Get to know... Salim Merchant

The singer, composer and music director on his craving for Nigiri sushi and playing cricket with friends on Sundays while growing up

Get to know... Salim Merchant

Currently I am

Touring India with the Salim–Sulaiman concerts. I am also enjoying the release of Bhoomi 2023, an annual Salim–Sulaiman Music Project.

High point in life

Performing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. It felt as good as my FIFA World Cup opening ceremony performance in South Africa in 2010.

Low point in life

My dad passing away in 1996.

On my playlist

Music by Dirty Loops, Ghulam Ali, and Charlie Puth.

One thing I would never buy

A jet plane.

Today I am craving

Nigiri sushi.

The last thing I ordered online

A tripod.

App I check before going to bed

Instagram.

The advice I would give my 18-year-old self

Be fearless, take risks.

My favourite subject in school

Music.

My secret skill is

I am fond of designing interiors, especially for my home.

My favourite Sunday memory

Cricket with friends. Even now I try and find time to play.

My plans for next Sunday

Playing a concert.

My favourite bad habit

I eat two to three pieces of dark chocolate in a day. It’s so hard to cut down on something so delicious.

If I could travel back or forward in time

I would like to go back and spend more time with my parents.

The best thing about fame

You are made aware of your talent. It makes you humble and grateful.

The worst thing about fame

There’s less time for oneself. Less privacy.