Prince of Bhangra- Sukhbir Strikes back in Bollywood 2021 : Exclusive Interview with Sukhbir Singh

An Interview by Ms. Chandni Kulshrestha

Associate Editor

[Translation by : Ms.  Unnati Sahay]

Mypencildotcom: Tell us more about your childhood, and when did you decide to become a musician?

SS : My father used to sing in the gurdwara. He was an official there. I loved being around him and learned a lot, so a lot of credit goes to him. He always inspired me, and I wanted to sing all my life, it is my life, and I love what I do. I enjoy it, and it makes me happy.

Mypencildotcom: You lived in Dubai and were still connected to your roots. How did you go with it?

SS: We as a family always used to listen to Indian music. We used to love him, and that kept me connected to my roots. We used to listen to Jagjit Singh and Ghulam Ali’s music. I also listened to western singers like Michael Jackson and Bob Marley who also contributed to the journey. You can also see that in my music.

Mypencildotcom: Are your new songs a challenge for you? How do you go about it?

SS: I create songs when they speak to me. The melody, genre, tune, everything is vital for me. We try different styles and decide when it speaks to me. I am just like the instrument that the journey is asking me to be. It takes me to a different world, it calms me down and makes me happy. So I enjoy the process.

Mypencildotcom: Do you believe in Remix? What is your take on this?

SS: I don’t believe in the concept, and there is no originality, no creativity. It’s just the chores they use. But there’s an advantage to it as well. The kids of the current generation can connect to the ’90s. The songs have a character, so it feels great to be connected to the youth. I also love the way the old people connect to Remixes.

Mypencildotcom: How important was Dhoom 2, and how did that happen?

SS: I went with an album of Yash Raj music. They came with the director of the movie and offered that the song will be shot with Hritik Roshan’s. I said no problem. It was a surreal feeling. So I had to give the vocals, so the next day I recorded. After that, I had my own identity, so I didn’t pay much attention to Bollywood. I wanted to be recognized for my own identity. But I cherish that my first ever song was selected for a Bollywood movie.

Mypencildotcom: When will your fans see you in Bollywood again?

SS: Yes, there are two upcoming songs; they will soon see me in. Unfortunately, the pandemic has delayed the songs, but now it’s back on track. One is a remake, and another one is a remake song. Creativity is being recognized, and that’s what I love. In the song Oh ho ho, is all mine, I have made everything in it. And it’s difficult for me to change the originality of the song. So I always prefer the music to be original.

Mypencildotcom: What’s your take about the pandemic and career?

SS: No one predicted the pandemic. Personally, it was a good time. I spent a lot of time with my kids, my family. The whole industry suffered a loss in business. But I focused on my music, introspected. But in today’s time, health is wealth, and that’s what is most important.

Mypencildotcom: Tell us more about your new song, “Nachdi.”

SS: This song is also a remake. One of the old songs that never got recognition. This song went unnoticed, and it was very close to my heart. No one released it at the time, but now it is quite possible to do that. And life is a learning experience, and now I have started to produce my own music.

Mypencildotcom: You have your own business and are an independent artist, so ten years down the line, how do you see yourself?

SS: I invest in a lot of businesses. It supports other businesses, and I give the same process to this as I give to my songs. I have funded many projects and businesses. These companies are doing well now, and I am not actively involved in them. I support them.

Mypencildotcom: Can you please give one piece of advice to the budding artists?

SS: In today’s time, there is a better space and many platforms to release a song. One can make the whole process independently, so if you have the motivation and zeal, you should do it. There are many tools, platforms, methods, modes of promotions available. Many editing software is open, and you can watch and learn everything on youtube. All the relevant information is available, so the artists of this generation can take advantage of it. They can create their own identity and be on their own. You have resources and scope, and you should do it!

Mypencildotcom: One message for mypencildotcom.

SS: It is a powerful platform for budding artists, a platform where you can see the journey of the people who have been through a similar journey. Please carry on with your work and never lose motivation. You will be successful!