It was a dream he just had to achieve, and he was willing to do whatever it took.

At the age of 16, when most of us worry about college admissions, Himesh Reshammiya was producing his first television serial.

This was the first step in the final direction he wanted to take -- of becoming a successful music composer.

The second step in that direction came when he was 25, and he approached the man he credits his success to (after, of course, God and his parents) -- Salman Khan [Images].

The first film Himesh scored music for was the Salman starrer, Bandhan. The second, and it was this film that got the industry to sit up and take notice, was the Salman-Kajol hit, Pyar Kiya Tho Darna Kya.

Himesh was on a roll and, despite constant criticism from reviewers, the composer churned out hit after foot-tapping hit. To his fans, he could do no wrong.

Then, Himesh sang. His voice, since he debuted with Aashiq banaya aapne [Images], has been much mocked as being too nasal. Yet, the masses were with him. Himesh's voice too was a huge hit.

On June 29, he released his first film as actor. Aap Ka Suroor gave the film industry a much needed hit; Himesh carpers were, once again, forced to eat their collective hats.

It might look like the man has charmed Lady Luck, but Himesh says you cannot downplay hard work.

Here, in his own words, are Himesh's suggestions on what has worked for him as a singer and music composer:

* First and foremost, every newcomer should believe in God. He should also have the blessings of his parents.

* Next, I feel your voice must come from your heart. This is important because, if you are an artiste, you have to be creative. You should not think of business while performing your art. This advice holds true for every artiste, irrespective of what he is doing. He could even be a struggling singer.

* You should be workaholic. Your mind and soul must be completely involved in your work all the time. This is how you will achieve success.

* Luck also plays an important part in your life; if God is on your side, you can strike gold.

* You can never ignore your riyaaz; you have to do it all the time. If you get a chance to be on shows like Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, grab the opportunity. This will at least give you the chance to be heard on a larger platform.

* Don't imitate any of the established singers as you will never be able achieve their singing style.

You must develop your own style. You must have an element in your voice that will make it sound different from the existing singers.

You cannot imitate a top singer and oust him from his post; he is at the top because of his own unique style.

I think it was my destiny to achieve my own style and become successful.

* A word of caution when you get your first success. You must never get carried away by your success; many people tend to do so after they achieve success in the initial stages of their life. Your feet must be on the ground all the time. You should never give up your riyaaz (practice) even if you are climbing ladder of success or have become successful.

* If you are a music director, keep your bank of music ready. After Aashiq Banaya Aapne, I kept a bank of music ready and never took my success for granted.

I always feel like I am a newcomer in the industry and work hard to make it big. I never take the audiences and my fans for granted.

I know that I can never rest on my past laurels. I have to deliver better results all the time. I work harder to make it every time I sit to compose a new song.

* Never take your critics lightly. You must always try to win them over by your hard work. Don't brush them off.

Some critics have said I don't do good work. Then I composed the music for Benares and the critics loved it. Unfortunately, the public did not.

Despite this, I would say you need to take criticism the right way. Try to win over the people who don't like your music or voice by trying harder and doing better.

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