India, Nov. 1 -- For decades, Ajay Bijli has made movie-going a successful business. But the cinema czar has embarked on an unlikely second act, one that involves early-morning riyaaz, vocal coaches and the pursuit of a chartbuster. "I had always wanted to be a singer. Back in school, I sang in inter-school competitions, and then at Hindu College, I had my own band," he says. Asked if he was the cool kid on campus, Bijli confirms, "Yes, I had long hair, I had a band, and we were doing gigs and festivals. But then life happened and I went on to work for growing PVR INOX." It was the pandemic and an uncomfortable realisation about the brevity of life that brought him back to his first love. "During COVID, I really panicked. I had an epiphany. I said, life is fickle and you only live once. I must do something about my music now," shares Bijli. "So, I decided to train professionally," he says. Ever the planner, Bijli approached his musical training with the same determination he brings to his business. "I contacted a teacher from Berklee College of Music. I was also fortunate to have an equally fantastic Hindi teacher, Santa Singh. I practise every day at 5 in the morning. I am sincere about everything I take up," he says. That rigour extends to recording. Recording for a song at musician Amit Trivedi's studio, Bijli practised so relentlessly that, as he recalls, "my face turned blue. But I was sure I wanted to show up prepared". The recording went so well that Trivedi asked to include the song in his album, Azad Collab. He later composed music for Bijli's first EP, On Another Note, which also features Dil Kare Haaye Haaye, a wedding number directed by filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. The experience gave Bijli the confidence to pursue original music, and Warner Music India offered to back him. But there have been lessons along the way, including a serious vocal cord injury that required surgery in Boston. "I was singing notes beyond my range and not giving my vocal cords rest. The voice box is an instrument and you have to take care of it. I have learnt to do so the hard way," says Bijli. His recent release, Hey Maa, has been playing at pandals this festive season. With three originals already out, he is working with musician Rabbi Shergill on new music. His ambition is to release 12 indie songs a year and a devotional album. For now, he is focusing on his daughter's wedding, where he has to perform. "There is no bigger endorsement than your kids wanting you to perform at their wedding. I hope the other kids ask me to do so, too, after this," he smiles....