Sukhwinder Singh plans to release four Hindi music albums, one every month, in the last quarter of 2024. He has recorded 27 film and non-film songs during the year, one of which is his personal favourite, a Bengali song on football.
The voice of ‘Jai Ho’, ‘Chaiya Chaiya’, ‘Chak De India’, ‘Ghanana Ghana’, ‘Dard-e-Disco’ and many more evergreen songs from the nineties to today, Sukhwinder’s songs resonate with a unique energy. His latest live performance, Jazbaa, is on September 7 in New Delhi.
“I live in the present and believe in change. That is why you will find that my recent songs are popular and hits like all my old songs,” says the 53-year-old singer, who has also given chartbusters in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Punjabi, Urdu and Marathi.
Playback singer Sukhwinder Singh will perform in a live concert ‘Jazba’ in Delhi on September 7. Photo courtesy: Special Arrangement
Sukhwinder started singing at the age of eight, releasing his first album in Punjabi, Munda South Hall DaAt the age of 16, he made his Bollywood debut with a song from ‘Surma Bhopali’ in 1987. AR Rahman’s songs brought him fame when he sang ‘Lucky Lucky’ in a 1997 Tamil film. Ratchagan, Then ,Shadows’In from the heart For which he got the Filmfare Award in 1998 and of course, ‘Jai Ho’ got him the Filmfare Award in 1998. Slumdog Millionaire, which won big at the Grammys and the Academy Awards in 2010.
Sukhwinder laughs and says, “When Rehman calls me to ask about my well-being, I know he wants to smile and I share Punjabi jokes with him in broken English.” He has a very captivating voice that ranges from breathtaking highs to mesmerizing mids and lows.
He says, “I am a fun-loving person, my songs match my personality as I like to combine melody with dance; I like to stay away from sadness and that is why everyone fondly calls me Sukhi.”
Playback singer Sukhwinder Singh will perform in a live concert ‘Jazba’ in Delhi on September 7. Photo courtesy: Special Arrangement
Private and public shows keep him busy now, but that hasn’t stopped him from enrolling in music classes once again. “I joined the Music Academy in Mumbai last year to learn Carnatic music, refresh my knowledge of ragas and practice vocal training under gurus,” he says.
“Whether I have to go on stage, record an album or sing a film song, I like to discuss with the youth about their expectations. I remain a studious explorer to keep myself relevant,” Sukhwinder said on the eve of his live concert Jazbaa presented by Rudraksh Communication, which supports music and social initiatives.
Excerpts from the telephone interview…
Playback singer Sukhwinder Singh will perform in a live concert ‘Jazba’ in Delhi on September 7. Photo courtesy: Special Arrangement
Tell us something about the upcoming music festival in Delhi?
I am a creative person by nature who accepts everything that is going on in the present with an open heart. This does not mean that I consider the past a graveyard, I get my experiences from there. I explore the market like crazy. I am telling you this because last weekend (31st August) I had a show in Bangalore and now after a week’s gap I am feeling like doing something different by mixing the old and the new, but never copy-pasting yesterday into today.
If I have another show even after 24 hours, I will again present something new, even change my musicians. I never go on stage with a playlist of songs. My team only knows the initial song and the rest take less than a minute to decide based on the audience’s reaction and enthusiasm. I use technical cues to choose the song spontaneously with my team because I like to sing songs that the audience is thinking of at that moment and not the ones that are stored in my mind.
Till date, I don’t know my last song for any show. So, Delhi will also be an experience where I will give my all. passion (passion) and add fresh elements
Why are many popular singers now seen more in stage shows than heard as playback singers in movies?
The trend has changed in Hindi films, especially because the number of songs filmed on the hero has reduced. These days, Arijit Singh is the king of romantic songs among male singers. His songs are full of emotions. So the options have changed for a singer like me. I do not take money for recording many films!
I write songs, I am a sound engineer, I like Sufi songs. I like to meet people and I do a lot of corporate, college and club shows. Music is not a business for me, it is my passion. Breath (Sighs). But the money comes from ticketed shows and that is a reflection and measure of public appreciation.
What is the challenge? What is the importance of technology to the music industry today?
For a true music lover, music is the greatest thing prayer (Pooja). And if you believe and live in the present, your future is secure. Technology is constantly upgrading itself and expanding the possibilities for musicians and AI tools are impacting the music world more than ever.
I think when there is too much technology it endangers talent. lamb (crowd) and some Devotee Salute to (devotees) at the temple of music. The world recognises those rare and special people whose work speaks for them. They will always remain an inspiration, no matter what.
What’s next on your agenda?
I want to increase the frequency of film songs. I am planning to make an album combining one Bengali and one Assamese song. I want to travel to the South and study the personality of their songs. Their films are very technology-based and I wish to sing songs from South Indian films that have been dubbed in Hindi.
What is the secret of your popularity for more than four decades?
I am a simple, positive and practical person who follows minimalism. I decide my outfits for my shows. I call myself a ‘100 Rupees’ guy who can live a simple life rice and lentils And be happy to socialize with a few friends rather than a large group.
I am a disciplined person who watches the sunrise every day and spends hours studying. Riyaz. I treasure the energy that I exude during my performances and this is what makes me loved by audiences all over the world.
Sukhwinder Singh Live Concert Jazbaa at KD Jadhav Hall, IGI Stadium, Indraprastha Estate, Grand Trunk Road, Near Rajghat, ITO Delhi; On 7 September; 7 pm; Tickets on BookMyShow
