Born and raised in Amritsar, Punjab, renowned Bollywood playback singer Sukhwinder Singh rose to international fame with this song “Jai Ho” from the movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ in the year 2008. Also popularly known as Sukhi among his fans, the singing sensation has not only limited his singing talents, but has also achieved success as a music composer, director and lyricist, and lately as an actor. Although he aspired to become an athlete from his earliest childhood, singing came to him by chance. Ever since he got a break in the Hindi film industry in the year 1986, there was no turning back for him. To date, he has lent his mesmerizing voice in over a hundred Bollywood movies along with other regional films and albums. Sukhi has not only surpassed his talent in the Hindi film industry, but also has a large following in Punjabi and Tamil.

Trajectory of his musical career:

• Learning Music: Multi-talented kicker Sukhwinder began his career at a very tender age of 8 by signing a melodious number from the movie ‘Abhinetri’ sung by legendary singer Lata Mangeskar during a stage performance. His deep love for music grew with each passing day and he learned music under the guidance of popular Bollywood music composer duo Laxmikant Shantaram Kudalkar and Pyarelal Ramprasad Sharma (popularly known as Laxmikant-Pyarelal). He also released his first Punjabi music album, titled: ‘Munda Southhall Da’ marketed by T-Series, before joining the musician company.

This music album was a turning point in his musical career as it helped him achieve an award and he decided to pursue music as his profession.

• Struggle for success: Before getting a break to sing in the Hindi movie, ‘Karma’, this Punjabi-born singer fought hard for a position in tinsel town. She worked as a musical arranger for the group Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Although her performance in ‘Karma’ went unnoticed by the listeners, she soon got another chance to show her singing talent in Madhuri Dixit starrer, ‘Khilaaf’. Although the song “Aaja Sanam” was a hit, the singer remained unheard. Once again, she did not lose hope and went abroad to gain a deeper understanding of different music genres. Meanwhile, she also acted in a Tamil movie called ‘Ralshakudu’.

• Dizzying achievements: After a considerable hiatus in the Indian music world, Sukhwinder returned with a bang after the success of the iconic number “Chal Chhaiyya Chhaiyya” from the Mani Ratnam-directed film ‘Dil Se’ in 1998. It was his self-confidence and faith that kept him going even during the strange days of his singing career, and earned him the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer in the year 1999. Since then, the ace singer witnessed a boom in his profession and managed to get the Filmfare Award for Best Male Singer Performance once again in the year 2009, for the song starring Shah Rukh Khan, “Haule Haule” from the movie ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’. Other hit songs Sukhi has to her credit include, “Huh Hud Dabang” (Dabang), ‘Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola’ title track, “Lootnedale” (Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola), “Anarkali Disco Chali” (Housefull 2 ), “Banjara Banjara” (Ek Tha Tiger), “Tere Bin Sukha Sukha Saawan” (Kahani), ‘Chak De India’ title track and many more. Other cinemas where he lent his eloquent voice include: Bol Bachchan, Taal, 1947 Earth, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Om Shanti Om, Kurbaan, Ishqiya, Omkara, Billu Barbar, Dillagi, Zubeidaa, Fashion, Garam Masala, Luck, Kisna, Tere Naam, Kaminey, Black & White, Biwi No.1, The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Kuch Kariye, Chance Pe Dance, Ravan, Bachna Ae Haseeno, Chalte Chalte, Tashaan, Paheli, Lagaan and others.

From Sufi music to Thumri and Rock, Sukhwinder has excelled in all genres and has a huge following in India and abroad. His growing voice went international with the success of “Jai Ho”. He also sang an authentic Indian song for a Steven Spielberg movie. Even his famous song “Chal Chhaiyya Chhaiyya” was used in 2006 in another movie starring Denzel Washington, ‘Inside Man’.

Association with Master AR Rahman:

A staunch admirer of Mexican music and culture, Sukhwinder owes his success to music master AR Rahman. The duo have created magic not only in the Indian music industry but have set the stage ablaze even in foreign lands. He was undoubtedly a Rahman songwriter, which helped Sukhi re-establish herself in the industry. After the immense success of “Chaiyan Chaiyan”, the two worked closely together and created a number of blockbuster compositions such as: Taal’s “Ramta Jogi” and “Ishq Bina”; “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire; “Chinamma Chinkumma” (Tamil-Meenaxi); “Aaj Dil Gustakh” (Blue), “Ruth Aa Gayee Re”, “Yeh Jo Zindagi Hain” (1947-The Earth); “Thok De Killi” (Ravan); “Pagdi sambhaal jatta” (The Legend of Bhagat Singh); “Jaane Tu Mera Kya Hai” by Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na; “Aayo Re Sakhi”, “Piya Ho” and “Bhangari Morori” (Water), etc.

Whenever Rahman had to create a musical masterpiece, he liked to approach Sukhwinder to create the magical aura. Rahman is an excellent music composer, arranger, sound editor and sound engineer, he always believes that a good piece of art can only be created through experimentation. Therefore, the multifaceted artist like Sukhi has always been his first choice. However, the duo plan to take music to a higher level, where they can express themselves instead of confining their talents within the framework of Indian cinema.

In addition to her association with the living legend, Sukhi has also teamed up with music director Sandeep Chowta, with whom she wishes to set up a high-tech recording studio in Mumbai.

Sukhwinder Singh as an actor:

Although he never thought of pursuing acting as a career, acting happened to him by chance. It was during the recording of the songs for the movie ‘Kuch Kariye’ (2010), that the director, Jagbir Dahiya, approached Sukhi to play the lead role. Seeing him film with expressions and feelings, which was a prerequisite for the lead role of ‘Rishi’, the director offered him the proposal. Though reluctant at first, the singer consented to it after reviewing the script. In the film he also plays the role of a musician, who comes from a relatively small town to Mumbai to pursue his music career.

Although the movie did not do well at the box office, the director is eager to re-release it once again with a few changes. However, for Sukhwinder, music is his first love, and he will never take a backseat for the sake of acting.

Conclusion:

Like most singers, Sukhwinder also likes to experiment with music. From the standout “Anarkali Disco Chali” to the Sufi mix “Dum Dum,” he can sing it all. Recently, he also recorded a motivational song to cheer on Indian athletes during the 2012 London Olympics. Featuring superstars like Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan, the song “Is baar Tiranga London Mein Phehraiga” composed by Salim Sulaiman managed to create the right effect. . and as a result, India came out on top by winning six medals. Another song, “Chak De India”, also became the country’s national sports anthem with the eloquent voice of the star singer. He also sang for various sports such as hockey and Kabaddi where India celebrated their victory.