Nitin Bali lives up to his name... well, at least his surname. He sports two balis -- earrings. A deviation from the ‘punk approach of wearing one. Mind you, the reason is rather confusing, and ‘historical. "One earring is too cool, but two gives a funky look -- everybody in fashion and music wear earrings and I am just following a trend. Also, it goes back to our forefathers who wore two rings..."

Well, the logic escapes us. Anyway, what is this task that has brought him into the world?

Apparently, it is singing. He has launched a debut album, Na Jaane, a collection of "different moods" -- there is a techno beat, romantic song, bhangra track, a devotional offering, a patriotic number... even a track called Na Jaane (Minus One) -- a karaoke number minus Bali's voice -- for wannabes to "sing along and practice". In short, the album is not a "yoyo kind of rap -- the melodies are fused and flow, the lyrics and the music makes an excellentteam..."

Well, well, looks like Bali can snugly wear the chappals of Salman Rushdies Shah of Blah.

Interestingly, rather than hog the limelight like some of his counterparts, Bali gives credit where it is due -- the cover clearly mentions that the title song is a take-off on a Western number. "I have used that tune to make a Hindi version. I don't like to rob somebodys credit." Ahem, we can almost hear some of our desi singers doubling up with bouts of hiccup!

But wasnt it a marketing gimmick to use wife Ruby Bhatia in the title song -- so that at least her fans will buy the album?

Perish the thought, warns Bali! And instantly launches into a verbose tirade: "In this field nobody can market anybody for voice. If you like my voice I am there, if not I am out. What can Ruby do? We cannot sell by name, but quality. If even the PM's sons voice is bad, he will be out!"

Phew, this sounds akin to sticking your head in a hornets nest! But then, why showcase Ruby at all?

Well, the tune is romanticand ideal for a duet. "We wanted a girl singing in English. And Ruby with her Canadian accent was the best girl I could think of." Indeed, Ruby is the not just the best, but the only girl he can think of! "I cannot sing a love song with anybody else because I love Ruby so much. Conversly, there cannot be another female singing those words to me!"

But for someone who dabbled in production work for over seven years, isnt coming out with an album a radical shift?

No. "God has given me this gift of voice. If God opens a door, you should get inside." Thank God, Bali! In fact, he has been singing since the age of eight -- in school and college competitions.

So what took him so long to ‘go commerical with his Gods gift?

Well, in "those days" there were only playback singers, who belonged to a "closed circle" -- while a select adhoc cabal of singers monopolised the market, new talent was reduced to ekeing out in orchestras and Ganesh-utsavs.

Instead, Bali entered television as aproduction assistant for Zee, followed by stints at Channel [V] and the Miss World 96. But now that TV has opened up -- and in the process blown apart the "closed circle", he believes the time is ripe to exercise his vocal chords.

Know what, Bali believes in doing his karma and leaving the rest to Higher Powers. But isnt he tossing the coin of fatalism?

"Tossing a coin is different from having faith. God is there with me, he will decide what I deserve. If I claim that my album is a big hit, and that does not happen, then I am just a blabber." Of course, there is a safety net -- even if Bali singing career bombs, he can always go back to production work. "If I am thrown out it is okay -- at least my bread and butter is secure."

But if he succeeds, what about the bread and butter of full time singers?

Not to worry. Bali does not believe singers can ever be in a win-lose situation. "Everyone has an unique voice, so where is the competition? Some may like your voice, others may like mine."

And what isBali most likely to say?

"Trust God."

And least likely?

"Don't trust God!"