Reward is Bigger than Award – Keep your spirit high and continue your journey with dedication: Sukhwinder Singh

In the latest version of ‘Keynote’ by CEO and Managing Editor of First India News Pawan Arora, Bollywood singer Sukhwinder Singh unwinds to reveal his untouched side. The singer opens up about his life and how as an 8-yearold, he set his eyes on becoming a singer. He further revealed how legends like Gulzar and AR Rahman have shaped his career and made him the singer he is today and how he still learns from every singer he comes across. Excerpts...

Q. It is said that you started singing at the age of 8. At such a young age, did you already decide that you wanted to make a career in singing?

A. Since childhood, I have felt that this is my world, my universe, my friends, and my deity. I got hooked on it, and it became my companion. It became my life. Gradually, that passion kept intensifying, and even today, I am still in search of how to become better.

Q. Who are your gurus, and where did you receive your classical music training?

A. My official guru is Shri Balwant Rai Jaswal Ji. When I met him, I was wearing a red jacket, a white shirt, and had long hair. Seeing me like this, he wondered if I would stick with this path. He thought I might be too “funky” and that I would need to be taught modern techniques. I stayed with him for six days, and he told me that whenever you desire to improve, always listen to singers better than you. This will not only entertain you but also teach you valuable lessons.

Q. In your journey, AR Rahman has played a significant role. Could you tell us more about that?

A. He is like a godfather to me. I should concede that he is the person who launched me. Whatever is happening in my career today, it all started with AR Rahman Sir. I recorded three songs with him for the first time, including a Tamil song. He even asked me to write lyrics for a song. Later, I wrote the song ‘Mujhe Rang De, Mujhe Rang De’ for the film ‘Takshak’. After that, he asked me to do a Punjabi song for Mani Ratnam’s ‘Dil Se’ movie. The song was ‘Thaiyan Thaiyan’, which later became Chaiyya Chaiyya’. Then, I sang a poem of Pir Baba Bulleh Shah, and he asked who would be the right singer for it. I said I would try. The next day, there was a calm person sitting in front of me dressed in white. He kissed my forehead and said, “My name is Gulzar.”

Q. I’ve noticed that you have worked a lot with Gulzar Sahab. How is he still so active at the age of 80?

A. Just the other day, I recorded a song by Vishal Bhardwaj, and the film is yet to be named; it’s a Shahid Kapoor film. I must tell you, Gulzar Sahab has such a natural flair for writing that it feels like a teenager is writing. His lyrics are so beautifully crafted. For example, he wrote a song about a bidi (traditional Indian cigarette), and thereafter he wrote about Paan (Betel leaf). Even those who don’t like Paan would want to try it after hearing the song. He has a unique way of connecting with people through his words. There’s a special camaraderie between us, like a friendship. I should tell you something about Gulzar Sahab. In the South, we have the famous Idli and Sambar. The way Gulzar Sahab makes them, even in the South, they don’t taste the same. I can eat so many idlis! I eat about 20 idlis and take 20 extra with me. The love I receive from him is incredible.

Q. You have toured with PM Modi as well. You’ve performed in his presence. Can you share your experience?

A. It’s been my privilege. What actually transpires is that he would be sitting right in front of stage, and even the President of the country would be present. Initially, I felt a little nervous during the first show. But after the performance, when I met him, he placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “Next time, wear a sherwani.” So, the next time, I wore a sherwani in Israel. Thereafter I sang in Frankfurt and since then there have been several times like in national games where I performed. So there have been many occasions where I’ve had the honor of being with him. It’s always a special moment, and especially people who are down-toearth, they are my true heroes. He shows a lot of recognition for people’s work, and that quality in him really stands out.

Q. You’ve won Filmfare, Nat’l Award, even a Grammy. What else do you think is left for you to achieve?

A. I think the real reward is bigger than any award. An award is something decided by a jury of five people, and while it does hold its importance, if you don’t win it, you should not let it make you feel small. Keep your spirit high and continue your journey with the same dedication. I like to work sincerely, not seriously.

Q. What are you currently working on? Which songs or films are you involved with?

A. I’m currently working on three great projects. I just recorded a song for Vishal Bhardwaj, written by Gulzar Sahab, which will be releasing soon. There’s also a movie by Rohit Shetty and one by Anees Bazmee.