She's bubbly, she's vivacious, she's confident, she's talented - and she knows it! Currently India 's hottest selling female pop artist - Annamika has indeed come a long way. Her golden voice has enthralled the listeners, many of whom found themselves in a trance of delight. Her shows are truly mind blowing. She is well known for the vigorous energy she generates on the stage .Her ability to get the audience jiving has made her a hot favourite on the international circuit apart from the one at home.

She keeps the entire audience thrilled and foot tapping to her musical notes for three hours nonstop. Typical Annamika, she's happy, chirpy, as she stretches out her arms savoring her heady scent of success at her posh residence in South Delhi's Panchshila Park. To me, she still looks the same -short and chubby, a constant smile on her face, and loving as ever.

Her lively Catwalk image, which she had cultivated few years back, still remains in the mind of the onlooker. From Catwalk to Nindra to Naina she has given her best melidious musical numbers like Tumo ko Piya . Kala Sha Kala and Sona Disda which are constantly heard in TV, radio, stadium concert, nightclubs, and wedding parties, all over India and abroad.

Back home after a hectic trip to Switzerland, she appears to be quite relaxed. Dressed simply in a white soft flowing outfit, with no make up and a topknot she is ready to narrate incidents about herself.

Despite the recognition she gets today she is a very simple and down to earth person . As she recalls about her childhood, "One thing I always wanted to be was a singing star." she says. She was just like any another Indian in U.S who found her roots in India. Music was always her prime passion. She already had a formal training in Indian Classical music. Earlier she began as a singer in nightclubs, but in her heart of hearts, she had plans to launch her own solo album.

The big break came in 1996. After the release of her solo album Catwalk which instantly got her to fame. Suddenly. Her numbers jumped from 10 to 1 in the chartbuster countdown aired on the music channels. She was also nominated for the Channel V awards category for Best album, Best female pop singer and Best video. Additionally She made contributions to the movie Auzaar with the song Dil de de na alongwith Jojo . In 1998, Annamika launched her second album Intezar, with those fabulous numbers like Kaaala Sha Kaala, Nindra, Aaja Aaja and Kahi karta hoga intezaar.

The cassette was superb hit " I never thought it was would be so well accepted by the crowds. I received an overwhelming response .I still remember shows kept being repeated on special demand of the public. People just loved it " she croons in joy. Her ultimate satisfaction appear to be her viewers' choice. She believes in handwork, and devotes one hour daily to riyaz inspite of her busy schedules.

Her willpower is the secret of her inner strength. She firmly believes in honesty. She hates backbiting and likes to face the reality.

Reacting to the media, "I have always faced a problem with the media hype, they try to overshadow you inspite of not knowing the fact. I am always the first in a critic column, I don't know why?" she confirms. Still, Annamika is very ambitious and headstrong . Not even the greatest obstacle is insurmountable for her. You see, " I am strong minded child of strong parents, they have supported me a lot ….." She has given a lot to the music world and feels proud to be part of it.

Till date she has performed in 500 shows, not only in India but also abroad, including Dubai, Australia, USA, Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal and Canada. She has performed roadshows for Hero Honda, Bajaj and New Holland tractors. Annamika is out and out an workalcoholic.

She spends most of her time composing music and writing her own lyrics. In her leisure hours, she loves to travel a lot and make new friends. Moreover she loves partying and indulges a good deal in socializing. Although she is not a typical party freak yet, she manages to get there, whenever asked.

After the success of her latest album Naina ,featuring her musical number Tumko piya dil diya is a superb modern version of an old Hindi movie song. At the moment, she is working hard on her next album Aman ke pujari which is to be aired in mid - August. So definitely, she is more innovative this time, as she loves experimenting with new themes in each of her albums.

But what about future?"Oh, I am rather foresighted and I am trying hard to survive," she quotes firmly. Annamika is now a brand name in the music circuit. Highly recognizable, she never forgets to thank her folks and friends and who have been rather supportive all through these years. "I definitely want to promote the Indian music as much as I can in my own style," she confesses. Way to go, Annamika!

By Piyali Dasgupta