New Delhi, April 4

Her mother has bought 18 dresses for her trousseau, and Sunidhi Chauhan is highly excited about her wedding. But that hasn't stopped one of India's best known playback singers from touring the country for a reality show. She says Bollywood musicians are always on the lookout for a versatile voice.

"I think god has blessed me with everything as he allowed me to follow my passion that is singing. Singing is not a job for me because I can sing any time and anywhere. I am glad I am doing something which I love to do," Sunidhi told IANS.

The 28-year-old, who was previously married to choreographer Bobby Khan, is excited about a future with musician Hitesh Sonik, known for composing in films like "Pyaar Ka Punchnama", "My Friend Pinto" and "Stanley Ka Dabba".

"It is a big day for me. Though we haven't announced the date yet, it is going to happen very soon. It's really difficult to manage so many things as there is big anxiety about the big day. Also, the feeling is giving me sleepless nights - in a good way," she said.

So who is going to design the wedding trousseau?

"I am not a brand-conscious person. I am not into designing, but the designer who makes clothes for me, Joe Noorani, will do the wedding trousseau as well. Also, I have left everything to my mom. Whatever she buys for me, I am ok with that. She has already bought about 18 dresses," she said.

She is excited about her wedding and at the same time the singer is looking forward to judging the sixth season of "Indian Idol" and is currently busy taking auditions across India, including cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Aurangabad and Mumbai.

Asked what kind of singers Bollywood needs, she said "versatility" is all that filmmakers and music directors look for.

"Bollywood always needs versatile singers, a person who can sing anything under the sun. It's very important because if a music director likes a certain voice, he wants the singer to sing every kind of song - from soft ones to peppy numbers," she said.

"And this is what I am trying to do even after spending 17 years in the music industry. I am just trying to break the notion that Sunidhi is made for fast numbers. I had to actually think beyond and slow down," she said.

She is the winner of the singing reality show "Meri Aawaz Suno". She won it in 1996, but feels the definition of reality show has changed now.

"'Meri Aawaz Suno' was a musical show that was pure. There was neither a voting system nor an elimination round. It was the panel of judges who used to decide who is a better singer. So, I would say it was a rather tough and proper competition.

"Now a lot depends on voting. As a result, at times, good singers get eliminated while average singers win the show," said Sunidhi, who will be next heard in movies like "Joker" and "Vicky Donor"