I take inspiration from everyday life: Guru Randhawa

If you are a fan of Punjabi pop, you most likely have heard of Guru Randhawa, who had a swell year in terms of success of singles through the year. Several collaborations ensured he was a rolling stone who gathered no moss. We spoke to him about the Punjabi music scene...

You have had a great year in 2016 with Patola, Outfit and Yaar Mod Do and Fashion. You’re signed on with a major label. What’s stopping you from making the shift to Bollywood?

The past year was a very successful and happy one, with all my songs being well received and appreciated by my audience. Bollywood is definitely a step that I am looking forward to. I have to make my way in the industry which I am pursuing slowly and steadily.

Punjabi artistes are quite the rage abroad. Do you agree? What has made them such a big deal? What has changed now?

Yes, Punjabi singers are very popular abroad because the dialect, the music, the lyrics tend to beautifully connect to the lives of the people. As the generation moves forward, people who have travelled from India to any other country feel a sense of belonging and connectivity to their mother country or hometown through Punjabi songs. The lyrics and the meaning behind them give an emotionally realistic touch in their lives. For example, say Yaar Mod Do is a song that anybody and everybody can relate to. The lyrics have such a purely pleasing affect on the audience, and being about true friendships, anyone can relate to it.

Why is Punjabi music so popular through the years, according to you?

Punjabi music represents a beautiful soul of the songs that touches the hearts of the people and makes it easier for them to connect. I myself compose music taking inspiration from everyday lives so that my audience can truly enjoy the essence of the music that is being portrayed. For example, Fashion represents how independent, strong girls nowadays have their own style statements to flaunt, rather than following the stereotypical norm. This simplicity in the songs make them easily accessible and relatable.

What do you make of this whole trend of Punjabi folk singers and rappers collaborating on tracks. Will this and should this stop somewhere? Is it working for the music scene or not?

This trend is very popular nowadays, and if collaborations like these benefit the music that is being presented, why should this stop? Eventually, all the artistes are music lovers, and anything that enhances the music is very much welcomed. In the end, we cannot limit or restrict the music being composed and presented.

Most Punjabi pop/folk singers feel they’re being sidelined in this. What’s your take?

According to me, if you compose and present music that is accepted, appreciated and loved by your fans and audience, you cannot be sidelined. If one focuses only on oneself and personal likes and dislikes, it will be very difficult to make music loved by your audience. In this case, the singer tends to feel alienated. Therefore, always compose music in a way that your audience can easily and successfully relate to it.