"Is Dil Se": All Stages of Love

By Eye TV India Bureau - Smash Hits - India

Monday, December 4, 2006

Sukhwinder Singh is the most renowned singer in Bollywood today. The voice behind "Chhaiya Chhaiya" has become the most sought-after in India's tinsel town. Recently, he was honored in the US for his title song in 'Omkara'. The Smashits interviewed the singer in New Delhi on the release of his latest album 'Is Dil Se'.

Excerpts from the interview:

How did you feel when honored in the US for 'Omkara'?

I felt really happy that apart from India, the song was appreciated overseas also. Singing for the movie was also an experience as it was the first time in my career when I sang the song on a situation. And talking about the US, I had a concert in Los Angeles and there were 38,000 audiences in the hall and they were all Americans. They enjoyed the music so much that it made me feel very happy.

Is Indian music becoming global?Yes, definitely. Indian music is going global and the credit goes to A. R. Rehman for taking Indian music to international heights.

Which has been the most memorable moment in your career?The most memorable moment of my life was when I met A. R. Rehman.

How has your experience been from 'Dil Se' to 'Is Dil Se'?The experience has been wonderful. I am really happy and satisfied. And yes naming this album as 'Is Dil Se' was purely a coincidence. However, there is nothing like that we wanted to cash on something from 'Dil Se' to 'Is Dil Se'.

Tell us something about the album 'Is Dil Se'.

This is my best romantic album till date. This album comprises all phases of love, be it confession stage, or romantic stage or anger...This album is a mix bag of expressions of love. There are eight songs in this album meant for all situations and I am sure everybody will enjoy the songs.

How is this album different from your last album?My last album 'Nasha Hi Nasha' was based on Trans music whereas this album is completely filmy style. This has all romantic, naughty songs.

Which is your favorite song in this album?I like all the songs. Title song as well as another song 'Tauba Tauba' are my favorites. I have really enjoyed singing for this album. It's very close to my heart.

Aren't you fond of Sufi music?
Yes, Sufi music is very close to my heart. Since childhood I have been visiting mosques and have been listening to Sufi hymns. Sufi music is very close to my heart… it's God music…comes straight from the heart.

What appeals you more -- album songs or film songs?

Irrespective of an album or a film song, I enjoy everyone of them. For me song is more important than its category -- a film song or an album song. If you sing from your heart, you give your best and if you take singing as a challenge or competition, it doesn't come out from your heart and hence you are not here to stay for long.