Harshdeep Kaur: My voice is in perfect shape in the evenings

Harshdeep Kaur, whose Uff (Bang Bang) is creating a splash, talks about Sufi singing and reviving Punjabi folk
How did Uff happen?
I’ve sung for Vishal and Shekher before. I guess they chose me for this song because my voice suited it. I enjoyed the experience. Uff is not in my typical style but they told me what they wanted before we started recording. I’ve sung the same number in Tamil and Telugu as well.
Mostly, composers prefer certain hours of the day or night to work and record songs.Does that affect the singers’ output?
It depends on each individual. If we have to record a song in the morning, we need to clean our throats because otherwise, our voice will sound sleepy. My voice is in perfect shape in the evenings. Also, I can’t sing on an empty stomach. But at the end of the day, if the song is interesting, singers don’t mind what time of the day it is.
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Do composers instruct or give you a brief before recording?
Not all. AR Rahman sir talks very less. So, when I was asked to sing Heer (Jab Tak Hai Jaan), I had to dig out details from him. When he told me the situation, I visualised how a Punjabi girl brought up in London would strum the guitar and sing for her father. There will be a certain sophistication in her voice. For Katiya Karoon (Rockstar), I had to sound extremely funny. I gave several variations to Rahman sir, but he told me I was sounding very sweet. So, I actually made faces while singing this number, though I was a little conscious doing it in front of him!
How did you get inclined towards music?
Music has been an integral part of my life. My dad had formed a band with his friends and would play the guitar. Later, he started a factory that manufactured musical instruments. He told me if I was serious about music, he would train me professionally. So, I learnt Hindustani classical from Tejpal Singhji and western music from my English teacher. My sister, Simran, plays the sitar and she would also teach me.
Was playback singing always on your mind?
Yes, I didn’t even think of any alternative plan. My father took a huge risk by leaving his business in Delhi and shifting to Mumbai for my sake. My mom would get the numbers of studios and composers from the music directory to get an appointment. My dad and I would visit them and drop a demo CD. Even the composers were generous enough to give us time. Of course, hard work and a little bit of luck are also needed to get a break in the industry.
How did you develop an interest in Sufi?
I was always inclined towards Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Reshma’s music. In competitions, while others would choose Lataji’s songs, I couldn’t because her voice was high-pitched. I would always sing Shubha Mudgal, Reshma and Jagjit Singh’s songs. And as luck would have it, they were all Sufi with a folk touch. Gradually, I learnt the meaning of those songs and started enjoying Sufi more.
But many claim Sufi is not a style of music…
Yes, a style of music cannot be Sufi. It’s only the lyrics that make a song Sufi. The lyrics are usually about the almighty, seeing your beloved in the almighty or the almighty in your beloved. It’s about spreading love.
Which composers have you enjoyed working with?
Everyone! Pritamda is humble, Amit Trivedi has his own style of working, Vishal-Shekhar are energetic and AR Rahman is very encouraging.
What are you presently working on?
The film 31st October, for which I recorded Rab De Bande, is going to film festivals abroad soon. It’s a nice song, mostly philosophical. I’ve also sung for composer D Imman for a Tamil film. I’m simultaneously working on my dream project — reviving Punjabi folk music. I will be collaborating with new artists whose style is very different from mine. Folk numbers are rich in tune and composition, and I want the audience to be exposed to them. The plan as of now is to release at least one video a month.
Pulse points
When I hear my song on the radio: I increase the volume!
Rehashing folk music: Is fine as long as artistes get due credit
I’d sing an item song: As long as the lyrics have no hidden meanings
Acting in movies: Is a no-no, there’s a lot of hard work involved
I play: The piano
Sufi numbers I love: Piya Haji Ali (Fiza), Khwaja Mere Khwaja (Jodhaa Akbar), Saaiyaan (Ta Ra Rum Pum) and Kabira (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani)
Watch: Harshdeep Kaur "Heer" Live