Prince of Bhangra Sukhbir on his journey, Diljit Dosanjh and more!

Exclusive: Prince of Bhangra Sukhbir on his journey, old times, his new song, Diljit Dosanjh and much more!

There is no party since the mid 90s that is considered a legit party without Ishq Tera Tadpave been played at least three times on repeat. If someone’s soul doesn't respond to Oh ho ho and the beats that follow, they might need to select traffic signal pictures to verify that they are indeed a human and not a robot! Almost three decades and still the life of every party-such is the power of Sukhbir! Addressed as the “Prince of Bhangra’ and rightly so, Sukhbir belongs to a generation of musicians who brought the folk music of Punjab to the mainstream music seamlessly juxtaposing with other forms like Reggae and Rap.

We spoke to him recently and he shared his thoughts on his journey till now and way forward.

“When we started in the 90s, the picture was completely different. We knew someone who in turn knew someone who again knew someone working at the music company and that's how most in my generation got a breakthrough. We had to go door to door, company to company carrying our songs in physical format and present it to music companies. Some of us lucked out. Like me or Sunita Rao. However, there were so many amazing artists who couldn't cut through”, shared the singer.

Continuing he said, “Labels like BMG Crescendo had rooms full of cassettes piling over. So many aspiring musicians and singers would send their work samples to get a chance. I recently had a chance to hear some of the samples that were archived and my mind was blown by the quality of production, songs and everything was top-notch.”

When asked if those song samples were equally good as the ones that made it through to the final cut, “Equally good would be an understatement!.“

Reminiscing about his own journey, “I had a decent connection apart from talent. My friend cum manager knew how to take things forward. One thing led to another and my music was presented and loved.”

Compared to the current times, Sukhbir observed that today the doors have opened and how, “It practically costs nothing to present your talent in today’s world. Language is no barrier either. A song like Despacito is a huge rage in India and every corner of the world, irrespective of whether people understand the language and meaning or not.”

He also shares that today songs can be recorded from the comfort of one’s home while artists till his generation had to physically go to the studios, sit with the musicians and produce a song.

“Like the Manike Mage song from SriLanka. You just have to sing and get it shot on camera phone and upload it on the internet. If it's a good song, it will pick up instantly. A hit song is a hit song. In those days, if the song was not on demand on MTV or Channel V, the song was instantly discarded or forgotten.”

Although being the cool person that he is, he is only happy for the changing times. “I have so much to learn from the younger generation of artists too. I recently discovered how a certain beat can be purchased for a few dollars and then we can use it creatively in our music. It is a great tool that can be used effectively and smartly.”

He beams with pride like an older brother would while speaking of the current sensation Diljit Dosanjh. “ Diljit is like my younger brother and I am happy to see where he has reached. However, it has not been an overnight success for him. What has worked the most for him is that he has been himself all throughout and has done things no one else thought of. He started with regional music then got roles in Punjabi movies then he acted in Hindi movies in smaller roles and now he is a full blown star. It's a trajectory like very few.”

Adding further, “Like even performing at Coachella. Everyone was aware of it but no other artist from India made a headway there. I can see somewhere his journey is similar to Micheal Jackson, whom I deeply admire. MJ was also not immediately accepted due to his color but he eventually became the phenomenon he was supposed to be. Similarly, a turbaned man coming to the West and presenting his signature music and becoming famous is only because he stayed true to his roots. Diljit deserves all the success. Also, I like the new generation at large and their creativity. Like I loved Tauba Tauba by Karan Aujla.”

With the mention of Tauba Tuaba, the next question was that why don't the audience get to hear Sukhbir as often as they would like to, especially in Hindi Films. His last release in the Sanjay Dutt Raveena Tandon starrer Ghudchadi on T-Series this year in July. He answers, “Well I have given songs at regular intervals. Ishq tera Tadapave got a fresh lease after it was re-released in Irrfan starrer Hindi Medium. Then Sauda Khara Khara was integrated into Good Newzz. Actually both these songs are 25 years old but even today they are loved across all age groups.”

Sharing his upcoming work, about his latest new song Meher for Arshad Warsi, Sukhbir said, “ I have a new song coming up in Arshad Warsi starrer Bandaa Singh Choudhary called Meher. Apart from that I am doing a lot of experimenting. I love making melodies and parking them. Therefore, I am constantly working and exploring.”

Signing off, Sukhbir shared what is making him happy these days, “I love how India has been making buzz constantly. Be it with Diljit’s performances or the opulent Ambani wedding. I am currently in the United States of America and I visited Long Island where I met people from different ethnicities who were asking about the Ambani wedding. It’s refreshing and certainly a proud moment.”