NANWANG KONYAK’s big break came on the Naga Hindi Voice Season-1 as one of the finalists. He was discovered by renowned Naga Producer Rebecca Changkija who gave him a chance to be a part of the Bollywood movie “2 am at Lokhandwala”.
Getting candid with ‘Rhythm of Love’ this young lad shares his journey from Naga Hindi Voice to Bollywood…. Read on to get close with Nanwang.
EASTERN MIRROR: Your journey began from Naga Hindi Voice Season-1. Do you believe NHV-1 has opened doors for you? Talk us through your journey since then.
NANWANG KONYAK: Singing has always been my passion since childhood. Irrespective of whether the song is Hindi, English or Nagamese or any local dialects song, I was always into chewing them into pieces.
But yes, apart from what I have been during childhood, my actual and a bit known journey started when I took part in Naga Hindi Voice. It obviously is the first doorway because of which I am what I am today.EASTERN MIRROR: If you could categorize your music genre, which genre would you identify yourself with?
NANWANG KONYAK: I would say my music genre falls under the category of blues and jazz....apart from which I assume my voice to be fragile, Fragile in the sense that it can adapt to any genre.
EASTERN MIRROR: How did you bag your first Bollywood project for “2 am at Lokhandwala”?
NANWANG KONYAK: I was one of the finalists of Naga Hindi Voice season 1. Luckily Ma’am Rebecca Changkija happened to be the special guest during the grand finale. She promised that she would give me an opportunity to sing in one of Mumbai based Bollywood production movies, and fortunately I got the opportunity. Not only did she give me the opportunity, but along with me Miss. Malabika Kachari-the winner of the competition was also given a big break.
EASTERN MIRROR: Talk us through your journey and experiences of your Bollywood project?
NANWANG KONYAK: It was one of the best things that I ever have experienced. I say thanks to Naga Hindi Voice. It was then that I met one of my favorite artist, who is also the best artist in Nagaland brother Alobo Naga. He is very down to earth. He was our mentor then. He is just amazing. Big thanks to brother Alobo. We had a very memorable trip to Mumbai. I learned from him the taste of sea foods hahaha...
We had three days of recording the song for movie -2 am at Lokhandwala. We were fully under the guidance of Ma’am Rebecca Chankija-Producer/proprietor fine Arts studio Mumbai, Director Sheraj Henry and brother Alobo. I thought the Directors would be a bit commanding or stern but Director Sheraj Henry was humble, supportive and inspiring. He is without a doubt one of the best people I have ever known.
EASTERN MIRROR: Having experienced the feel of working with Bollywood what do you think Nagaland is missing out in terms of music industry?
NANWANG KONYAK: I am sorry if I am wrong, but I feel Nagaland is a place where people are still fixed in getting a government job wasting their talents mostly because of the pressure from parents.
There is no doubt with Nagas are gifted, be it singing, dancing or in any other field but there are few platforms to nurture those talents especially when it comes to publicity.
Nagaland has no proper channels for promoting talents nationally. How I wish Nagaland had one such channel where 24×7 there would be a telecast of different talents in the state.
EASTERN MIRROR: Where do we see you next? Any projects for 2016?
NANWANG KONYAK: I have no such good plan at the moment. But I am praying deep in my heart that the song we recorded reaches the core of Bollywood and reaches the ears of other different directors in the Industry.
