1. Western music is easier to learn than Indian. Your opinion please -- Datta Moni.

What western and Indian music precisely are you talking about? If you're trying to pitch western pop against Indian classical [which is what most Indian chauvinists tend to do!], you are making the wrong comparison. Compare Indian classical to western classical or western jazz. All three are equally difficult. In fact Western music has an extremely complex structure of harmony and chords, which Indian classical and traditional doesn't, being mono-tonal. If you want to compare Western pop, compare it to Hindi filmi. Both are equally easy. But then again, the degree of ease or difficulty will depend on the musician's talents and capabilities.

2. How do you feel to be an international star and that too a Goan? -- Priyanka Amonkar.

Frankly, I wouldn't call myself an international star! We love to call ourselves "international" as soon as we perform abroad... but our shows abroad are meant mostly for Indian communities there! One is truly international only when the people of those countries know you and your music. Of course, you might be referring to the international awards in competitions where artists from different countries competed, or to foreign festivals in Germany and Tokyo and the USSR and so on; however, in spite of those, I still do not consider myself an "international star". But thank you for the compliment. And... being a Goan always feels great, whether you're a star or not!

3. Is it required to change the hairstyle and colour them while playing music? -- Professor Pinto.

Come on professor, chill out, relax, and get with the times... is it required to look like a pompous ass in order to be a professor? People of all walks of life change hairstyles and hair colours, not only musicians! Professors do it too, in more advanced and liberated countries. You should see the university professors in Europe and the Caribbean -- you'd faint!

4. Who is your favourite singer? -- Shashawati Padgaonkar.

Oh, there are too many to name. But more than just good singing, I appreciate singers who compose and write their own songs, because to me they are expressing something from deep within themselves, not just using a pretty voice to sing someone else's thoughts and feelings.

5. Which is the first song which you sang in your life? -- Pallavi Pereira.

It was called 'Minha Maezinha Querida', which means 'My Darling Mother'. I was five, and that was the first time I ever climbed on a stage. It happened to be at the Club Nacional. Years later, for sentimental reasons, I recorded the song on an album titled 'Old Goan Gold'.

6. What is your favourite past-time? -- Shreya Madkaikar.

I have a few: reading good books, watching good movies, writing, drawing, dabbling in art software such as Photoshop, video editing and production... I also love walking or driving around alone in nature once in a while.

7. Which is your favourite song which you have sung? -- Judy Fernandes.

Asking a composer which is his favourite song is a little like asking a parent which is his favourite child. But out of all the albums I have released in my life, I personally think my best piece of work is 'India Beyond'.

8. What are your future plans? -- Ninad Chodankar.

To keep on making music to the best of my abilities, on stage as well as in recordings. I am not happy with the attitude of Indian record companies towards original music at present, so I'm busy trying to figure out a way to make my music accessible to people without going through a record company. Let's see if I manage that.

9. What's your birth date and birth place? -- Lina Gawade.

Hey, where were you last year, when I had that free concert for Goa on my 50th birthday? It is on 8th May, and I was born in Panjim. I hope you asked me this question 'cause you want to send me a birthday present next year. I'd like a Mercedes Benz please. Just kidding.