Not so politically correct!

Vikrant Parmar

Kithe Tur Geyan Yaara… Punjabi words that translate into ‘where have you vanished friend’ is the title of a heartfelt tribute to singer Surinder Shinda and quite apt too, as it is in the inimitable voice of Hans Raj Hans, who has crooned many a melodious composition.

So, when Hans comes calling to the Chandigarh Press Club on a sultry Monday morning, to launch the poster of his upcoming single, it’s an occasion to savour. “Surinder Shinda was like a shining light of Punjabi music industry; there have been very few like him. Although he passed away last year, he will forever live in our hearts. His tunes will continue to regale audiences in the times to come. He was much senior to me, and I have learnt a lot from him,” says Hans.

Known for songs like Jatt Jeona Morh, Putt Jattan De and Truck Balleye, Shinda stood as a name that was widely respected; little wonder then, a tribute in his honour made the entire team emotional, as they recollected moments from filming at the Perfect Picture Location in Fatehgarh Sahib. “You all must have heard of metaphysics, so Surinder Shinda’s body might not be present with us, but his soul is very much around. It will keep guiding us in our onward journey. Interestingly, he used to crack jokes at will too. But he kept Punjab’s virasit alive in his songs and also in the characters he essayed as an actor on screen,” shares Hans.

As a question veers towards the political scenario of Punjab, Hans, being a political figure himself, shakes his head, “The very politicians who make tall claims about tackling the drug menace in the state are the ones who are involved in such nefarious activities during polls. We need leaders who will take these challenges head-on,” he says.

“Unfortunately, jaat (caste), paisa (money) and nasha (drugs) are the factors that decide the polls in Punjab. Until and unless these three malaises are handled, nothing can improve,” he predicts.

Having said that, Hans also claimed, “Albeit in the political arena too, I will always be a Sufi singer at heart. It is destiny that is taking its own course and I am following what is written for me. As for the future, my political career may or may not continue, but I will forever remain a singer.” Notably, Hans lost the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as the BJP candidate from Faridkot in Punjab. In 2019, he had won from the North West Delhi constituency.

Written by Harpreet Singh Sekhon, Kithe Tur Geyan Yaara has received the blessings of famous lyricist Babu Singh Maan. The song will be globally released on July 26 under Vital Records.

Meanwhile, known for songs like Dil Tote Tote Ho Gaya, Sili Sii Aundi Hai Hawa and Dil Chori Sada Ho Gaya, among others, Hans, who is a recipient of the Padma Shri, shares that his son’s son is also a budding singernow — genetics sure seems to be at work! As for the philosophy he lives by, “I remain in the moment. I don’t think too much ahead, just do my deeds… baaki malik jaane’ (rest in in the hands of God).”