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MUSIC INTERVIEW: MIKA SINGH

Musician Leads the Charge of Bringing Bollywood, Bhangra Together

By: Neha Sarin-Malhotra
March 14, 2011

Born into a family of acclaimed musicians, Mika Singh has established himself as one of Bollywood's and Indian pop's most prolific artists. His electrifying, heart-pumping music as garnered significant commercial success, with tracks such as "Mauja e Mauja" (Jab We Met) and "Bas Ek Kinng" (Singh is Kinng) energizing the new, younger and more hip generation of Hindi film fans. In redefining Bollywood playback music, Mr. Singh, who is the brother of the King of Bhangra in Daler Mehndi, has infused elements of hip hop and rap music into Hindi film music, making him an icon among the newest crop of Bollywood fans.

 

Mr. Singh spent a few moments talking to Buzzine Bollywood's Neha Sarin-Malhotra. The duo talked about Mr. Singh's family, his music and career, and his his upcoming projects. Check out the conversation: 

 

Neha Sarin-Malhotra: Your father was a trained classical musician. How did the introduction to music happen?
 
Mika Singh: I come from a family where music is in the blood. My father was a trained classical musician. My eldest brother, Daler paaji, too, started off with his singing profession when I was a teenager. At a very early age, I mastered various musical instruments like the tabla, harmonium, and guitar, not to mention being trained in classical music. I know how to play over 30 musical instruments. So the introduction to music was at a very early age, not something I specifically chose but was around since I was born. 
 
NSM: At what point did you take your talent seriously enough to make it a profession?
 
MS: I always took music seriously--that was one thing I was always sincere toward, in spite of being the naughtiest of all the brothers. I was the youngest in the family, so I got to learn a lot from my father and my elder brother. I never sang, though, but I enjoyed playing the tabla, the guitar, so whenever Daler paaji used to go for concerts, I would be happily play the drums in one corner. It took me three years of planning and a lot of hard work to come to Mumbai from Punjab. My ambition was a minimum of one worldwide hit of my own, which I luckily got with “Saawan mein lag gayi aag,” which was later used in a Bollywood film, Woodstock Villa.
 
NSM: While growing up, you also saw your brother, Daler Mehndi, gain success and popularity. Did that make you want to become a singer?
 
MS: Daler paaji always had a big influence on me, but nature has thankfully made our voices different, so I never tried to copy him. Besides the fact that we are from a family who’s full-time into music also played an important role. I have seen the rock star my brother has been in his concerts, and I knew one day, when I start out on my own, I will always want to be as big as he is.
 
NSM: What do you enjoy more as an artist--recordings or live concerts?
 
MS: I love singing songs, and the energy of the studio when music is created is infectious. All the talented musicians, singer, and a composer come together on one table to make one good melody; it’s a joint effort. When the song releases and people appreciate it, then it all is worth the hard work. Besides, live concerts have a different high altogether, with immediate audience reaction. And only when you have good songs in your kitty to perform live, the audience will enjoy your performance. I love performing live, and the spontaneity and energy which comes to me as a performer can rarely come in a studio. Both recordings and live concerts are fun. 
 
NSM: What do you find more fulfilling--music composing, playback singing, or acting?
 
MS: Definitely singing … and that’s why I am doing it. I could never have done anything that does not satisfy my creativity to the fullest. I enjoy composing too, but one should always do what one is good at. Having said that, I do give input on the songs I am called to sing. Most music directors also leave it to me to sing a song in my style.
 
NSM: Did you fear comparisons with your brother when you started out?
 
MS: Not at all; we have been gifted with different voices. And we also have different styles of singing. Anyway, there is nothing to be fearful of; he is my elder brother and a great musician.
 
NSM: Out of all the awards and compliments received, which one is your favorite and why?
 
MS: I feel I am really blessed to have an elder brother like Daler paaji. His support and presence means a lot to me. Recently, when I was performing in Mumbai, he surprised me by his presence while I had not even spoken to him about the concert. He was in the crowd and enjoying and cheering me. This was the biggest compliment for me, as sometimes one doesn’t need words for appreciation, when gestures say it all!
 
NSM: Tell us about your upcoming projects.
 
MS: My song from Tanu Weds Manu, "Jugni,” is still on air, and the video is also doing great. Besides, I have the title track of Thank You and I have also sung in Faltu and Mausam. These are some projects that I am really excited about.