Sukhwinder Singh ‘never sets targets’ for himself - Hindustan Times
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Sukhwinder Singh ‘never sets targets’ for himself

Hindustan Times | BySoumya Vajpayee Tiwari, Mumbai
May 27, 2016 08:42 PM IST

Popular playback singer Sukhwinder Singh says he wouldn’t have survived in the industry if he wasn’t passionate about music.

In a two-decade-long career, Sukhwinder Singh has sung several chartbusters. And the singer’s passion for music only grows with each passing day.

Despite having sung an Academy Award-winning song (‘Jai ho’ from Slumdog Millionaire) and a National Award to his credit, Sukhwinder Singh still calls himself a learner.
Despite having sung an Academy Award-winning song (‘Jai ho’ from Slumdog Millionaire) and a National Award to his credit, Sukhwinder Singh still calls himself a learner.

Despite having sung an Academy Award-winning song (‘Jai ho’ from Slumdog Millionaire; 2008) and a National Award to his credit, he still calls himself a learner.

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Ahead of his performance at the Hindustan Times No TV Day Weekend Fest on May 28, we talk to Sukhwinder about his journey, what keeps him going, if acting in films interests him, and more.

Read: Elvis Presley has inspired me, says Sukhwinder Singh

Was venturing into Bollywood difficult for you?

It would have been very tough for me if I was not passionate about music. It’s very difficult to survive in this industry if you don’t have enough money. But my passion for music made things easier for me. I consider it a prerequisite for anyone who wants to enter the industry, and make a mark.

My suggestion to all the youngsters, who want to get into Bollywood, is this: trust your potential and passion to make anything possible in your career. If it’s just the attraction of the film world that is making you get into it, it might not help you sustain yourself. You might get the first few opportunities, but eventually, you will fade away if your talent is not fuelled by your passion.

Do you think it is easier for artistes to make their presence felt in Bollywood now?

It’s not easy at all. Though there are so many opportunities for young artistes in the form of reality shows and talent hunts, sustenance in the industry is still very difficult. Also, the quality of talent is not how it used to be around five decades ago.

Read: I am my own audience: Vishal Bhardwaj

What drives you as an artiste?

I consider music a journey. I never set targets for myself. I like to go with the flow and achieve one goal after the other. Safar ka mazaa manzil ke baare mein sochne se zyada hota hai (there is more fun in the journey than there is in thinking about the destination).

Do you think Punjabi pop music is still as popular as it used to be in India?

Punjabi music has become very popular internationally as well. It’s in a better condition now because Punjabi films and music are being marketed really well.

Apart from music, is there any other aspect of Bollywood that interests you?

Only music interests me. It has fulfilled all my wishes. I am living a great life. Many producers have offered me roles in their films, but I always tell them that I will only get into acting with a musical film. However, I am comfortable doing music videos. I am planning to release a bunch of them soon.

Read: Gurdas Maan to sing for Delhiites at Siri Fort Auditorium

Do you have friends in the industry?

I have many friends, but I am my own best friend. I have earned a lot of respect in the industry with my behaviour and conduct.

Among all the songs that you have sung so far, which one has been the most difficult one?

I don’t consider any song difficult. I try to simplify even a complex composition, so that people can easily relate to it. A track that was supposed to be difficult, but was handled really comfortably by me and Vishal Bhardwaj (director-composer) was ‘Bismil’ from Haider (2014). I received a National Award for that number.

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