Manasi Scott: My challenges were personal and I continue to learn and unlearn daily

 

In the music and entertainment realm, Manasi Scott embodies the power of passion and persistence. From her earliest days, music has been integral, from kicking in her mother's womb to gravitating towards iconic tunes. With no formal training but sheer determination, she transitioned from a software engineer to an acclaimed singer, actor, and performer. In an exclusive interview with Cosmopolitan India, Manasi Scott talks about her musical journey, discussing her challenges as a newcomer, her creative drive, and her latest digital venture, manasiverse.in.

Cosmo India: What is your earliest memory of music?

Manasi Scott: My parents say it dates back to when I was in the womb, kicking to the rhythm of The Beatles’ song, 'Come Together'. I used to crawl to the speakers whenever they played that. My memory of music goes back to when I was a three-year-old and my father gifted me my first two LPs (Long Play)—Preeti Sagar’s nursery rhymes and Nazia Hassan’s, A Little Letter. Even today, I get goosebumps hearing them.

C: What inspired you to become a musician and how has the evolution been so far?

MS: I won my first singing competition in school in Bhutan—my father was posted there for two years—when my mother taught me to sing ABBA’s 'Move On'. From then on, I was on a roll. I have never learned music or singing or any instrument and had never thought I would realise this dream of becoming a singer/songwriter/ performer! I topped in my graduation (in software engineering) and was on my way to a scholarship abroad when my father told me to stop and sing songs instead! I thank him till date for it, his encouragement led me to pursue music.

The evolution has been magical. From singing as a showstopper in fashion shows and performing at small corporate shows, I went on to compose film songs and do a 17-city world tour after my debut album, Naach Le topped the charts in 2005. I was the only artiste invited to perform at Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’ wedding, and now I am making ad-film music and releasing original English music in India. After all this, I am still raring to go with so much more!

C: Talk to us a little about your transition from a software engineer to a singer and actor.

MS: I smoothly transitioned into the entertainment world, thanks to my parents’ support. Along with that, doing some amount of amateur theatre in college helped me too. I have been blessed with opportunities to work with ace fashion designers Hemant Trivedi and Neeta Lulla. Brand endorsements by top companies and huge concerts like the IPL (Indian Premier League) opening ceremony and The World Military Games further cemented my position in the industry. Acting in films and web series became an extension of my performing identity. The moment I felt I had fully transitioned was while delivering my song, 'Khatti Meethi' in Acid Factory.

C: What are some of the major challenges you faced as a newcomer in the music industry?

MS: Being self-made, my challenges were personal and I continue to learn and unlearn daily. Being a single mom and travelling with my newborn posed a unique challenge, but I powered on, undeterred.

C: How are you sustaining yourself in an already saturated music space?

MS: I create music for myself and my son. My passion for my work takes precedence over worrying about likes and dislikes. As long as I can sing and perform, I feel sustained.

C: Talk us through a moment when you thought you’ve finally made it.

MS: The music video for my debut album, Naach Le topping the charts and travelling the world performing only my album songs marked a pivotal moment for me.

C: What keeps you going daily?

MS: My son is my greatest blessing. Starting my day early with chanting, breathing work, horse riding, Muay Thai, and embracing every adventure fuels my life.

C: How do you own your identity and stay true to your art when times get rough?

MS: I sing! Performing 179 back-to-back concerts during lockdown earned me the ‘Leading Light Of Lockdown’ award from India Nightlife Convention & Awards. Even in challenging times, I dress up, plan concerts, and perform.

C: If you could collaborate with an international artist, who would it be?

MS: Cher.

C: What’s on the top tier of your playlist at the moment?

MS: 'Strong Enough' by Jonas Brothers.

C: Is there anything exciting that you are working on at the moment?

MS: Yes, manasiverse.in—a 3D immersive platform that gamifies my real-life experiences.

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