MUMBAI: Roadies fame, Raghu Ram recently, turned singer with Aankhon Hi Aankhon Mein. The producer's debut single is a duet with Natalia Di Luccio.

“Natalie is a friend of mine and she was looking for somebody who could edit this track. So, I edited the video and to introduce the video we had come live on her Facebook page. A lot of people mentioned that we should do a song together. She is an international opera singer. It was nerve-wracking for me but she gave me that confidence to sing. Funny thing is she had done a Hindi song which I had seen on YouTube and I have become her fan ever since that video. It’s amazing to be a part of this song,” says Raghu.

On his collaboration with Natalie, the producer says, “It was Natalie’s choice and her decision. She had an idea of doing it as a duet. Music was her department and video was my part. It’s amazing to be a part of this song.

Natalie Di Luccio is an opera singer and also sings a lot of cover versions of Bollywood songs. On her experience working with Raghu, she says, “It was lots of fun. He was shy to sing in front of me, I had to give him a pep talk before he went on the mic.”

The song was composed by Chirantan Bhatt many years ago for a film called EMI. Natalie and Raghu have made their own rendition to Aankhon Hi Aankhon Mein, “I feel the song really deserved to get that success. The melody is just so beautiful. I had this idea since many years to do my own rendition and turn it into a duet. When I heard Raghu sing at open mic, I knew his voice would be perfect for it. He also has an innocent texture to the voice, adds Natalie.”

While Aankhon Hi Aankhon Mein is a romantic song, Natalie adds, “The song is about two people who are in love, a young love, where no words are required for them to express it, they just need to look into each other’s eyes. The video is about the feels and the chemistry."

With this song, Raghu’s fans would be eagerly waiting to know if he has entered the singing space, to which he says, “I have sung songs before. All the Roadies theme songs have been sung by me. In fact, my first song was Manmaani. I had recorded two songs and people have appreciated. I am not saying I would like entering the singing space or something. I like to explore myself. I have written a book, I am also doing a comedy show now on Colors. Singing is special to me. But I am not sure if I want to do it. I am not a professional singer. I come from a generation where singing was a distraction from studies. In 70-80’s there was no opportunity to come out as a singer in Delhi. I wish I had learnt singing."

People have witnessed the ‘serious’ side of Raghu, but his opposite side in this song will surprise you, “I don’t know how people will react to this side of mine. If you happen to read my book (My Roadies Journey) towards the end of the book I have said goodbye to the guy, as I am not him anymore. This is me and people may not accept it. You have not to be that one person people want you to become or they want to see you doing, you should do what you want to do,” adds Raghu.

Natalie has many collaboration lined up. She says, “These collaborations are going to be quite different and people will enjoy them.”

While Raghu has amazing plans, “I have not jammed with my friends so I would plan on doing that. As far as, music is concerned I am not product oriented, I am process oriented."

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