JOIN USThere was a time when Punjabi songs in Hindi films were synonymous with Daler Mehndi. And there was a time when we wondered where the king of Punjabi songs in Bollywood disappeared. But he’s back now, and he brings us a new song — the title number of the film Mirzya, directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
In fact, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that he did introduce a genre of Punjabi Hindi pop in the 90s. His songs Tunak Tunak Tun, Ho Jayegi and Bolo Ta Ra Ra had been a rage with music lovers then and have remained as favourites even now.
During his heyday, the singer worked with most of the composers, including A R Rahman, Shankar Ehsaan Loy and Aadesh Srivastav. And then he disappeared from the musical circuit.
Daler, filling in that gap, explains, “The playback scenario in Hindi films has changed over the last few years. There are examples of bad lyrics — especially with the usage of slang in songs. Repetitive beats and strange tunes! This has happened because of a set of producers and directors who want a quick solution. This was one of the main reasons for me to be away. Also, I have always worked from Delhi. It’s my home base.
I composed and sang the songs Dardi Rab Rab Kardi and Bolo Ta Ra Ra from there. But a few years back, I began to experience a strange pattern. At the time of recording, only the composer would be present. Later on, when the movie would release, my songs wouldn’t feature in them at all! This happened several times, not just with me, but with a number of established singers as well. That’s when I kept my distance.”
In this interim, Daler got busy with live shows and concerts across the world. He says, “There was a time in my career when I used to do more than 300 shows a year, however, over the last six years, it has come down to 100. Someone once told me that the song Tunak Tunak is played somewhere everyday. Even Jackie Chan performed to this song recently!”
Talking about his association with director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Daler beams, “Whenever he has called me for songs, I have known that something special would be in store for me. Some soulful melodies and meaningful lyrics sum up the songs of Mirzya. After 18 long years, I feel this song has a special place in my career, and when this kind of music happens, it changes the music industry. During the time of recording, I knew that this presentation would touch the listeners’ hearts, and it has.”
Over the last few years, Daler has been in the middle of a police case which has accused him of mishandling money. The Bhangra king is extremely unhappy about it. “It’s indeed sad. As an artiste, I’ve been deprived of any government awards because of it. Many people also misbehave. But, thanks to god’s grace, I know I’ll be out of this crisis soon.”
As for his favourite composers in the industry, Daler lights up to say, “I’m fond of Shankar Ehsaan Loy because I have worked with them closely. I very much love certain songs by the composer duo Vishal-Shekhar.”
Daler’s next big work is his song in Aamir Khan’s Dangal, set for a Christmas release.