In the final quarter of 2024, Sukhwinder Singh, one of India’s most iconic playback singers, has a jam-packed schedule with four new Hindi music albums set for release—one every month. Throughout the year, he has recorded an impressive 27 songs, both filmi and non-filmi, including a personal favorite—a Bangla song themed around football.
Sukhwinder Singh, known for timeless tracks such as ‘Jai Ho’, ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’, ‘Chak De India’, ‘Ghanana Ghanana’, and ‘Dard-e-Disco’, continues to fill the air with his inimitable energy. His vocals have echoed through Bollywood since the 90s, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Fans are eagerly anticipating his upcoming live performance, titled Jazbaa, set for September 7 in New Delhi.
In an exclusive telephonic interview, the 53-year-old singer explained his enduring appeal and relevance, “I live in the present and believe in change. That is why you will find my recent songs are popular and are hits like all my old songs.” This mantra of staying relevant has made his voice integral in not just Hindi cinema but also in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Punjabi, Urdu, and Marathi music.
Starting his journey in music at the tender age of eight, Sukhwinder released his first album, Munda South Hall Da, in Punjabi when he was just 16 years old. His break in Bollywood came in 1987 with a song in ‘Soorma Bhopali’. However, it was his collaborations with A.R. Rahman that skyrocketed him to fame. Sukhwinder fondly recalls these moments, “When Rahman calls me to enquire about my well-being, I know he wants a smile and I share Punjabi jokes with him in broken English,” he reminisces with a laugh.
His voice captivates audiences with a unique range that stretches from awe-inspiring highs to mesmerizing mediums and lows. Sukhwinder says his songs match his fun-loving personality, full of energy and devoid of melancholy, which has earned him the nickname Sukhi.
Although he is busy with both private and public performances, that hasn’t stopped Sukhwinder from continuing his education in music. “I joined the Sangeet Akademi in Mumbai last year to learn Carnatic music, refresh my knowledge about ragas, and practice vocal training under gurus,” he shared. His dedication to craft and continuous learning helps him stay current and continue to mesmerize his audience regardless of the era.
The upcoming concert, Jazbaa, promises to be as dynamic and fresh as the performer himself. Sukhwinder explains, “I never go on stage with a playlist of songs.
. My team only knows the opening song, and the rest are picked spontaneously based on audience reactions. Till today, I have never known my last song for any show. So Delhi too will be an experience where I will put in all my jazbaa (passion) and add refreshing elements.”
Discussing why many popular singers are now seen more in stage shows than as playback singers, Sukhwinder noted that the trends in the industry have shifted. “Today’s Hindi films have fewer songs picturized on heroes. Nowadays, Arijit Singh is the king of romantic songs among male voices.” He also shared that he often doesn’t charge for film recordings but focuses on engaging with people through corporate, college, and club shows. “Music is not business for me; it is my saans (breath),” he passionately declares.
Sukhwinder acknowledges the significant impact of technology on the music industry. “For a true music lover, music is ibadat (worship). Technology threatens talent when there is an oversupply and few devotees in the temple of music,” he remarked. However, he believes that true talent will always find its place and continue to inspire.
Looking forward, Sukhwinder has plans to increase his presence in film music and is working on an album featuring Bengali and Assamese songs. He also hopes to delve deeper into the South Indian music scene. “Their films are very technology-driven, and it is my desire to sing the songs of South Indian films that are dubbed in Hindi.”
Reflecting on his widespread popularity over more than four decades, Sukhwinder describes himself as a disciplined, positive, and minimalistic person. “I call myself the ‘100 rupees’ guy who can live on simple dal-chawal and be happy with a few close friends instead of a large circle for socializing,” he said. This simplicity and discipline, he believes, have helped him build a connection with audiences worldwide.
Catch Sukhwinder Singh live in concert at Jazbaa on September 7 at K D Jadhav Hall, IGI Stadium, Indraprastha Estate, Grand Trunk Rd, near Raj Ghat, ITO Delhi. The concert starts at 7 PM, and tickets are available on BookMyShow. Don’t miss this chance to experience a musical legend in action.
