A fascinating and inspiring moment unfolded on Wheel of Fortune when host Akshay Kumar interacted with contestant Aashima, an opera singer who is from Jammu and Kashmir and learned about the unique art form.
Akshay asked Aashima how an opera singer is different from other singers. Aashima explained that she received her training at the institute founded by A. R. Rahman in Chennai and shared that she had been selected for opera because her mentors believed her voice and body instrument were perfectly suited for the genre. She revealed that Rahman’s understanding of music and science helped identify that her vocals would sound particularly powerful in opera. Aashima also shared that she had the opportunity to sing for projects connected to Rahman, including the films Thug Life and OK Jaanu, which left Akshay pleasantly surprised.
Elaborating further on opera, Aashima explained that the art form relies heavily on technique and science. She compared it to historical architecture like Jantar Mantar, which was built with incredible scientific precision even before modern technology existed. Similarly, opera developed in a time when microphones were not available, so singers relied on strong breath control, abdominal support, and specially designed auditoriums that helped naturally amplify their voices over a full orchestra.
To demonstrate, Aashima performed a powerful operatic “Hello,” instantly filling the studio with her resonating voice and earning loud applause from the audience. Impressed, Akshay asked jokingly whether her neighbours ever complained when she practiced at home. Laughing along, Aashima shared that people sometimes get surprised by the powerful vocal warm-ups typical in opera training.
Encouraging her further, Akshay Kumar praised her rare talent and said that such a unique art form deserves a much larger audience in India. He added that seeing someone like Aashima perform might inspire many young people to explore opera as a profession.
Prompted by Akshay, Aashima then delivered a beautiful opera performance, leaving the audience mesmerised and receiving a standing ovation. The moment served as a reminder on Wheel of Fortune that every art form and profession has its own importance, and opera, though rare in India, carries immense beauty, discipline, and artistic value.
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