Shweta Thakur,

Bollywood singer Krishna Kumar, fondly called KK by his friends and fans, not only excels in singing but enjoys making his own music too and says, "Composing is an extension of my being, skills and knowledge".

KK donned the hat of music composer for his recently-released album Humsafar - his second after a gap of eight long years. But the singer, whose Aankhon Mein from Om Shanti Om was a chartbuster, says he's taken his own time creating tunes for Humsafar."Turning a music composer is not an instant move. I had composed two songs seven years ago, as I knew what exactly I wanted for my album."

"Turning a music composer is not an instant move. I had composed two songs seven years ago, as I knew what exactly I wanted for my album. Moreover, it is my own baby and I didn't want to take a risk by giving it in someone else's hand," KK told IANS in an interview.

"My fans are another reason - first they murmured, then spoke, then shouted and I had to hear that."

However, he is quick to add that composing one's own music does not "mean that singing songs composed by others does not give me creative satisfaction".

And what about composing music for films?

"I have no plans to compose music for films so far. It is not every one's cup of tea to do that because there are so many logistics to be worked out. But I will definitely compose music for another of my albums in future."

The versatile singer started his stint in Bollywood with hit song Chhod aaye hum in Gulzar's Maachis and went on to entertain audiences with many more popular numbers. But it was his soulful rendition of Tadap tadap ke in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam that catapulted him to fame.

He released his first album Pal in 1999 and the lilting melodies won him many fans.

KK appeared on TV as a jury member for talent hunt show Fame Gurukul, but he is clear that he wouldn't like to return to television as the medium constricts him.

"Television has grown enormously. But I don't think that I'd ever be a part of any TV show, as I am uncomfortable with the small screen. I find it very constricting!" he remarked.

"I like live shows because I am a free soul. In real life also I do whatever I feel like doing and TV makes me feel caged," the singer said.

However, KK is all praise for talent hunt shows, as they bring out latent talent.

"Reality shows are giving a fair chance to singers hailing from far-flung areas like Jharkhand and Jhansi, which otherwise wouldn't have been recognised at all.

"A bit of both deserving and non-deserving aspirants pour into the music industry because of these shows. But only those who are really talented, dedicated and hard working would sustain."

Though gung-ho about his latest album, KK has a lot of singing assignments lined up. He will be lending his voice for Karan Johar's next, Onirban's next and Jannat by newcomer Kunal Deshmukh.

KK says his family is what gives him the strength to cope with all the pressures of Bollywood, where one has to continuously strive to carve one's niche and hold on to it.

"Family makes a lot of difference. One's core of life is one's family because you know that even if everyone else leaves your hand, they will be there through thick and thin. That keeps the ball rolling," he said.