Record-maker, literally

Gurnaaz Kaur

Punjabi singer Miss Pooja has been honoured with three certificates by International Book of Records for maximum songs sung (4,500), maximum music albums released (300) and maximum music videos performances (850). This recognition for contribution to the music industry is a matter of pride for her, but she says, “I am glad to have won all this recognition, but it was never my focus. I have been doing what I love to do and these records just came along.”

In the industry since 2006, she has witnessed many changes. “Most of my songs are duets, but many are solo too. When I started my career, for a good four-five years I released back-to-back albums and each of them had eight-10 songs. After 2010, this trend changed and singles became the new hit. Now, after nine years, things are changing again.” Miss Pooja says her journey has been beautiful, but she has had her own fair share of struggles. “There were days when I would record 10 songs and also perform in four-five videos during the same day. I remember, once I sang 25 songs in one day because I had to travel abroad the next day.”

Truly disciplined

Her fans, she says, have kept her motivated. “Once it is decided what has to be done for the day, I don’t care how late it gets, I just have to achieve the target. There is always a start time, but wrap up depends on whether work has been accomplished or not. And not once have I got late for a recording or shoot, no matter what. This discipline and love for my work has got me so far.”

Punjabi industry, both music and films, is known to be male-dominated, but according to Miss Pooja, things are changing, “It may be quite easy for men, but, thankfully, the competition is getting equal. At least now there is no dearth of opportunity. The difference is in numbers. There aren’t as many women as men.”

No TikTok

Since I couldn’t do live shows, I was constantly connected with my fans through social media. While I am on other platforms too, I loved TikTok. But if the government has decided to ban it, I can just say I respect the decision and hope an Indian app on the same lines is launched soon.

Another popular trend followed in the industry is of singers turning into actors. Miss Pooja has also done some films, but acting full-time is not on the top of her list. “For the three-four years I invested in acting, the number of songs I sang dropped. My first love is singing. It is my passion and I get to be an actor too through the music videos. I will only do select films, whenever they come.”

Up next

Miss Pooja released her new song DJ Vajda on July 2. “This song was to be released earlier, but got delayed due to the ongoing pandemic. Many of our shows have also got cancelled; I keep praying for things to get back to normal.”

Meanwhile, she keeps her attention on the positive side of the world. “I think this time had its own pluses. I did a lot of riyaaz; I got to work on a new album after 5-6 years. I also had so much time for my family and myself. I have learnt how to cook samosas and other things we used to go out for earlier. So, yes, there have been challenges, but this time brought some positives too.”