He is back in his favourite place, albeit to perform at a concert, but Sukhwinder Singh is inspired by Goa, which he terms as a land with so many specialities and personality of celebration. It perhaps has much to do with his new-found sense of calm. “I am very relaxed now. I have come to understand myself better. I am no longer on a path of aggression. I want to and have come to enjoy my music. There is no question of career orientation, but just music for the sheer love of it,” reiterates this 44-year old Bollywood singing sensation who first grabbed public attention with ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ (1998), the hit number that went on to be featured in the popular Hollywood movie ‘Inside Man’. The ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ ‘Jai Ho’ brought him to a wider international platform. He followed up the global success story with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Bombay Dreams’ and ‘Million Dollar Arm’ and Deepa Mehta’s ‘Water’. Closer to home, this Bollywood singing sensation has yet again capped his success with the National Award for Best Male Playback singer for ‘Haider’ (2014).
He has blazed a trail and is still raring to go, but as he looks back, he recalls his first love – Lata Mangeshkar. “ Since I was a kid, Lata Mangeshkar has been my idol. I think she is beautiful because of her voice and I continue to idolise her. Other than her, I also love Asha Bhosle, Elvis Presley and Paul Anka,” he reveals. His most thrilling moment however was when he bought an old slapback mike that belonged to Elvis Presley. “I bought it on my recent tour to the US the Washington Concert. It was very costly but worth every penny. I always loved and idolised Elvis. I noticed a very important aspect about him – whenever he performed on stage, he was always so relaxed and constantly smiling. These days, Paul Anka is my source of inspiration; he also tremendously enjoyed singing on stage and was always so relaxed. Looking at how these stars of the yesteryears truly enjoyed their music is like a celebration,” he avers.
Eternally grateful for the fact that music introduced him to the world, he nonetheless gives full credit to A R Rehman for introducing him to an international circuit. “A R Rehman introduced me to the world through ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ and ‘Jai Ho’. I recall the reception I got abroad was very touching,” acknowledges this singer who sings in a number of languages and has many numbers and albums to his credit. “I do understand many languages, but more than that, I understand the right expression of my audience. In my concerts abroad, the audience may not understand my language, but they do understand my style,” he explains of his international appeal.
His love for opera has been the overriding influence for his forthcoming album ‘Apishpara’. “It is dedicated to the dignity of the common man and is entirely in Hindi.”
For this singing sensation who took a break in his career while still young to study and imbibe the sound of music from around the world, he has stayed true to his roots, giving back to India with his mesmerising voice and style.
Sukhwinder Singh will be performing at Imperial Blue Superhit Nights at Panjim Gymkhana, Campal-Panjim, today, November 6, 2015, 8 pm onwards
