Sukhwinder Singh: The Legend of Singing
Born and raised in Amritsar, Punjab, the renowned Bollywood playing singer Sukhwinder Singh rose to international fame with this song “Jai Ho” from the movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ in the year 2008. Also popularly known as Sukhi among his Fans, the singing sensation has not only limited his singing talent, but has also achieved success as a songwriter, director and lyricist, and lately as an actor. Although from a very young age he aspired to become an athlete, singing happened to him by chance. Since he found a niche in the Hindi film industry in 1986, there was no going back for him. To date, he has lent his fascinating voice in over a hundred Bollywood films along with other regional films and albums. Sukhi has not only surpassed his talents in the Hindi film industry, but he has a large following in Punjabi and Tamil.
Journey of his musical career:
• Learn music: The multi-talented Sukhwinder began his career at a very tender age of 8 by signing a melodious theme from the movie ‘Abhinetri’ sung by the legendary singer, Lata Mangeskar during a performance on stage. His deep love for music grew with each passing day, and he learned music under the guidance of the popular Bollywood music composer duo, Laxmikant Shantaram Kudalkar and Pyarelal Ramprasad Sharma (popularly known as Laxmikant-Pyarelal). He also released his first Punjabi music album, titled: ‘Munda Southhall Da’ marketed by T-Series, before joining the musicians company.
This music album was a turning point in his musical career, as it helped him win an award and he decided to dedicate himself to music as a profession.
• Struggle for Success: Before getting a break to sing in the Hindi movie, ‘Karma,’ this Punjabi-born singer struggled hard for a position in Tinsel City. He worked as a musical arranger for the group Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Although her performance on ‘Karma’ went unnoticed by listeners, she soon had another chance to show her talent by singing on Madhuri Dixit starrer, ‘Khilaaf’. Although the song “Aaja Sanam” was a success, the singer remained unheard. Once again, he did not lose hope and went abroad to learn more about the different musical genres. Meanwhile, he also acted in a Tamil movie called “Ralshakudu”.
• Dizzying Accomplishments: After a considerable hiatus from the Indian music world, Sukhwinder came back with a bang after the success of the iconic number “Chal Chhaiyya Chhaiyya” from the Mani Ratnam-directed film ‘Dil Se’ in 1998. It was his the self-confidence and faith that kept him going even during the odd days of his singing career, and earned him the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Reproduction Male Singer in 1999. Earn the Filmfare Award for Best Male Singer Playback once again in 2009, for Shah Rukh Khan’s star song “Haule Haule” from the movie ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’. Other blockbuster songs Sukhi has under his belt include, “Huh Hud Dabang” (Dabang), the title track of ‘Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola’, “Lootnewale” (Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola), “Anarkali Disco Chali” (Housefull 2), “Banjara Banjara” (Ek Tha Tiger), “Tere Bin Sukha Sukha Saawan” (Kahani), title song of ‘Chak De India’ and many more. Other cinemas in which he lent his eloquent voice include: Bol Bachchan, Taal, 1947 Earth, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Om Shanti Om, Kurbaan, Ishqiya, Omkara, Billu Barbar, Dillagi, Zubeidaa, Fashion, Garam Masala, Luck, Kisna, Tere Naam, Kaminey, Black & White, Biwi No.1, The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Kuch Kariye, Chance Pe Dance, Ravan, Bachna Ae Haseeno, Chalte Chalte, Tashaan, Paheli, Lagaan and others.
From Sufi music to Thumri and Rock, Sukhwinder has excelled in all genres and has a large following in India and abroad. His rising voice went international with the success of “Jai Ho”. He also sang an authentic Indian song for a Steven Spielberg movie. Even his famous song, “Shawl Chhaiyya Chhaiyya” was used in 2006 in another film starring Denzel Washington, “Inside Man.”
Association with Master AR Rahman:
A staunch admirer of Mexican music and culture, Sukhwinder owes his success to music teacher AR Rahman. The duo have created magic not only in the Indian music industry, but set the stage on fire even in foreign countries. He was undoubtedly a Rahman composer, which helped Sukhi reestablish himself in the industry. After the immense success of “Chaiyan Chaiyan”, the two worked closely together and created a series of highly successful compositions such as: “Ramta Jogi” and “Ishq Bina” by Taal; “Jai Ho” by Slumdog Millionaire; “Chinamma Chinkumma” (Tamil-Meenaxi); “Aaj Dil Gustakh” (Blue), “Ruth Aa Gayee Re”, “Yeh Jo Zindagi Hain” (1947-The Earth); “Thok De Killi” (Raavan); “Pagdi sambhaal jatta” (The legend of Bhagat Singh); “Jaane Tu Mera Kya Hai” by Jaane Tu … Ya Jaane Na; “Aayo Re Sakhi”, “Piya Ho” and “Bhangari Morori” (Water), etc.
Whenever Rahman had to create a musical masterpiece, he especially liked to approach Sukhwinder to create the magical aura. As Rahman is an excellent composer, arranger, sound editor, and sound engineer, he always believes that a good work of art can only be created through experimentation. Therefore, the multi-talented artist like Sukhi has always been his first choice. However, the duo plan to take the music to a higher level, where they can express themselves rather than confining their talents within the framework of Indian cinema.
In addition to his association with the living legend, Sukhi has also linked up with music director Sandeep Chowta, with whom he wishes to establish a high-tech recording studio in Mumbai.
Sukhwinder Singh as an actor:
Although he never thought of taking acting as a career, acting happened to him by chance. It was during the recording of the songs for the movie ‘Kuch Kariye’ (2010), when the director, Jagbir Dahiya, approached Sukhi to play the title role. Seeing him filming with expressions and feelings, which was a prerequisite for the main role of ‘Rishi’, the director offered him the proposal. Although reluctant at first, the singer gave his consent after reading the script. In the film he also plays the role of a musician, who comes from a relatively small city to Mumbai to pursue his music career.
Although the film did not perform at the box office, the director is eager to relaunch it once again with a few changes. Yet for Sukhwinder, music is his first love, and he will never take a backseat for acting.
Conclusion:
Like most singers, Sukhwinder also enjoys experimenting with music. From the famous “Anarkali Disco Chali” to the Sufi mix “Dum Dum”, you can sing it all. Lately, he also recorded a motivational song to cheer on Indian athletes during the 2012 London Olympics. With superstars like Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan, the song “Is baar Tiranga London Mein Phehraiga” composed by Salim Sulaiman managed to create the right effect, and as a result India came out with great success by winning six medals. Another song “Chak De India” also became the country’s national sports anthem with the eloquent voice of the star singer, who also sang for various sports such as hockey and Kabaddi, where India celebrated their victory.