Reloading Punjabi hits

Gurnaaz Kaur

Her story as a singer began in class 12 when she left commerce to study music. This meant giving up a mainstream career, but backed by her parents, she decided to take the plunge. It sure was a huge step for a Marwari girl who chose to move to Mumbai to pursue her dreams.

Purva Mantri has recently come up with a pop rendition to Dr Zeus’ song Kangna, which has been a hit on youtube. Before this, in December, she came out with a peppy video of Haye Mera Dil, originally sung by Honey Singh. The music of these songs has been done by Ramji Gulati. Punjabi songs for being launched as an independent artiste is a conscious decision. “Punjabi music has a universal appeal. I’ve grown up listening to it; no party is complete without Punjabi music and this has been the case since my childhood. When I decided to go independent, I couldn’t think of any genre better than Punjabi music. One, because I love it. Two, because everyone else loves it too,” Purva shares.

Her take on being an independent artiste is quite interesting and somewhat novel. “In India, a singer is mostly recognised when he/she has some Bollywood songs to their credit. The truth is, not everyone gets that opportunity but that does not make them any less of a singer,” she says. She further explains, “If we look at Hollywood, be it Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber, how many movie songs have they done to be able to showcase their talent or become famous? They are treated on par with any popular Hollywood actor. This isn’t the case here, but things are changing. Singers are taking that chance and trying their luck. With the way things are, in some years we’ll witness a huge change in the music scene in India. I am walking towards that transformation.”

Having said that, Purva is looking forward to do a Bollywood song and says there is no denying it’s every singer’s dream. “Doing a song for a film will mean a lot to me. In fact, it would matter to every singer. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. Hopefully, you will hear a Bollywood song or two in my voice this year,” she says.

Work is worship and this singer has spent close to six year in the TV industry. “I have a voice with strong texture and that helped me qualify for the traditional or folklore touch of music used in TV serials,” she signs off with a smile. 

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