I kk Kudi jida naam muhabbat ghum hai ...” from Udta Punjab is one of the most popular songs in recent times. The reprised version sung by actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has attracted millions of viewers on YouTube. However, ‘ Hass Nache Le ’ is easily the song of the album. Shahid Mallya, who has three songs in the movie, hits the right notes and combines it with the right expressions to bring the track alive.
Hailing from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, Mallya was born into a musical family. His first major break was in the Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor-starrer Mausam (2011).
Since then, Mallya has worked with top music composers of the Hindi film industry, becoming the voice behind several hit songs. The singer shares his journey so far, love for Sufism and more.
How difficult was it to get a break?
Before I got my first break, I struggled for seven to eight years. It was not a cake-walk. But I was determined; I had no other choice.
Back at home, I would win all the competitions in schools and colleges and people told me that I was good. So I knew I was talented. My parents wanted me to become a playback singer. So I came to Mumbai, ran from studio to studio, assisted people, gave music for TV serials until one day I met Pritam [Chakraborty] through a friend. I told him that I can sing well and that he should listen to me. But then, Pritam forgot about me. After a few months, he rang me up. I guess someone reminded him. He asked if I was a singer and said he would like to record my voice.
Later on, I think Pankaj ji [Kapoor, director of Mausam ] liked my voice and so I got two songs in the movie.
A playback singer’s popularity often depends on a movie’s success. Is this a disadvantage?
No. I think if the song is good it stays behind. We all love ‘ Allah ke bande hasde ’ by Kailash Kher, but how many of us can remember the name of the movie? Probably a few. So, as long as the music touches one’s soul, musicians are secure.
You have sung Sufi and Qawwalis. Is this a genre you always enjoyed or just discovered it over the years?
Well, Sufism comes to fakirs. Through Sufi music, one connects to Allah and that only happens when you completely surrender to him. I naturally found peace in this kind of music probably because I have seen poverty and helplessness closely. But, Sufism is not my style. As a singer, I believe one needs to be versatile. I think of myself to be an actor who needs to play different characters while approaching different genres.
Tell us about your music training.
I have had my basic training from my father, an assistant of [Mohammed] Rafi saheb . He wanted to become a playback singer but he met with an accident and had to leave Mumbai and come home. We had a harmonium gifted by Rafi saheb and I was introduced to sargam. Other than that, I have picked up things from listening to musicians from across the world. From trance to pop: I listen to everything. There is always so much to learn.
Do you do riyaz ?
I don’t do riyaz every day. For playback singing, what is more essential is good health and proper sleep. I think too much riyaz makes your voice rough; it is difficult to retain melody. Having said that, I do sing on and off. We practice for concerts and shows, so I am always in touch.
Who’s your inspiration and who are your favourite contemporary singers?
There are so many people who have been inspiring, but if I have to choose someone it will be my father and Rafi saheb . I have always admired Sonu Nigam, and Shankar Mahadevan. I also like Arijith Singh; I think he is very versatile.
Most musicians speak about the need to develop independent music. What is your take on it? Do you plan to bring out an album?
Whatever is happening in the music world, it is fine. Times have changed. Now people don’t come up with albums, they come up with singles. Then there are producers producing it. So, it's not like there are no opportunities. I am not coming with an album or single right now. But I am working on producing content for electro-Sufi music, which we play live at concerts. The music is nothing but fusion, it is a different approach to Sufi music.
