Guru Randhawa calls himself a ‘self-taught singer and composer’, “I’ve no formal training, it’s all from the heart.”
He hails from Gurdaspur in Punjab, 5 km away from Pakistan. Guru remembers the satellite caught a few Pakistani channels as well as DD national at home. Growing up on old folk and pop music on television and later rehearsing it, the musician’s career began from what he heard. In Hyderabad for a concert last weekend, he recollected his indie-beginnings, movie career and more.
The 26-year old marked his entry into the music industry with a flurry of singles in 2013 including Same Girl, Chhad gayi, Dardaan Nu, Khaali Bottlan . His movie break in Hindi medium came through his indie efforts. Naturally, he credits his singles for his popularity.
Says Guru, “I feel singles have an aura of their own and there’s no pressure for the artiste in terms of creativity. I’ve always loved making independent music. When most of my solo/single tracks started making a buzz globally, labels started placing my songs in movies. I am what I’m today because of independent music, I will always work on it.”
Hindi music industry has welcomed him well over the years. “There is always space for good music. The amount of talent emerging from our country is incredible. Bollywood helps in enabling a platform for many artistes. It’s a good phase for the industry, with the steady rise in independent singles too.” Guru looks up to the online medium for consistent feedback, and takes things in his stride when the comments aren’t kind.
Performing live in Hyderabad was good fun, “It’s something I really enjoy. When the audience resonates with my music and sings every single word from the song, it’s a joy unmatched — the thrill, the love, the energy.” He didn’t have much time to spend in the city beyond the concert though, Guru enjoys being in Hyderabad for its food. “I really enjoyed eating here. I was happier to see many from Hyderabad grooving to my songs. It was a surreal experience and I’ll be soon back for more gigs here.”
He’s open to singing Telugu numbers if a good opportunity comes his way. His recent single Made in India continues to top online music charts. Guru’s currently hopping from city to city in the country and has a ‘Dabang tour’ in US and Canada next. “There are a lot of songs (including films and singles) in the pipeline, will speak of them when the time is ripe.”
