For Anushka Manchandani, the break-up of India's first all-girl band 'Viva' was a blessing in disguise -- it gave her the opportunity to hone her skills as a playback singer.     "Playback singing was something I never dreamt of coming so easily. I am happy that people like my voice and composers are ready to sign me for their projects," she said.     And now, she has definitely made her mark as a playback singer if one goes by her songs like 'Naughty naughty' (from "Cash") and title tracks of "Golmaal", "Zindaggi Rocks" and "Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam" and their popularity."On the playback front, lots of things are happening. I am also singing the title tracks of 'De Taali' and 'Chandni Chowk To China'. There are also lots of other projects like 'Golmaal Returns', 'Rama The Saviour', 'Kambakht Ishq' and 'Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye'," she told.The Viva thing was the result of one of Indian television's early experiments with talent hunt shows. "For anything to strive it has to be more than just a plastic manufacturing product," she says of these shows.After a couple of albums, Viva, formed after a nationwide competition held by Channel V in 2002 with Seema Ramchandani, Pratichee Mohapatra, Neha Bhasin, Mahua Kamat, and Anushka Manchandani as members, split. "There were some differences and we all wanted to do our own thing. I had no option but start everything afresh," Anushka said.     Anushka, who can play many instruments including the guitar and the flute, had a stint at VJing too. "VJing with Channel V was a lot of fun. Though I had to work hard and develop a quick sense of wit, I got to travel and meet so many people," she says.     Now, Anushka is also working on her maiden English album which she expects to bring out by the end of this year besides a Hindi album. "I am quite excited about the English project," she said.     Besides, she has sung in an album for British singer Jay Sean. She recently performed at the 16th Festival of India at Fremont in the USA leaving the audience spell bound with her songs 'Naughty naughty' and 'Kaisa jadoo dala re'. (PTI) ... read more »