“I love ghazals of Mehdi Hassan and Ghulam Ali,” reveals Daler Mehndi

And, the singer says, the theme song of his life would be Suraj Tera from the film Dangal

Tell us, if not a singer, what would you have been…?
I love animals. So, I would have been doing something for the welfare of animals.

What inspires your music?
Nature and beautiful faces have inspired me to create some beautiful music.

Nice. So, what would you say is the best thing about Punjabi songs?
The versatility and liveliness of Punjabi songs makes everyone break into a dance!

And what is your personal preference in music...?
Ghazals of Mehdi Hassan and Ghulam Ali.

A childhood memory that you truly cherish is...?
When I was five, I’d sing ragas in the Patna Sahib gurdwara. I also distinctly remember the langar distributed there.

Any singers you enjoy listening to...?
Labh Janjua and Hans Raj Hans.

What’s the best thing about being Mika Singh’s elder brother?
Mika is 10 years younger to me. So, he’s more like a son. I pamper him a lot but I also call him out on his stupidity, when needed!

Define love.
It’s the higher state of being, which is like a junoon.

What’s the one song that rekindles romance for you?
Jo Wada Kiya Wo Nibhana Padega from the film Taj Mahal (1963).

What’s the best thing about marriage, according to you?
It’s a necessity of life! To have a family is a huge blessing as they are the only ones who will support you through thick and thin.

The best way to connect with your fans is…?
Instead of interacting on social media, I prefer to meet people face to face.

Your strategy in a crisis is…?
I feel stressed for a few minutes but then my faith in the higher authority takes over and I feel reassured that everything will be alright.

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From HT Brunch, September 2 , 2018

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