even Sonu Nigam [Read: Sonu, Aditya, Li'l Champs charm all]. Have they always been welcoming? As you were this little girl who came in front of them and has really come up. Have they always been encouraging?

Shreya Ghoshal: Most of them have been encouraging, like Kavitaji was really sweet. I was in awe of her because I have heard her songs. I think she is this queen of expressions and I have learnt so much from her. I know Sadhnaji since my classes with Kalyaanji and Anandji. She was almost like my sister.

Rajeev Masand: One of the persons you had a lovely professional association with is Sonu Nigam [Read: Sonu Nigam on songs and SRK]. Sonu was of course the host of the talent show you were discovered in many years ago and now you sing with him professionally. What was it like, when you sung with him for the first time? What went through your mind singing with someone who saw you as a child?

Shreya Ghoshal: Yes. He has been an extraordinary singer and he has seen me in those frock dresses. And he has seen me through my journey as a singer. I sing maximum songs with him. It has been a pleasure and also that he is one singer who keeps growing. He has this hunger for better songs and it is amazing to have such a co-singer.