Dilse from Sukhwinder Singh

From Chaiyyan Chaiyyan in Dil Se to Dard-e-Disco in Om Shanti Om, Sukhwinder Singh has made a place for himself. Counted among the top most singers in the industry, Sukhwinder is happy scaling newer heights with each number he delivers.

Topping his list presently is Subhash Ghai’s Black & White where the singer is also composing music. In a heart-to-heart talk with KT, he tell us all.

How has your journey been from Karma (1986) to Dard-e-disco?
It’s been great. I’ve learnt a lot from the industry and I am still learning.

How’s the music of Black & White (B&W) different from your other songs?
The music of this film is totally sufiyana with a classical touch. Since the subject of the film is also quite different from the regular ones, Subhash Saab specially asked me to create different music for the film. In fact the song Mai chala in the film is purely a mix of folk and sufiyana style.

How’s it working with Subhash Ghai?
Subhash Ghai is like my Godfather. He was the one who gave me my break in the industry with Karma. Before B&W also, he gave me the chance to pen lyrics Iqbal. And this time I am composing music for the whole film.

From playback singing to writing lyrics to music direction. How has it been?
It’s not been that easy. I’ve worked day and night to take that leap from playback singing to writing lyrics. And once I gained confidence on that end, I took to composing music too. All the credit goes to God and the hard work I put in. To sustain the image I have in the industry, I have to labour.

Many films you composed music for didn’t do well at the BO. Does that bother you?
Films not doing well at the BO is not my problem and not my fault. That’s the audiences’ wish as to which movie they want to watch. I’m here to sing and compose music and as long as I’m doing that fine, I’m not bothered.

What kind of music pleases you personally?
It totally depends upon my mood. I may want to hear ghazals some day and then switch to Sufi and classical the next day.

Given your husky voice, which female singer do you think matches your voice the best while giving a duet?
My voice matches the best with Sunidhi Chauhan. Though it’s good with Shreya Ghoshal also.

There was news about AR Rahman declaring that he would not work with you after Dil Se?
(Laughs) Rahman saab aisa bol hi nahi sakte. In fact he has always told me “ Jab mai tere saath kaam karta hun toh alag hi mazaa aata hai kyunki tu dil se gaata hai.”

Your private album have been equally liked. Do we have any album coming up soon?
Nahi nahi abhi time lage ga. Abhi toh mai Black & White aur baaki films ke music mai busy hun, agar time mila too zaroor banaunga.

Among your own songs, which one’s closest to your heart?
Chal Chal mere sang sang from the film Astitva.

After making a presence onscreen in filmi songs, any plans to take up acting?
Why not agar woh offer Shah Rukh ne chor diya ho toh zaroor kaam karunga. (laughs)

Is it true you are working in Hollywood?
Yes I’m singing Chhaiya Chhaiya once more for Steven Spielberg’s Inside Man.

With new singers making a mark everyday, do you fear the rising competition?
Kis baat ka competition? I am what I am. The image that I have today, newcomers will take time to come close to that. I have already crossed my half way to touch the sky.

What’s next?
Currently, I am doing Yuvraaj with AR Rahman and Tashan with Vishal-Shekhar. I’m also doing Vishal Bhardwaj’s Julia.