MUMBAI: Bollywood singer/actress Monali Thakur is all set to mentor contestants for the digital reality platform #Fame ‘Websinger’, which will see a semi-classical theme. The decision to bring Thakur in on the jury panel makes sense, considering she is a trained classical singer. However, the singer likes limiting herself to semi-classical music and there is a reason behind it.

The ‘Zara Zara Touch Me’ singer says that being a classical musician is about working really hard towards one’s own music. This includes doing riyaaz (musical practice) for at least 12 hours a day. And if an artist is not that dedicated towards the art form, he or she does not deserve to mentor or judge another person.

“I know what kind of dedication one has to put in for classical music because I have done it in the past. But since my popularity came through film music, I am more into R&B, Jazz, light music/ popular music. Moreover, I get into different genres because that gives me a kick. This also pushes me away from that dedication that I have to give to classical music. Hence, without being confident about being in the classical space, I will not even think of performing,” stated the singer.

She added, “Semi-classical is fine because that is what we use for our films. That is why I agreed to come onboard for ‘Websinger’. I hope I do not make a fool of myself in front of some wonderfully talented contestants.”

So, while she will stay away from classical music, the singer is completely looking forward to mentoring ‘Websinger’ contestants in the semi-classical zone. In fact, Thakur is really excited about taking up the responsibility of training newcomers and associating with the show. “They (Websinger makers) are staying true and honest to their words of highlighting the musicality of a musical show. There is no nonsense and farcical drama. That is really nice. They genuinely want to showcase good music which is fantastic,” said the singer.