“Ikk Kudi jida naam muhabbat ghum hai...” from Udta Punjab is certainly 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 in the album . Shahid Mallya hitting the right notes combined with right expression brings the song alive.
Mallya, who was born into a musical family in Sri Ganganagar, has three songs in the film. His first major break was in Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor-starrer Mausam in 2011. Since then he has sung several hit songs and worked with top music composers of the Hindi film industry. The singer chatted with The Hindu about his journey so far, love for Sufism and more.
How difficult was it for you to get a break in playback singing?
Before I got my first break I had struggled for seven-eight years. It was certainly not a cake-walk. But I was determined, I had no other choice as well. Back at home, I would win all the competitions in schools and colleges and people have told me that I am good, so I knew that I am 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 [Music director Pritam Chakraborty] through a friend and told him that I can sing well and that he should listen to me sing. But then, Pritam forgot about me [laughs]. Only after a few months of the meeting he rang me, I guess someone reminded him, and asked if I was a singer and he would like to record my voice. Later on, I think Pankaj ji [Pankaj Kapoor, director of Mausam] liked my voice and so I got two songs in the movie.
Do you think it is a disadvantage for playback singers that their popularity often depends on movie’s success?
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 few. So, as long as the music touches one’s soul, musicians are secure.
Speaking of touching soul, you have sung Sufi and Qawwalis, is this a genre you always enjoyed or just discovered it over the years?
Well, Sufism comes to people who are fakirs. Through Sufi music one connects to Allah and that only happens when you completely surrender. I naturally found peace in this kind of music probably because I have seen poverty, 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. My father, was an assistant of Rafi saheb [Mohammed Rafi]. He himself wanted to become a playback singer but after he met with an accident he had to leave Mumbai and come home. We had a harmonium gifted by Rafi saheb and I was introduced to sargam in it. But other than that, I have picked up things from listening to musicians from across the world. From Trans to Pop, I listen to everything; there is always so much to learn.
Do you do riyaz (practice)?
I don’t do everyday riyaz because for playback singing what is more essential is good health and proper sleep. I think too much of riyaz often makes your voice rough and then it is difficult to retain melody.
Having said that, I do sing on and off, and as it is we have to practice for concerts and shows, so I am always in touch.
Who has been 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.
Almost all musicians have time and again spoken about the need for creating better scope for independent music. What is your take on it? Are you planning to come up with an album of your own?
I think, 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 and 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, but it is a different approach to Sufi music.
