Shabir Alam: The prized export who's taking Kollywood by storm

I got quite a few things. The Lockdown EP comprising four songs will be out later this year. I’ve written, sung and composed all the songs. The EP aims to document the human condition during a pandemic. I’ve also written a socio-political song titled “Korokoro”. My seventh Indian feature film, Sinam, is also being completed. It’s a cop thriller featuring one of Tamil cinema’s leading actors, Arun Vijay, and we’re now in post production.

How do you juggle so many things?

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I’ve always been working remotely to a certain degree, as I work in two industries, Singapore and India. All I need is a laptop and headphones, and I can start writing a song or scoring music for a scene. I work on the go... when I’m waiting for my flight. I finish songs in a four-hour flight.

What he’s wearing: Cotton and lace shirt, corduroy trousers, and leather shoes with studs, Dolce & Gabbana

Grooming: Alison Tay, using M.A.C Cosmetics & Kevin.Murphy

It’s more schedule-oriented in Singapore, and we tend to know what’s coming next. This is just one of the cultural differences between working in India and Singapore. Fans in India are very loving, and they celebrate you if they like your work. Local fans are a little shy to show their affection publicly, but they stick with you through thick and thin.