When Akshay Kumar heard Manj Musik’s (Manjeet Singh Ral) new single Worldwide Punjabi, he liked it so much that he decided to announce it on social media. Needless to say, Manj was thrilled because he has been working with Akki since 2007 — first with his British Bhangra band RDB (Rhythm, Dhol, Bass) on Rafta Rafta (Namastey London), Paisa Paisa (De Dana Dana Dan, 2009), etc. and then as a solo artiste in Singh And Kaur (Singh Is Bliing) and Go Pagal (Jolly LLB 2) among others. Manj speaks to us about his new songs and why he chose to give up RDB post his brother and bandmate Kulraj’s demise in 2012.
TWO NEW SINGLES
Manj’s new track is taken from a Hollywood film Tiger: The Movie, which is about a Punjabi boxer fighting discrimination to take up the sport professionally. “The filmmakers needed a strong song about Punjabis like Shera Di Kaum in Speedy Singhs (2011). So, we created this one and approached American rapper Fat Joe, and featured underground Punjabi artiste Sikander Kahlon to give it a hip-hop flex,” Manj tells us. He has also released a peppy dance number, Ajj Naiyo Sawna with Sophie Choudry, which he states is just about having fun. “This is the first time I’m rapping in Hindi,” he reveals, admitting that he was nervous since he doesn’t have the perfect command on the language.
PLENTY OF PROJECTS
The musician will soon come out with singles such as Time (with Ranjit Bawa) as well as Munde Punjabi apart from a collaboration with Raftaar and a number of other hip-hop artistes. He will also release tracks by indie artistes on his new label. “In Bollywood, I have two more films with Akshay paaji; something with Sajid Nadiadwala, a song like Sadi Gali (Tanu Weds Manu) for Tanu Weds Manu 3 and more. I have Desi Hip Hop 2 coming up, too and a cameo in Gully Boy,” he quotes.
GOING SOLO FROM RDB
Manj went solo from RDB after he lost his brother Kulraj to brain tumour. He says that the transition was a bit rocky initially because fans were emotionally attached to the band. “It was almost like I was disgracing and letting them down. But, when Kuly paaji passed away, I could not get a grip. I alone wasn’t RDB, so, it wasn’t right to produce and release music under that project name. Today, I’m willing to take a hit if I give a flop song as Manj Musik but not as RDB,” he reasons. However, now, listeners have finally accepted the artiste. “They see a glimpse of RDB in my music,” he signs off.
