The real sh*t starts now!

As female rappers go, there are only so few names that come to mind. Even more so, when you take desi hip-hop into account. Currently, at the top of her game, right now, Brit-Indian rapper Hard Kaur isn’t as frequent in her Bollywood outings as we’d like her to be, but she doesn’t let that fact rain on her parade. In fact, you hear nothing but positivity and a good-humoured charm when you talk to her and she tells you about her singles. There’s seemingly little that fazes this Sherni!

There are still so few women in Indian hip- hop. Why is that?

I guess it’s always been a male dominated industry. Also, it’s a very difficult vocal technique and you really have to be on top of your game to compare. It’s a universal problem, not just in India. Women for some dumba** reason are always forced to constantly prove themselves.

Looking back, are you happy you shifted to Bollywood and India?

I’m happy because I feel so blessed from the love I’ve received from the people of India. I had no plans of making it in Bollywood as I always made authentic hip-hop music and always performed at international shows. I had a deal on the table from New York, but by then, I had already fallen in love with the people here and wanted to dedicate myself to educating everyone about the world of hip-hop.

How would you define the sound that’s currently in vogue in Bollywood/non film Punjabi music right now?

I think it’s a good time for the entertainment industry. From filmmakers to painters, artists to musicians, it’s growing rapidly into something exciting and new. Independent scene is back on a major level and now all wack-fake talent and sh*t-lazy decision makers (basically people who shouldn’t be in the game) will start getting eliminated. It’s ‘pull up your socks and show what you got or get out’ time.

How would you define your own sound?

I’m influenced by all types of music — from Dean Martin to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan saab. I would say my music is experimental; a flavour of everything I grew up with and the records my mum use to play — a lot of Gulzar saab  and RD Burman. James Brown and Kishore Kumar are my biggest idols because they were so different and had unique vocal techniques.

Sherni was a powerful piece. Why stop there?

Who said I’m stopping? This has just started. I’ve been in India for almost nine years. Twenty-one, since I’ve been doing music professionally. Two decades in the game and that was just practice. Now the real sh*t starts. I thank my mum who called me up and said ‘Do the music that makes you happy. Make your real hip-hop. Remember why you started!’

Tell us about your track with Jubin Nautiyal.

I had to release Sherni. And since it’s not a commercial or investment-worthy track for certain labels, I had to start my own label and get into production. So I’ll be releasing some amazing experimental music — that nobody wants to touch —  on my label. I wrote and composed a sweet love song in English, which I guess I’m pretty good at when it comes to writing in English. And I thought of Jubin. He’s a great artist.

Where do you see yourself and the genre five years from now?

I get this question all the time. Five years ago, I said I want to be running my own label, that I want to help and manage new artists and I want to make a movie. Record label? Check! Helping and managing new talent? Check! Movie???

Is there a future for the likes of someone like Yo Yo Honey Singh and his ilk?

I’m not God. So, I couldn’t tell you.

You’re not one to mince words. But where would you prefer to keep mum?

At work. When I work I really concentrate. Don’t talk to me, don’t give me crap suggestions. Don’t disturb me. Also, when I’m really hungry, I go quiet.

#5 things about ME

1. I’m a really good cook. 
2. I hate pigeons. All they do is have sex and crap all day. Good-for-nothings! 
3. I’m a trained beauty and make-up artist. 
4. I’m in love with Anurag Kashyap. 
5. I’m in love with Nawazuddin Siddiqui.