While the film industry enables the genre to become popular, musician Guru Randhawa says it has an identity of its own
Within a year's time, two tracks of Punjabi musician Guru Randhawa have caught the fancy of filmmakers, who've included them in their films. After Suit made it to music aficionados playlists soon after Hindi Medium released, Randhawa's 2016 number, Tu Meri Rani has been recreated for Vidya Balan-starrer Tumhari Sulu.
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"Punjabi lyrics connect with people," Randhawa says, reflecting on why the genre has become a favourite among fans of Bollywood. Randhawa talks to mid-day about the place of Punjabi music in the Hindi film industry and why he doesn't see his contemporaries as competition.
Edited excerpts from the interview.
Has the reception to your songs changed after they featured in Hindi films?
Suit was already a hit, but after it featured in Hindi Medium, the affection it received surpassed all expectations. As for Tumhari Sulu, my song is peppy. I reworked the single to offer something new to the audience. Arjun Kapoor [actor] recommended the track to the film's co-producer, Bhushan Kumar. We had fun shooting the video with Vidya [Balan] ma'am.
Do you think Punjabi music still needs Bollywood to garner global recognition?
Punjabi singers are popular abroad because the dialect, music and lyrics connect with people. They get emotionally attached with the song. So, the tracks may not need Bollywood to achieve global recognition. But films make them popular.
Which musician do you wish to collaborate with?
I would love to work with Bruno Mars in the future. But, it won't be easy to get to that level.
Do you see your contemporaries Raftaar, Badshah and Yo Yo Honey Singh as competition?
I don't. I am here to deliver my music. I just focus on that.
You spent Diwali with cricketer MS Dhoni...
Dhoni bhai's family members and friends spoke highly of my work. It feels great that an icon like him calls himself my fan.
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