Shivani Paliwal, 15 year old Udaipur born artist, will be representing India in global pop band, Now United. The band is being launched by artist manager and television producer who is also responsible for some hugely popular TV franchises like American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance.

The group called, Now United, will be officially launched in 2018 and will feature 14 artists (singers and dancers) aged between 14 and 19 years from 14 different countries including India, US, UK, Germany, Brazil and Mexico.

Grammy-winning songwriter, RedOne, will be writing the first album for Now United and the dance moves will be choreographed by Kyle Hanagami and WilldaBeast.

Vogue magazine had caught up an interview with Shivani Paliwal. UT is reproducing the interview from vogue.in:

Did you train to become a professional singer and dancer? I’ve been dancing since I was three years old, and I have been competing for years in many dance competitions across different parts of India at a state and international level.

How did you get the opportunity to work on Now United? I heard about the auditions and sent in a video. We were all called to Mumbai earlier this year, in March, to perform in front of Simon Fuller and his team. They’d been going through the dance schools, asking choreography experts across India trying to find the best of the best. When I got to Mumbai, there were 42 finalists and I was chosen.

How does it feel to be on this path to international recognition? At first two Indian girls were called to LA and I was excited. But when I was actually picked it was a massive surprise. I still can’t believe it. I’m so happy to be able to represent my country through Now United.

How does it feel to shoot in LA? Growing up, I mostly saw America through television shows and movies. But it’s another thing to come here and visit it for real. Hollywood’s big, it’s massive. Here we’re working on a soundstage next to some of the biggest stars in the world.

What’s it like working with Simon Fuller? Simon is clever, he’s quiet and he’s thought about this project a lot. We trust him.

What are the challenges you faced while working on Now United? Firstly, it’s a full-time job. Everyone in the band is very good, both singers and dancers. I am more of a dancer, so I’m a little nervous, but I’m working hard and doing my best.

How does it feel to work with artists from countries all over the world? I can feel my eyes opening as I’m learning. Not just words and phrases from all of the different places, but also how people behave, seeing what they want, what makes them laugh. It’s fun learning new languages and about the different cultures of the world. We’re all helping each other as we go. Both inside and outside of band practice.

How has your experience been so far? I’ve been to LA twice now. I’ve done these incredible shoots; we’re being taught by some of the best choreographers, vocal coaches and music writers in the business. It’s like a dream come true!

Did you imagine your career would shape up in this way? No, not at all. I have won many different competitions and been on TV shows without really feeling that I’d succeeded. The idea behind Now United was so big that I never really thought I would make it to the group at all. When I found out that I had made it, I was very excited represent my country.

What’s next on the cards for you once you finish this project? I see myself building a presence on a big (digital) platform. I would like to represent India, and educate people about its culture all over the world. I’m very proud of background and the city that I come from. Also, since the group has members from many different countries, I hope we can work together to entertain everyone worldwide, and try to help people unite as well.