Singer and independent musician Smita is a businesswoman. In this interview, Smita tells us about her journey, her support for Chandrababu Naidu, why she hates Bigg Boss and more.

Excerpts:

From the beginning, I have been picky as a singer. I have not followed a beaten path. If you want to be a playback singer, you have to be aligned with that line all day. If you want to do independent music, your priorities will have to be different. I took the latter course.

I gave a number of performances over the years. But my focus has more been on my business initiatives. Business came to me naturally. My parents were into business and yet it didn't give me a sense of entitlement. I wanted to do my own thing. My mother always encouraged me to be independent financially.

I didn't want to depend on the film industry or arts completely for my sustenance. I, therefore, put my eggs in multiple baskets so that I am stable even if something untoward happens somewhere. Even in business, I have branched out. That's why upheavals in one thing don't affect me much. Since I grew up in Vijayawada from where Mangalagiri was close, I fell in love with handlooms. That's how my interest in fabrics and textiles took root. Then I got interested in setting up a five-star salon. My mother played ball and we scouted for a suitable location in Banjara Hills.

I highly respect Chandrababu Naidu garu. The reason for Hyderabad and this State being this prosperous is because of him. He is a true visionary who thought for the future generation. There would be no difference between me and others if I forget the good done by a political leader. If you try to do path-breaking things that can change the world, there will always be criticism. He too has faced opposition.

The Amaravati capital issue affected me a great deal. Many farmers had parted with their lands for the capital city. Most of them were small parcels of land. They were victimized for political reasons. If there is no statesmanly vision, you won't be able to create a Hyderabad.

Had I wanted to enter politics, I would have done it long back. My elders were into activism as youngsters. If I have to take up something, I have to walk the extra mile and do it completely. If not, I can't take the plunge.

I have a dream project on which I have been working for five years. It will be launched in December this year. My entire focus currently is on that. I am not supposed to reveal its details. It pertains to my business venture. By the way, Megastar Chiranjeevi garu has got a small part in it. It has a link with digital media.

Even by mistake, I won't become a part of Bigg Boss. It is the most destructive TV show ever. I don't understand it. I don't watch it. It destroys the sanctity of individuals and reduces everything to TRPs, prodding contestants to compete with each other. If I say anything more, that will be deemed as criticism of contestants, some of the past ones are close to me. But I can't imagine participating in such a show.