The new crown prince of Punjabi pop
By Dharam Pal

IT takes talent to spot talent, recognise it and nurture it to a form that can express itself in all its glory. Jawahar Wattal—the man who has a record of discovering talent and creating stars has managed to do it once again. After wielding the magic that produced sensations such as Daler Mehndi, Shweta Shetty, Shubha Mudgal, Bhupinder Chawla (Bhupi) and Hans Raj Hans, Jawahar Wattal waves his magic wand once again. This time the result is a brand new singer — Shankar Sahney.

Born in a musical family, Shankar’s father T.B. Sahney is a music teacher and proponent of the Kirana gharana, Shankar, the youngest son, was initiated into the world of swar and taal at the tender age of three when his training began under the watchful eyes of his father. A long musical journey followed. Since the age of five, Shankar has been performing on Jalandhar Doordarshan and Radio in live shows. He has also recorded albums as a child artist.

In the years that followed, the Shankar’s raw talent was honed by countless hours of riyaaz. Yet, after finishing school, he studied to become a chemical engineer. Armed with an engineering degree, Shankar set out to find his place in the world of commerce.

But the seed of music was sown too deep in his being. No matter where he went and no matter what he did his heart kept returning to his first love — music. He spent a large part of his college years in studios, recording as a guitarist and a singer in over 500 albums. He has to his credit a number of hits that became a rage in Punjab in the early 90s.

Hours spent in the studio Ad Camp, led to the creation of what had the distinct trade mark of Jawahar coupled with the unique energy of Shankar. The sound reached the ears of the talent scouts of Tips Music who recognised the value of the music created in a studio which has come to be known as the Mecca of Punjabi music.

Thus came into being the album Yaari Yaari. This album is being launched by Tips and is being seen as a competitor to other pop hits. This Punjabi munda is all set to take the world of pop music by storm. The title track of Yaari Yaari presents him at his playful best, combining the rhythm of dance with the soul of a love song and the result is sheer magic.

Seven other songs are Kudi Kurmuri, Maasha Allah, Dil Vatte Dil, Highway Te Gaddi, Kamaal Ho Gaya, Kabootri and Boliyan, the traditional folklore that captures the essence of the land and love of Punjab.

Shankar changes his musical appeal from Punjabi folk to Hindi and Punjabi pop, according to the preferences of the audience. He has a remarkable musical ability to create an urban as well as rural ambience with rendition of Punjabi folk songs.

Shankar’s theory is simple. "More than catchy lyrics and technically savvy music videos, what really matters in a song is the melody. My attempt is to offer such melodious tunes which people would want to play over and over again".

Shankar has done justice to all the eight songs and vindicated the faith, music director Jawahar Wattal has reposed in him. The music of Yaari Yaari has been produced, composed and directed by Jawahar Wattal. All other arrangements have been made by Edwin A.J. Fernandes and Mahendra (Babloo). Shankar is confident that his album will mark the beginning of a new era in Punjabi pop music.