I'm trying to become lonely again: Akon

Aliaune Badara Akon Thiam needs a break. On the eve of his birthday that coincides with his first live act in India, the singer, better known as Akon, opens up on King Khan, Kareena and his collaboration with Indian artistes
How did the India tour come about? Is it going to be just work or are you going to mingle work with pleasure?
I have taken back great appreciation for the inspiration and spirituality that go into the music here.I am coming with no expectations other than to share my music with some of the greatest fans in the world. I love how passionate Indians are about their music and their cinema. And, of course, cricket. Congratulations India on winning the World Cup!
Be it “Smack that” , “Beautiful” , “Lonely” or “Belly dancer” , your songs are huge hits in India and now that you’ve composed and sung for “Ra.One” , do you foresee working in India more or maybe, collaborating with Indian artistes?
India is so rich in talent in music. From amazing composers to singers like AR Rahman, Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Rahul Sharma, Aadesh Shrivastava, I could go on and on. Indian music has inspired me and it has had an influence on the new album as you will see in the sounds. I have already collaborated on several tracks with Aadesh and look forward to working with many more Indian artistes.
Your birthday on April 16 is coinciding with the first live act in India. What are you doing to turn the show into one big party?
I am looking forward to really sharing my music with the great fans of India. I’m excited so perform in Gurgaon and Bengaluru for the first time. I can’t think of a better birthday present. I will be launching two unknown artistes through the online contest, which is being run on my site, hitlab.com, to promote talent in India. Well, I am going to be ring in my birthday with fans in Pune.
By your own admission, you are a Shah Rukh Khan fan. How familiar are you with Bollywood?
I love India. The fans have a real passion for music here and an appreciation for what goes into the music. I have seen a few Bollywood films and I am looking forward to the release of “Ra.One” , for which I have recorded a track for Shah Rukh Khan. The music and dance in Indian films is truly unlike any other. Of course, I would take a call from a casting director. I foresee scoring for movies in the near future.
Does your track for “Ra.One” have more Indian elements or is it done in signature Akon style?
I consider my music global. That’s why the new album was influenced by my travels all over the world and will have more of a world beat to it.
What made you dedicate your song, “Beautiful” , to Kareena Kapoor when you met her for the first time in March?
Well, most Indian girls have an innate sense of natural beauty within them and Kareena is one of them.
Any special memories of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, with whom you were working in his last years?
That was one of the highlights of my career right there because I never thought that could happen. That was always my goal. I put together a five-year plan. Mike was like the last goal. It happened within three or four years. It was one of the most incredible experiences. He was one of the most humble guys.
Out of all your songs that give out a party feel and are great stressbusters, there’s a melancholic strain that runs through “Lonely” . Does the song speak of yourself and the fact that you could have been lonely at one point of time?
Yeah. At that time, I was. I was very lonely. Now I’m trying to become lonely again. I need a break.
Apart from enthralling millions, what is that you are looking forward to doing on this trip?
I plan to buy my wife some ethnicwear and visit a few iconic places.
The world-renowned singer will be performing in Gurgaon on April 16 at Huda Grounds and Bengaluru on April 17 at Gayatri Vihar Palace Grounds