Shael did not come into the industry when private albums were in great demand. He came a bit later. However, with hit songs like “Soniye Heeriye Teri Yaad Aandi Hai”, “Dial Jaaniya” and “Pehla Nasha Pyaar Kar”, he managed to carve out his own space in the music world. The Ludhiana-born singer, now settled in Singapore, keeps coming back to India for the sheer love of music. He was at Marwah Studios in Noida for the finale of the 6th Global Film Festival where he sang some half-a-dozen songs to a standing ovation. Excerpts from an interview with the peppy singer:
From mining to singing is a long journey. Please take us through...
I have a mining business in Singapore and Indonesia, so that is why I am settled in Singapore. I started singing at an early age. I met the great musician Biddu in London who was searching for a new voice. I recorded my first album “Kaha Hai Tu” in 2001.
You have almost half a dozen albums under your belt. How has the response been, considering you do not sing in Hindi films?
My albums have received a very good response from the audience. I sing mostly love songs, which connect to the young audience very well. Now I launch only one song at a time, as I feel putting 7-8 songs in an album is a waste, because only 2-3 songs become hits. I put all my efforts in one song, and till now this gets a very good response. I have just launched my new album “Jaanve” on YouTube.
Can you tell us about your latest album?
I have launched “Jaanve” with English subtitles, as my songs are heard throughout the world on YouTube, etc. but most of them do not understand the lyrics — they only enjoy the music.
A lot of established singers are seen on reality shows as judges. Would you like to be seen there too?
Singing reality shows provides a good platform for young and budding singers. I have earlier done a reality show on a Punjabi channel, but since then I have turned down many such offers because I want to do things which pleases me. I am a different type of person.
What is coming up next from the Shael stable?
My next album will be “Zindagi” on which I am busy working nowadays. It will be a love song and I am planning to launch it on Valentine’s Day.
