Sukhwinder unplugged!

Manpriya Singh

Not that he needs an introduction but singer Sukhwinder Singh often finds his hit Bollywood singles as the reference point. The guy who crooned Chaiyya Chaiyya, or Haule Haule from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. And yes, when he sang Jai Ho, the nation joined him. “I have a sports background and not many people know that I was in 100 meters,” shares the Bollywood playback singer as he just comes out of AR Rahman’s studio. As to why he was there, he’ll tell you later. Let’s talk about sports first! “My best performance was 12.36 and that is pretty good.”

Talking of which, sports that is; he recently rendered the Under 19 football tournament anthem. A very catchy number, very Bend it Like Beckham style. “I really wanted to bring the leg factor into play and I also wanted the song to have a catchy title.” Well, catchy it is.

Life’s philosophy from sports lessons

It was some of the crucial lessons and discipline learnt as an athlete that he translated onto his life. “One of the first things they tell you in race is that the more at peace you be, the more speed you’ll have.” He adds, “It is very important to be at peace in life, in general. So whatever I do, I do it with passion. He also doesn’t really plan ahead. A Filmfare, a National Award, an Oscar, what next? “What can be next? I don’t have targets. Life is not a series of milestones to be captured.”

Sports connect…

Given his penchant for sports, no wonder some of his best famous friends happen to be, not from B-town but from sporting industry. I am friends with Sachin, Harbhajan, Dhoni, Baichung Bhutia is a great friend. I adore Mary Kom for her determination.” As for Bollywood, “Oh all the people I work with, my team, my crew are friends.” Coming up is a song for the biopic on Sachin Tendulkar, for which music has been given by AR Rahman. “I think this song will be liked as much as Jai Ho.” Let’s see.

Chandigarh, I miss you

A mere mention of the word Chandigarh will elicit some genuine sighs. “I miss Chandigarh. No traffic, wide roads and green environment. I really envy the people of Chandigarh.” He adds, “Chandigarh people are beautiful and the girls very pretty.”

act, will he?

Talking of his Punjabi roots, back home, there’s no missing the trend of Punjabi singers turned actors. “Well, if they offer the role of a flirt. I will definitely think about it. (laughs).” “Music is keeping me so busy, there’s no time to think of anything else.” [email protected]