Tochi Raina had Rs 500 when he came to Mumbai

Singer Tochi Raina, known for songs like "Iktara" and "Kabira", says his wife gave him Rs 500 to come to Mumbai to try his luck in Bollywood.

"My wife gave me a train ticket and Rs 500 to come to Mumbai and follow my dreams. I used to to sleep at Aksa beach in my initial struggle days. Today when I look back at all this I thank god for all the success I enjoy today," Raina told IANS in an e-mail interview from Mumbai.

Raina has learnt music under the tutelage of Pandit Vinod Kumar, a disciple of Indian classical singer Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. He comes from a musical family, and promotes Sufi music worldwide. Raina, who is member of Band of Bandagi, came to Mumbai in 2003.

So how have you evolved as an artiste since then?

"Well, I had come to Mumbai with an intention and aim to become a music director. However, people loved my vocal texture and singing and ultimately I got recognition as a singer first," said Raina -- who will be performing at Dublin Square a" Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla here on Saturday.

"But now that people know recognise me as a singer, I think it'll be easier for me to reach people with my music as well," he added.

Talking about his performance at Phoenix Marketcity, Raina said he will dole out "a mix of my Bollywood songs like 'Saibo', 'Kabira', 'Iktara', 'Gal Mithi Mithi' and some compositions of the Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

"The evening will also feature some songs by my own Band of Bandagi which includes 'Dooriyan'."

--IANS

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