Welcome to Indianj.com's
Interview section. Our goal is to provide you with entertainment and information by
interviewing Indians from around the world who are making an impact. Look forward to
some exciting interviews to come. What can be a better way to kick things off than
an interview with Sukhbir. Enjoy.

The Bhangra artist known as 'Sukhbir' has another hit song 'Ishq' and has
released his latest album 'Hai Energy'. He has performed to fans in packed venues
in over 13 countries. He writes his own music and sings his own songs. He
doesn't have a political message, he just loves to entertain. He is definitely not
a 'One hit wonder' and it doesn't seem like he will fade away soon.
Indianj.com
found out were he's coming from and were he is planning to go.
Interview by Satinder
Q. So Sukhbir why didn't you
pursue a career as a doctor, engineer or computer programmer?
I was actually pursuing a career in Information Technology
but I guess music was my destiny. Actually, I guess things changed for me when I met
businessman Ketan Somaia in Kenya, who suggested that I take music professionally, and
there was also the support of my family, my dad in particular who really is the backbone
of my present career.
Q. Did you ever think 'Sukhbir'
would be as big as he is when you recorded your first song?
Not at all. I was honestly just messing
around when I was recording my first song. I had absolutely no idea about the Indian pop
scene, I recorded the song, a video was shot, the next thing I remember was the album sold
a hell of a lot.I was in total shock. But you must keep in mind that it is not a
single persons' effort that spells success. I mean, everyone down the line matters,
right from my parents blessings, to the financier, the engineer, producer, tea boy,
A&R Manager, secretary, the record company, THE FANS !
Q. What part of India is
your family originally from and did you visit India during your childhood?
My family is from a little village known as "Dalli" which
is in the district of Jallandhar, in the northern state of Punjab in India. During
my childhood, visits to India were not that often, after I left India, I remember going
back on four occasions in the span of 20 years.
Q. How did you keep a keen
interest in speaking Punjabi since you grew up in Kenya? Are your parents and family
supportive of your music?
I guess my father being a priest in
the Sikh Temple in Kenya really helped, we always spoke Punjabi at home, all my Punjabi
friends spoke Punjabi, most of my gujrati friends also spoke Punjabi, my dreams were also
in Punjabi. My Parents and family have always been very supportive towards my music,
despite the fact that I come from a very religious family, so much so, that my dad also
pens most of my songs.
Q. Tell me a couple of 'High
point' that has come out your success. What award that you received means to most to you?
The high point was when my first
album was nominated for the best debut album, I was nominated for the best male singer,
The video of 'Punjabi munde' was nominated for the best video.
Q.
Were has your best concert been? The best Concert must have been the one in Chandhigarh !
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Q. Any famous people that you keep
in touch with since your success?
Jeetendra, The BIG B, Rakesh Roshan, Neelam, Rajesh Roshan, Anu
Malik, Pankaj Udhas, Moorty, DalerJI, Lucky Ali, Jaaved Jaffrey, Fluffy.
Q. Out of all your songs
which one makes you smile the most when you hear it and why?
GAL BAN GAYEE ! I guess its because a very special person 'helped'
me write it !
Q. Who are some musicians
that you followed?
I followed quite a few singers
ranging from M.J. (Michael Jackson), Bob Marley, Jagjit Singh, Lataji, Ashaji, to Def
Leopard, Monica Lewinsky, ooooooops !! not too sure about the last one.......
Q. Is your music a blend
from any other musician? Who do you think is the pioneer to the type of music you produce?
My music is a blend of many
different styles, but I try to keep the 'Bhangra' element a little more dominant than the
other styles. The pioneers to the kind of music that I produce have got to be all the
Punjabi bands in the U.K. like Alaap, Heera, D.C.S, Sahotas, Malkit Singh, Bill Singh
Clinton.
Q. If a DJ in London or
Canada or the USA remixed one of your songs and put on his CD.. How would you react?
It has been done many times, but unfortunately not legally, If the
re-mix is good, then I guess I'll let him/her walk.....But if its awful, then I'll sue the
ú!*$ out of them ! Just kiddin' but a word of advise to all those D.J's doing that
kind of a thing, if you release an album officially through a record label, you will
surely reap the benefits !
Q. What's your favorite
dish?
I love any Indian dish. But my favorite one has to be the one Minal
makes. yummmmyeeeee!!
Q. Minal? Would that
be Mrs. Sukhbir?
Married? Me? Of course, for the last 5 years !
Q. What do you do in your
spare time?
I cook, build/fly model aircraft, fish, swim, parasail, read, sleep,
keep a close eye on the universe (astronomy), write, did I mention sleep ?
Q. When do you plan to do a
concert in New York or New Jersey?
Very soon.......hopefully, if all goes well !!!
Q. Would you like to end the
interview with any final thoughts or comments.
I would like to thank you, all my
fans for their love and support, all the people involved in my career, my parents and
family for their support, My wife Minal for her constant, undenied Love and support, And
finally 'OUCH' Fluffy.
Visit the Official Sukhbir web site.
Images of Sukhbir are courtesy of
Shohmit. |