Ash King
Pictured: Ash King performing at Ballard Estate Festival MumbaiPR Handout

Ashutosh Ganguly, popularly known as Ash King, has a number of hit Bollywood songs to his credit. The singer's latest track is Aaur Main Khush Hoon from the upcoming movie Kahaani 2.

Ash King has sung popular songs like Suno Aisha from the film Aisha, Te Amo from Dum Maaro Dum, I Love You from Bodyguard, Aunty Ji from Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Meherbaan from Bang Bang, Alizeh from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil among others.

In an exclusive interview with International Business Times, India, Ash King spoke about his latest song Aaur Main Khush Hoon, his upcoming projects, why he does not find any other singer as a competition and a lot more.

International Business Times: How was the experience recording for Aaur Main Khush Hoon from Kahaani 2?

Ash King: I am a huge fan of Kahaani and I was really looking forward to Kahaani 2. And now that I got a chance to sing in the film, I am even more excited for it. Recording for the song was a very good experience. This is the third time I have worked with Amitabh Bhattacharya (lyricist) and the second time with Clinton Cerejo (composer). So, it was great to join with them again for this happy, uplifting song.

IBT: You had sung just one song Alizeh for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. All the other songs became much popular. Did you wish to sing more tracks for the film?

Ash King: Apart from Alizeh, the other songs from the film were not of the style that I am known for. Most of my previous songs were feel-good, energetic songs. All of a sudden, I was called to sing Alizeh at the last minute and it was very nice to be a part of such a great album.

IBT: Most of the times it is seen that films, whose music become hit, turn out to be box office hit as well. Do you think songs play a vital role in a film's box office success as well?

Ash King: Songs can definitely make a film hit. It is almost like watching an album live before it is out in CDs. In the West, they have singles and music videos, but in India the videos are the Bollywood films. I cannot comment on the success of a film because I am not a film critic. Yes, songs are made to create hype around the film but we as musicians just focus on creating good music. We just expect amazing picturisation of the song videos in the films.

Ash King
Pictured: Ash KingFacebook

IBT: Kahaani 2 has just 3 songs in it and none of those are that popular. Don't you think it can be a disadvantage for the film?

Ash King: The songs from Kahaani 2 are mainly to depict the film. As the film is not a happy film, I was wondering why Sujoy Ghosh (director) included a happy song like Aur Main Khoosh Hoon in the film. But I am sure he has some trick behind it. Moreover, the franchise Kahaani has a strong fan-base.

IBT: Whom do you consider as a tough competition among the current lot of young Bollywood singers?

Ash King: I don't consider anyone as a competition because I sound unique, I don't sound like anyone. It's not a diplomatic answer, it's just true. But there are some singers who I admire a lot. I like Arijit Singh's voice, but currently my favourite is Papon. I think he is amazing.

IBT: Tell something about your upcoming projects.

Ash King: I just worked with Anu Malik on a song. I recorded tracks with Shankar, Ehsan, Loy and also with Meet Bros. All the songs are for movies, but I can't talk about the releases because there are different elements that come into action. I am also working on my YouTube videos and there will be some of my singles in 2017 with videos. Also, I will be coming up with some Bengali songs.