Even though her voice is associated with either Sufi songs or tunes that are typically Punjabi, Harshdeep Kaur says that she is comfortable singing any kind of tracks. Right enough, she has had a Kashmiri wedding number Dilbaro (Raazi) and a desi groovy dance ditty Twist Kamariya (Bareilly Ki Barfi) in recent times. “So many people didn’t believe that I sang Twist,” the songstress chuckles. She has a couple of songs in Manmarziyaan and Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi (HPBJ)’s title track. The singer also talks about what she wants to do with her independent music. 

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

Tells us about singing for HPBJ and Manmarziyaan.

Manmarziyaan is extremely soulful but with an edge since it’s an Anurag Kashyap film. There are songs that you really enjoy singing and wait for their release. This is that kind of project — good original music. I’ve worked with Amit Trivedi before on Luv Shuv Te Chicken Khurana, Coke Studio and live shows. He experiments with my voice a lot. That’s why I like recording for him. Although his music is modern and has different sounds as well as textures, the melody is intact. For HPBJ, Sohail Sen said, ‘I have called you because I wanted a dumdaar voice’ (laughs). I had to give powerful vocals to match Daler Mehendi’s parts. I had to change my attitude on the mic and bring out the bold Punjabi kudi in me. You can’t be soft when Daler Mehendi sings an energetic song with you.

From soulful and high-energy, do you prefer one kind to the other?

Every song has its own challenge. I wouldn’t say that one comes more easily to me than the other. You have to modulate your voice for each tune. For Manmarziyaan, I had to keep my voice slightly husky and soft since it’s romantic and melodic music. Happy is more of a storytelling song about the character, Happy so I had to imagine the situation. 

What else is in store for you in the near future?

I have sung for a number of movies but unless the music is up for release, I cannot talk about them. I’m working on my independent stuff and a lot of collaborations. Evergreen melodies are missing these days and I want to make those. I want to create meaningful music. 

Is there a composer on your wish list?

I haven’t sung for Ilayaraja yet. So, I look forward to that happening some day.