Tune in: Melody Matters

Former Indian Idol contestant Shashi Suman can be found playing video games, watching movies or strumming his original compositions on his guitar. Shashi, who co-composed the track Nindiya from Sarbjit along with Shivam Pathak has also featured on the soundtracks of Mary Kom and Bajirao Mastani in the past. We catch up with the self-confessed bike fanatic, Shashi, and chat about some of his musical favourites:

Song repeatedly played on the iPod: I don’t like to boast but I play Nindiya on my phone all the time. All my close friends do too!

Songs that would feature on the soundtrack of your life: Tere bin nahi lagda, Tum ho paas mere, Dil se, Mere Mehboob qayamat and Tu hi Re.

A song you love listening to: When you’re happy and upbeat: Chaiyya Chaiyya.

When low: Songs by Jagjit Singh.

Working out: Anything that plays in the gym!

Music I loved while growing up but am now embarrassed by: I don’t think I’m embarrassed since my taste in music was always very classy. I grew up listening to Ghulam Ali Sahab, Mehedi Hasan Sahab and other classical maestros. When I got into Bollywood, my inspirations were Nusrat Fateh Ali Khaan Sahab and AR Rahman.

I would describe my taste in music as: I’ve always had an inclination towards Indian classical music but these days I listen to all genres. Western music excites me too.

Favourite time/way to listen to music: While I’m driving, working out and also at home when I am in a relaxed mood.

One performer in the world you’d want a private concert from: John Mayer. His music is out of this world.

A live act you’d love to see once in your life: Michael Jackson. I wish he were alive. It would have been a dream to witness him performing live. I’m very inspired by the way he achieved so much in such a small span of time.