‘Respect your craft and keep improving’

Mrinali Gulati, a talented singer and freelance makeup artist, has achieved significant success in her career, boasting over 100k subscribers on YouTube. An alumna of Apeejay School, Pitampura, Mrinali shares her journey and experiences that shaped her into the confident artist she is today. 

In an insightful telephonic conversation, the artist reminisces about her school days, the support she received from her teachers, and the milestones achieved so far in her music career. 

Read edited excerpts:

Can you share your experience at Apeejay School, Pitampura?
My experience at Apeejay was amazing. I started there when I was just 3-4 years old and continued until I was 18. These years taught me many beautiful lessons about life, which are crucial for everyday experiences. The school environment helped me learn how to deal with friends, elders, and teachers. The staff and teachers were incredible—they not only taught their subjects but also supported my passion for music. They encouraged me to sing and participate in school assemblies, which helped me overcome severe stage fright and build my confidence.

How did the school support your passion for music?
The teachers were very encouraging. They saw my interest in music and gave me numerous opportunities to perform. They never discouraged me from pursuing music. Instead, they facilitated extra music classes and allowed me to perform during school events. This support was crucial in building my confidence and honing my performance skills. Even now, my teachers and principal stay in touch, offering their support and encouragement.

How did you get started with your YouTube channel?
It all started when I was in 11th grade. I had friends and family with a recording studio, and they suggested I record a song. My first song, “Channa Mereya,” was uploaded to their YouTube channel and it went viral. This response encouraged me to start my own channel. Since then, I’ve been uploading my songs, and the journey has been incredible. Some of my popular uploads include “Sandese Aate Hai” with 4.5 million views and “Rooh,” a Punjabi song with 3.4 million views.

Besides singing, you are also a freelance makeup artist. How did that interest develop?
While there were no makeup classes in school, my interest in makeup grew from my daily routine. I enjoyed dressing up and experimenting with kajal and lip glosses. Over time, this interest grew, and I began freelancing as a makeup artist. However, music remains my primary focus, and I dedicate most of my energy to it.

Can you tell us about your notable performances and achievements in music?
One of my favourite performances was at the Horn OK Please, one of Delhi’s biggest food festivals. I performed alongside famous Bollywood singers, which was an incredible experience. My original songs have done well, and I look forward to releasing more. These experiences and the response from my audience have been very rewarding.

What challenges have you faced in your journey, and how have you overcome them?
Balancing my time between practice, performances, and makeup bookings can be challenging. However, creating a schedule and sticking to it helps manage these responsibilities. Staying active on social media and learning from other artists also helps me generate new content and stay inspired.

Who are your musical inspirations?
I look up to A.R. Rahman, Shreya Ghoshal, and Arijit Singh. Arijit Singh is my all-time favourite. These artists inspire me with their talent and dedication to their craft.

How did Apeejay School influence your values and approach to life?
Apeejay instilled in me the values of hard work, respect for elders and peers, and the importance of being kind and respectful to everyone. These values have been fundamental in my personal and professional life. They taught me to appreciate everything and everyone around me, which has helped me build strong relationships and a positive outlook.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians and content creators?
Practise every day and put your work out there. Don’t worry about likes and comments; focus on your hard work and let the results follow. Show the world your talent and be patient. Respect your craft, and keep improving. Your dedication and passion will eventually pay off.

What are your future aspirations?
I aspire to release more original songs and see them succeed. While I am content with the journey so far, I am always looking forward to new opportunities and experiences. I want people to remember me for my voice and my music. I’m continuously working on improving my skills and creating more meaningful content.