Years ago I just didn’t trust anyone. I continued to keep writing and looked for projects I was comfortable with. A lot of them [people] within the industry followed me when I first started making a name [for myself] and I guess I inspired a lot of them. I feel privileged that I did. When fans come and hold my hand and whisper their appreciation of my work, I feel on the top of the world. They are my followers who make ME want to achieve. Some try to take away your credibility, but that's okay. All I wish to say to those who wish to ignore me through their naïveté, kindly Google me (smiles).

I feel proud that the bigger names like Drew Barrymore appreciated my work, featured my vocals on an award-winning film like Charlie's Angels and chose it for a specific part of the film. There are over forty films where my work has been picked up to suit strong, female character roles, etc.

So, if you could recommend just one song of yours for us to download so that we want to hear all of your music, what would it be?

There are a few but let’s say for now 'Distortion' from my album ‘Laila’.
 
If I was contemplating coming to your show or sitting at home and watching Big Brother, how would you get me out of the house?

Come on, girl. If you [would] like some poppadoms and chutney, come [and] dine with me after the show!

We’ve got to admit you’re a little bit cool, so what advice would you give to someone just starting out, knowing what you know now?

Thank you! It's a tough world out there, [the] music business is changing, you have to persevere, walk and work with righteous people who believe in you and will stand by you, not charge you [an] extortionate amount of money to get you work. You cannot trust everyone. You are the believer and believe in God. Without faith, there is no success. There will be hurdles. Teenagers coming into the business, let your parents be your guidance too, they are your strengths. I believe in the one and powerful lord, and I went through many ups and downs and came out stronger. Not every helping hand is really a helping hand. Ignore the negativity, and spread love and peace with your music for the people of the world, not animosity. Be humble.

So, if [SHAHIN BADAR] was an acronym what would each letter stand for?

Okay. I put this up for my Facebook friends and this is what they all put together for me, which I thought was really lovely and I told them I will have it published!

S - Sweet and Sophisticated

H - Humble and Helpful

A - Achiever

H - Honest and Humanitarian

I - Incredible

N - Noble

 

B - Beautiful

A - Adorable

D - Dreamer

A - Artist

R - Reliable and Ravishing
 

If you could only listen to one CD for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Mariah Carey's 'Music Box'.

Okay, now we want to ask you some random questions (that I robbed off my stepsisters’ MySpace page); What were you doing last night at 11?

I was rummaging through my old clothes deciding as to what I should give away to charity.

What are you going to do after this interview?

I am going to compose a melody and finish writing the lyrics for my electronica album with an exciting new band called Dopebuzz.

When was the last time you did something incredibly stupid?

[A} few weeks ago I walked around my kitchen thinking of a melody and I was so engrossed in it with my eyes half shut that I added two teaspoons of salt in my tea instead of brown sugar, stirred it and was ready to indulge into the serene world of 'tea flavour', just like in the adverts. Unfortunately had to spit it out in horror! My dad came out running from the hallway asking me what on Earth had happened!

What’s the last film you saw?

[Over] Easter weekend I saw 'One of the Greatest Stories Told So Far ' - [an] amazing movie about Jesus Christ. I was very emotionally taken by it.


What’s the last thing you bought?

Quite a few things - a coral knit cardigan from Karen Millen and a gigantic ring from a small, exquisite boutique.