India, Nov. 1 -- For decades, Ajay Bijli has made movie-going a very successful business. But the cinema czar has embarked on an unlikely second act, one that involves early-morning riyaaz, vocal coaches, recording studios, and the pursuit of a chartbuster.

"I have always wanted to be a singer. Back in school, I sang in inter-school competitions. Then in Hindu College, I had my band," he says. And I ask if he was the cool kid on the campus. He confirms, "Yes, I had long hair, I had a band, and we were doing gigs and festivals. But then life happened; I passed out of college and started working for PVR."

It was the pandemic and an uncomfortable realisation about life's brevity that brought him back to his first love. "During COVID, I rea...