Singer Shalmali Kholgade, who gained fame with the song "Pareshaan" from the 2012 movie Ishaqzaade, recently performed at a private concert in Bengaluru. In an exclusive interview with Bangalore Times, she expressed her preference for performing live over being in the studio. Kholgade mentioned that music is constantly evolving and requires collaboration with talented individuals. She shared insights on how she plans her shows, aiming to engage the audience and create an immersive experience through choreography and visuals. Despite her strong views on social issues, she tries not to overshare on social media to maintain a sense of privacy and sanity in her life. Kholgade credited her success in the Bollywood music industry to Amit Trivedi, who gave her the opportunity to sing "Pareshaan" and kick-started her playback singing career.The recognition for my independent music is very special to me; it's like my own creation. Before focusing solely on my music, I was involved in various activities such as performing with my college band and in clubs, and even participating in a Latvian cabaret. At that time, I was juggling live shows along with recording jingles. Pursuing music has always been my passion, something I am committed to continuing. My father, whom I affectionately call baba, once emphasized the importance of learning through travel, advising me to explore different places, engage with people, ask questions, and stay curious. I feel fortunate to be able to experience all of that while also immersing myself in music. It's a dream life for me. Music has always been my calling, and I am drawn to all aspects of the process, not just singing. I strive to be involved in every step leading to the final outcome, as it allows me to extend my love for music. Shalmali Kholgade expressed, "I perceive AI as quite daunting." Recently, I released a song titled "Tu Hai" in collaboration with Nikhil D’Souza. However, I was surprised to come across another track the next day named "Tu Hi Tu Hai," where my name was credited as the female vocalist. I had never recorded such a song. I suspect that it might have been generated by AI, possibly in an intentional effort to undermine the popularity of my song. It was a disconcerting experience.