I, me for myself Fantastic! - Himesh R

Reshammiya will now come in a three-in-one package. He says that he will sing and compose music only for films starring him. Dhanashree Barge won with Mumbai Mirror, and was delighted to meet her idol Himesh Reshammiya

Himesh with Dhanashree Barge

Composer-Singer Himesh Reshammiya is a thing of the past. The now-successful leading man of Aap Ka Surroor will now have 'actor-composer-singer' on his calling-card. That's right. Himesh will only let his music be heard in films that feature him in the lead.

"I've several offers as a leading man. But I'll only be doing three films a year per year. And since I'll be doing such sparing work as an actor I might as well restrict my music to my own films. If I do music for outside films then the USP of my acting vehicles will be lost. I don't want to cheat the producers who'll sign me. I'm now going to represent a never-before package of music-singing-acting. My next music score will be for my next starring vehicle, 8-10 months from now," says Himesh.

In the meantime, Himesh might do a non-film album. "I think my minimised exposure will enhance the prospects of all the three films that I'll sign as an actor," he says.

Isn't he scared that once he is out of sight-and-sound he'll be out of mind? He says, "Certainly not! Once you reach that certain level of success, less becomes more. Earlier when I was finding my way in the entertainment business I needed 30-40 assignments. Now, just three is enough."

Himesh is enthused like never before. "Even those who thought my acting career was doomed have changed their minds. I don't blame them. My journey from composer to singer to acting has been odd."

As for his stint as a hero, he says, "The box office is very powerful parameter of stardom. I'll continue to treat my acting career like I did my singing and composing careers…. like a newcomer. If I start thinking of myself as a brand I'll be finished."

He has several film offers from the biggest banners of the country. "I don't know how it happened. But now that God has been kind I've much more to strive for. I see a long struggle ahead," he says. - Subhash K Jha


Mulund Resident Dhanashree Barge's dream came true when she got to spend around half-an-hour with her favourite star Himesh Reshammiya, who met her at his residence after she won a contest organised by Mumbai Mirror. Himesh met Dhanashree and gifted her autographed cap and an audio CD of his film Aap Ka Surroor...

The girl seemed nervous before meeting her idol and when we entered the star's Versova residence, she was all the more excited to see Himesh talking on the phone in his building compound.

Himesh was his usual quiet self. He took Dhanashree to the terrace and chatted up with her. Barge said that she had watched Himesh's acting debut inspite of the rains. She believed that he was indeed the first rockstar of India and after the films release, the industry has got a replacement of Kishore Kumar, who was not only a great singer but also a very fine actor. She asked Himesh if he is going to do more films and Himesh replied saying that he would indeed do more films for fans like her.

While leaving, Dhanshree seemed thrilled with the interaction and said that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. She is going have a huge party at her house and at her office to celebrate. - Kunal M Shah