#KetchupTalks: In conversation with K-pop idol Aoora about his love for Indian culture, his music and his experience in the Bigg Boss house!

As a foreigner it’s not easy shifting to a new country at all, let alone breaking barriers and making a career for yourself in music but K-Pop idol Aoora does it all with so much panache.

With the on-going Hallyu wave, K-pop has completely taken over the world. As a result of this, there are a plethora of K-pop fans in India as well. But what makes Aoora stand out from multiple K-pop idols that debut every year? Well, for one he has fully immersed himself in Indian culture and acts as a medium who is blending India and Korea together through his music. If you’re an avid K-pop fan, you’d know there are so many similarities between Indian and Korean culture. Be it certain words from both the languages, our love for singing and dancing or just the we’re both all heart. Aoora has created a niche for himself by finding what works for him in terms embracing both the cultures together. Aoora initially made his debut in the K-pop world in 2011 as a member of ‘AA’, a K-pop group backed by Star Entertainment. But when the group disbanded in 2014, he thought of focusing on his journey as a solo artist and hence today, as a result of that, he has millions of fans around the world.

When he released his own version of Bappi Lahiri’s ‘Jimmy Jimmy’ and Kishore Kumar's ‘Yeh Shaam Mastaani’, that was the moment he went completely viral on social media. As Indians, people were rather surprised to see a Korean sing popular Hindi songs and that’s how he made a place in their hearts. He recently also released a Malayalam song called ‘Thi Thi Thara’ for which he went to the extent of even learning the language, and he has also released a Bihu song called ‘Oi Nasoni’, which highlights the fact that he loves literally every part of Indian culture. He was also a contestant of Bigg Boss 17 that also helped him reach as many Indian households as possible. In a candid conversation with him, we asked him about his musical career and how his love for Indian began in the first place!

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Here’s what he had to say!

You love singing Indian songs and giving your own Korean twist to it, how has your journey been so far blending Indian and Korean music? Do you make sure to highlight aspects from both cultures?

"Yes I love to create music which can showcase the beauty of both Korean and Indian music. My journey has been very evolving and a learning experience so far. I have learnt so much about different forms of Indian music and sounds. Blending them with the K-pop style has been a fun experience. While I started with Bollywood songs like Jimmy Jimmy and Yeh Shaam Mastaani, I was very happy that I could grow as an artist and was able to sing a Bihu song - Oi Nasoni with a K-pop twist and a Malayalam folk song Thi Thi Thara as well. In all my songs, I try to highlight not just the music part but also the cultural aspect. We are focusing on folk sounds of India and blending them with Korean beats and putting it out for a global audience."

When you first came to India, what are some differences or similarities you saw in Indian music and K-pop?

"When I first came to India, I was already aware of Indian music as in Korea I used to hear Indian music a lot and loved it. But after coming here, I realized that Indian music is not limited to only Bollywood, there are so many more languages and cultures and every language has its own unique factor. I think I felt both Korean and Indian music have many similarities  and few differences as well.  Both  are high on energy and are visually made on a grand scale. Difference is more on presentation. Korean music videos are made in a more controlled and disciplined way while Indian music is more freestyle."

Who is your favorite Indian musician? Is there someone in particular you’d like to collaborate with?

"I love so many Indian musicians and frankly it changes everyday. But some of my favorite  singers are Mitraz , Arijit Singh , Darshan Rawal, Arman Malik, and  Mika Singh. I would love to collaborate with them in future."

You love tapping into various Indian languages to sing in. How has your journey as a musician been in India so far?

"As I already mentioned, my journey in India has been a learning experience for me. There is so much diversity in India and so much to explore. So far I have experienced only 10% of India and have miles to go!"

As a Korean artist, which challenges did you face while singing in various Indian languages?

"One and only biggest challenge has been language. It takes time to understand and learn. Also, to get the diction right a lot of practice is needed. But I love such challenges and therefore I'm really enjoying and loving this journey of singing in different Indian languages."

A huge part of being a K-pop artist is also being a good dancer. What do you prefer more, singing or dancing?

"I think I love both. They are both integral parts of who I am. When I trained to be a K-pop idol I spent equal time training for singing and dancing . So I would not choose one over another. I love giving my 100% to both."

Bigg Boss was one of the biggest platforms you have been on; how was your overall experience there?

"Bigg Boss was an experience that I will always treasure. It made me grow personally and connected me to India in a very huge way. I learnt a lot about India and even my fellow contestants in the Bigg Boss house. I learnt a lot about my own self through that experience as well. One month I spent inside was an extremely fun and precious time for me."

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You are going to perform at the Anant Samagam soon. How excited are you about that? Do you have a special performance planned?

"I am extremely excited and honored to be part of this beautiful show - Anant Samagam. It has a very unique concept of bringing two cultures together. Coincidentally Anant Samagam brings North east and Kerala together and I have also created Assamese and Malayalam songs recently. I felt it was a godsend collaboration where I could also show my love for these two cultures. I have prepared something unique and I would request you and the readers to come to the show on October 26 and 27, at the Travancore House to witness the same."

Any future projects that we can look forward to seeing you in?

"There are many interesting projects and many new experiences that I am also looking forward to.  As they materialize I will keep sharing it. I do have a plan to release my next song in January, so please look forward to the same!"

Which of Aoora's songs do you like the most? Let us know in the comments below!

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