The British Indian Connection

Tripet Garrielle is a British singer who is taking Bollywood by storm. Her singles ‘Saathiya’ and ‘Aa Vee Jaa’ have already gathered hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube. And now her new song ‘Kamli’ with composer Atil Ali is burning through the top tracks.

- Ishaan Lalit

When did you realise you could sing?

I grew up listening to Bollywood music from a young age of 11 and I was always attracted to the melodies but not as much with the lyrics though. I really didn’t plan a career in music initially but then my love-affair with Bollywood music took over. So it’s my love for the melodies and later the lyrics and language made me follow the line of Bollywood. I have spent quite some time learning Hindi and if I am able to sing today it’s all because of my dedication and love for the language and music.

What is the first song you listened to on repeat?

Umm… Raja Ko Rani Se Pyaar Ho Gaya from the Bollywood film Akele Hum Akele Tum when I was a child. I was really obsessed with this song. And I used to sing it in a tape recorder and then play it on loop.

Is your family musically inclined?

I’ve grown up in a very traditional family so studying academic subjects was always the priority. But my father loved Bollywood songs and movies and that is how the initial connection with Bollywood started. Today music gives me a sense of purpose.

Who are the famous musicians you admire in Bollywood?

In Bollywood, I revere Lata Mangeshkar and Shreya Ghoshal. By listening to the songs of Lata Mangeshkar, I have learned the art of Hindi accent precision. And, for the art of singing with style is something that I adore about Shreya Ghoshal.

You can’t speak Hindi, how do you prepare for singing a track?