Skip to main content

Guru Randhawa steps up to Bollywood

The weather has delayed some of the participants of a meet up where famed Punjabi singer Guru Randhawa was supposed to discuss his Bollywood debut. Yet, as he entered with his entourage into the room, his first question was whether we are starting on time or not. Dressed all in black, with matching glares, Guru didn't give any inkling or air about the star he is.

As the evening progressed, Guru discussed a range of topics major being his cult song, Suit, which is being adapted for an upcoming movie, Hindi Medium starring Irfan Khan. He passionately discusses why content to him is very important. He writes the lyrics of his songs himself to get those right words into his songs. When he tells the audience that he is looking forward to Hindi movies because of larger reach he does not sound very ambitious, instead very humble and grounded.

 Inspiration for Suit

Opening up to the son Suit, Guru elaborates that he as inspired to write the song, while at an event in California, United States. It was a gathering of Punjabis from across the state and he came across a lot of pretty girls in traditional suits.

Growing up in front of television

He candidly talked about his growing up years in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and how television especially Doordarshan and PTV influenced his decision to become an artist. In border areas in the 90s, and even in my hometown we used to get Pakistan TV or PTV on our TV as the antennas installed for Doordarshan caught their signals as well.


It is perhaps TV or the kind of content that he grew up on, that makes him so focused on content. He is very vocal about this. According to him, if the content, the words in his songs don't make sense than the essence of his songs will get lost. He is also a champion of the indie or independent music scene wherein he believes that indie music would remain his staple. From Bollywood, he might be expecting to reach a wider audience, but his loyalty to his home audience still remains.

 Love for Dal Roti

His simplicity was evident in his choice of food as well. When asked the proverbial question you ask anyone from Punjab about the kind of food they indulge in. 'Dal Roti' is his quick reply. When someone quipped about Saag Makki ki Roti, he was quick to point that it was not easy to cook Saag and Makki ki roti. It takes a significant amount of time and resources and it is not a daily meal for Punjabis.

Future Plans

He also disclosed his future plans, majorly being a Punjabi movie in which he would be debuting as the lead hero. Apart from penning the lyrics and making fresh songs, looks like Guru has his plate full.


(In this pic: At the time of that mandatory 'selfie' we were discussing Punjab and our backgrounds. He comes from the Majha belt of Punjab whereas I am from the Malwa region of the state)

Here is wishing Guru Randhawa all the best for his stint in Bollywood for Punjab and independent musicians need people like him to represent them at a larger stage. He is surely an inspiration for so many indie artists out there. 

________________________________________________________

The author had gone to the event on invitation. If you wish to send out an invite for events,  Drop in a mail at Orangy.In@Gmail[dot]Com
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Also read

The Camel Club by David Baldacci

A twisty conspiracy, a vigilante group, and a world-shaking terrorist plot—David Baldacci’s The Camel Club delivers intrigue, tension, and surprises. This review explores its highs, lows, and what makes it a must-read. Also, don’t miss recommendations for five thrilling reads to curl up with this December. What Makes The Camel Club A Gripping read? David Baldacci’s The Camel Club is a masterclass in blending suspense, action, and political intrigue. Set in the heart of Washington, D.C., the story follows Oliver Stone and his ragtag group of conspiracy theorists. They witness a chilling murder, setting off a chain reaction that reaches the corridors of power. Alongside Secret Service agent Alex Ford and intelligence chief Carter Gray, we’re drawn into a labyrinth of plots within plots. Who Are The Camel Club, and Why should You Care? The titular club is a quirky mix of outcasts, each bringing unique skills to the table. At the centre is Oliver Stone, an enigmatic man with a shadowy p...
Post a Comment
Read more

Does India need communal parties?

I think, it was Tan's post on this blog itself, Republic Day Event, where this question was raised. My answer. YES. we need communal parties even in Independent, Secular India. Now let me take you, back to events before 1947. When India was a colony of the British Empire. The congress party, in its attempt to gain momentum for the independence movement, heavily used Hinduism, an example of which is the famous Ganesh Utsav held in Mumbai every year. Who complains? No one. But at that time, due to various policies of the congress, Muslims started feeling alienated. Jinnah, in these times, got stubborn over the need of Pakistan and he did find a lot of supporters. Congress, up till late 1940's never got bothered by it. And why should we? Who complains? No one. But there were repercussions. The way people were butchered and slaughtered during that brief time when India got partitioned, was even worse than a civil war scenario. All in the name of religion. And there indeed was cr...
40 comments
Read more

Epitome of equality

First of all This is not to demean any religion.. I am a Hindu by birth, but yes I respect all religions .I offer my daily prayers , fast on holy days , but there was something that was disturbing me . God as per me was a Friend, someone who was by my side always , someone who was a dear friend , but this is not what everyone else thought , for others he was the Judge who gives his verdict always and punishes anyone and everyone . Walk into any temple and you would see , if you have money , you will be treated in a way as if you are the ONLY disciple of the God . I have had too many experiences where I was treated as a second class citizen in the temple . Why? Well I could not afford giving thousands as donation. This is not how it should be , God looks at each one of us with the same divinity .As I mentioned God for me is a friend, so tell me, do we chose friends based on their bank balances? Do we give our verdict on them ? then how can God do it? I know many of us would ...
32 comments
Read more