MUMBAI: Not many know that Kavita Seth was not the first choice for Wake Up Sid's most popular song Iktara - could we imagine that song without her voice today? Perhaps no, because the way she sang, there couldn't have been anyone better.

On June 5, Seth received an IIFA Award at Colombo, Sri Lanka. However, this was not the first award. The song has also got her a Filmfare and Star Screen (for best female singer) not too long ago.

In an interview with radioandmusic.com post her award, Seth says, "The way the song was placed in the film probably worked really well." She also credits composer Amit Trivedi for giving her one of the best songs she ever sang.

Looking back, she says, "It happens that one song becomes such a huge hit and Amit (Trivedi) had composed this song so well - I think, it was an over all impact that worked."

Her latest song from the film Rajneeti Mora Piya is just out. But though film music helped this singer gain instant recognition that most singers only dream, performing live is what she loves the most, she says. Her reasoning is simple - and logical, "Because the response is immediate and its good medium to try a new tune and gauge its receptivity."

It is said that the real mettle of a singer is seen when he/she performs live. And, Seth is one of the few who certainly doesn't shy away. She has been one of the few singer active on the live music circuit and performed with a host of musicians and artistes.

And the story of her passion for singing and performing goes back to her childhood days in Bareily.

"I was very enthusiatic about singing, and used to look out for oppurtunities to perform - it could be at my neighbors place or anywhere else," she recalls. Though young and un-trained, this experience surely taught her about the art of performing.

Not may know, Seth doesn't come from a musical family or backgroud."None of my family members are into music or singing. I used always pester them to get me tutored from some one."

Who would have thought this born singer would come so far? Besides, working on films and live concerts, the singer recently released her first digital album titled Jaam-e-Sufi on artistaloud.com. To add, for this new album, she has taken over the role of a composer too.

The album features five singles - four of which are written by Sudarshan Goel, while one is inspired from the works of Ghalib.

Speaking about composing, she says, "I feel melody is hidden in the lyrics. Whenever I read something inspiring, and if a tune instantly comes out, mein usko jyaada chedti nahin (I don't play around with the melody) instead, keep it as it is. However, she admits, that she is averse to poetry.

"My parents have named me Kavita (which means poetry) but I do not know much about writing."

Life now is different. Seth runs for recording assignments and says she has to be prepared. "You can be called at  any moment for time - this industry functions that way, and I have to take care of my voice at all times." So what does she do? While riyaz or practice is a common part of a singers daily schedule, the most hard part is giving up something one loves to eat.

"I have to give up on ice cream and pickles," she sighs