Yo, Gur Nalo once again!

Gurnaaz Kaur

Punjabi singer Malkit Singh, who has been credited for promoting the state’s music on foreign shores, has agreed to the idea of recreating his blockbuster hit — Gur Nalo Ishq Mitha — with Yo Yo Honey Singh!

The song, which he composed and sang during his college days in 1981, became his first to be recorded after moving to the UK. Malkit says Gur Nalo Ishq holds a special place for him because, “It is actually the song that made me a star.” In 1994, Bally Sagoo did the first remix of Gur Nalo. Unsure if the remixed version would do well, both Malkit and Bally decided to not feature in the video. With Malaika Arora and Jas as the stars, it went on to become one of the biggest hits! “When I first recorded the song, it was a folk number with dhol, thumbi, so when Bally did the remix, I was scared to appear in the video as my style was folk and it felt like the song was too modern. I was happily surprised when the remixed version became such a huge hit,” the singer exclaims.

Desi avatar

This one song has been heard by three generations and in different versions. We recently heard it in film Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and I Love New Year. For a song that had already gained so much popularity, what made Malkit Singh agree to join forces with rapper Honey Singh, especially since he was recently slapped with a case because of using vulgar lyrics? “Youngsters make mistakes but if they realise it, they should be given a second chance. I can vouch for this song. There is nothing offensive or vulgar in it. In fact, I spoke to Honey Singh beforehand. For the first time you’ll find him in a traditional avatar, wearing kurta pyjama. And unlike his other songs, this one has been shot in Punjab.”

Not too happy

The new crop of singers, Malkit feels, has great potential. He thinks they are talented, know the craft and are well-versed with technology. But what’s missing is, “Instead of aiming to become overnight stars, their driving force should be to sing some good songs.” However, he is upset about the sorry state of affairs in the Punjabi music industry. “Where is our music industry going? Where are those music directors who gave importance to originality and novelty? Pick up any song and you’ll find a bit of Hindi or English music. There is no feel of a Punjabi song; we can’t keep doing this or our industry will reach extinction,” he says.

Ticketed shows

Been in London since 1984 and spreading the essence of Punjabiyat in various parts of the world, the Tutak Tutak Tutiya-fame singer hopes that the culture of live music starts to flourish in India, especially in Punjab. “The concept of ticketed shows, paying for live performances hasn’t gained momentum yet. I hope it does.”

gurnaaz@tribunemail.com