Sukhwinder Singh: The background Bollywood hero

[1]

The surge of new singers notwithstanding, Sukhwinder Singh remains a consistent and much in demand voice in Bollywood.

A look at his two-decade-old career chart, spanning from Dil Se’s iconic number Chaiyya Chaiyya to Banjara Banjara from 2012’s biggest hit Ek Tha Tiger, consolidates the fact. “Essentially, I am a playback singer and that has given me my identity. And as for new talent, there is enough space for good singers. If you can sing, then you have a firm chance to carve your niche. Remember, struggle is part of growth. As for me, all my songs have been special. Fun is when you enjoy singing a song, and that I believe turns ordinary into special. This year, I specially enjoyed lending my voice to Tere Bin Sukha Sukha Saawan from Kahaani. It had a beautiful blend of Thumri and Rock. Sometimes, taking the unconventional route is also an enjoyable
experience. For instance, the Anarkali Disco Chali number was sung on a very high note, higher than what is internationally approved too. The end result was appreciated and this is all that matters to an artist,” he says.
A moment later, he adds, “I guess my voice blends well with every actor I have sung for.”
For the ace singer, 2012 has turned out to be special for an entirely different reason.
On an enthusiastic note, he reasons, “I am an ardent sports lover and without any inhibitions I am
happy to admit, if not a singer, I would definitely have been an athlete. Do I even need to mention, I recorded a motivational song for Indian contingent for the Olympics. With wordings like Is baar Tiranga London Mein Phehraiga, the song was composed by Salim Sulaiman for Sahara, featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. Now, do I even need to mention, our Indian contingent managed to win to six medals
at the London 2012. Something that has never happened before. The song was rendered straight from the heart and I strongly feel the best wishes worked. Only regret is that we missed bagging the gold. But I am not sure that’s reserved for another
song and at another Olympic. Remember the magic Chak De India generated, it became a national sports anthem of sort. Earlier too, I have also sung for various sports like kabaddi, hockey where India had won the matches.”
Back from a successful musical tour of Australia, the singer looks all set to rule the charts with Zilla Ghaziabad and Dabangg II. “I would prefer to be tight-lipped about those at the moment,” he smiles.