She's a singer, has composed her own music and has also acted in films.
Better known for numbers like'Sajna Aa Bhi Jaa' from'Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II' and'Zinda Hoon Main' from'Zinda', Shibani is now poised to cut her own album with T Series.

In an interview with indiantelevision.com consulting editor B B Nagpal, Shibani Kashyap who was in Delhi to select a Captain on the'Board of Kid Directors' for Hungama TV, described as unfortunate the controversy over the selection of Prashant Tamang in Indian Idol, caused by a remark by the radio jockey of an FM channel.

Excerpts:

You have come a long way since you began your career with a jingle on All India Radio. You have performed, sung songs, composed music, acted, and are now judging Sahara's'Bathroom Singer'. What do you think of the controversy over the selection of Prashant Tamang as the new Indian Idol?

I do not think there is any controversy over his selection, it's just a reaction to some comment on a radio channel. It is for television channels to ensure this does not happen.

Do you feel there is any element of favouritism by judges of such talent hunts?

No, since the singers are chosen by votes sent in by the people.

But isn't there an element of manipulation, with judges emphasizing the sympathy element for some contestants by invoking sympathy for their poor backgrounds or regional fidelity?

Perhaps, but very little. The judges are there to give their views, and it is for the people not to be swayed by them.

But what do you feel about reality talent hunts, now that you are yourself a judge on'Bathroom Singer' along with Ravi Kissen. Do they really help the winners, particularly since many have already been forgotten?

No, that is not true. Those who came through Indian Idol or other shows are recording albums or doing playback. In'Bathroom Singer', we have not made any promises about turning the winners into singers by offering contracts. The channel is simply giving prize money of Rs 2.5 million.

What are you into now? Any new albums on the way?

Yes, I have a new album coming up shortly with T-Series. There are a total of seven songs, all - with the exception of one - have been composed by me. The sole exception is a song I have sung with Bappi Lahiri as a tribute to Bappi-da who is the king of rock-n-roll. The songs are all romantic, but we have not yet decided on a name for the album.

What about playback singing?

I sang not very long ago for the Sagars' 1971. You will see me in'Sunday', starring Ajay Devgun and Ayesha Takia and I have sung a song picturised on Esha Deol. Then there is'Woodstock Villa', from the English film'The Great Indian Butterfly' it's a Hindi-English song. I have also acted in'Osama', apart from composing music and singing in it. Then there are films like Sirf, Love.com and Dus Kahaniyaan, which will be released soon.

Do you think that making music videos of albums help in the sales?

They help to create awareness about the albums. And with so many music channels, it helps. Sometimes albums are also made with songs that are never there in a film, but are aimed at promoting it.

What is your favourite song from your own repertoire?

Well, that is difficult to say, because every song is like a baby one brings up. But I still remember Sajnaa Aa Bhi Jaa with fondness.

What kind of music do you enjoy the most?

I think the music of R D Burman is amazing. And I love listening to old songs. O P Nayyar's music has magic.

What do you give greatest importance to when singing or composing?

Well, I give a lot of importance to melody, particularly when there is more loud music than lyrics in the songs of today.