Princess Indrani looking for stardom
Saturday, January 15 2011

TRINIDAD NEWSDAY - LAUREL V WILLIAMS - INDRANI Ali is so serious on marketing herself in the music industry in Trinidad and Tobago that she hopes to become the female version of popular soca artiste Machel Montano.

The 24- year-old Ali has begun her journey towards success with the recent recording of two chutney songs entitled “Chin Lee and Me” and “Mr Ravi From Miami.” Both songs were written by her mentor and friend Doodnath Bissessar.

Ali, who uses the stage name Princess Indrani, originally hails from Mafeking Village in Mayaro, but currently lives in San Fernando. Singing for the past two months and lead singer of an upcoming South-based crossover band New Image, Ali noted that she is versed in many types of songs.

“I am quite versed in various genres of music. I enjoy listening to (popular legendary Indian and play back singer) Asha Bhosle as well as various Bollywood film songs (and) I try to emulate their performances,” Ali said.

She described herself as possessing a natural voice and was quick to add that the band, which is based in Debe, receives good feedback following performances. However, she admitted their performances were not yet comparable to those of Montano and the HD Family.

Ali is hoping to expand her horizons so that she can perform at major events and not only at wedding receptions, concerts, functions and parties, and so on.

“People always say we are a good band. I have always liked singing. I would also like to be a female version of popular soca artiste Machel Montano. I want the type of response he gets from his fans. I am hoping to sing alongside him sometime. Apart from chutney music I sing alternatives, R&B, soca and so on,” said Ali with a smile on her face. In the next five years, Ali said she would like to be known internationally but not before Princess Indrani becomes a household name in Trinidad and Tobago.

“There are many songs about women with the name Indrani. I think the country would be surprised to learn that there is in fact an actual Indrani. I have never entered into any competitions but I will. I also want to sing songs and perform with local artiste like Ravi B (of the band Karma) and soca artiste Fay Ann Lyons-Alverez,” Ali noted. The songs can be heard on local East Indian radio stations.