Harbinger of the culture of the land
By Dharam Pal

AROON BAKSHI, the actor-turned-singer, needs no introduction. He is recognised today and, in fact, hated more than loved because of his roles portraying villainous characters in Hindi feature films. Aroon’s debut album — Bol Mitti De Bawya — of punjabi songs has been released by Venus Records and Tapes Pvt. Ltd. His song "Oye Bol Mitti De Bawya ... is a chartbuster and has become a craze with people who love Sufi songs that Buleshah and Gulam Farid wrote. These songs for this album has been written by Naqsh Lyalpuri and Ajit Singh Deol (Dharmendra’s brother).

When you meet Aroon for the first time, he seems like anyother singer. But ten minutes into the conversation, you discover that Aroon Bakshi is an epitome of sincerity. He says "Good shayari always helps you to overpower bad moments". He replies to every question, even if it is addressed in English or Hindi, in polite Punjabi.

Aroon Bakshi started his career as a playback singer with song Toona Toona .... in film Adharm. This song was widely appreciated by all. Then came the song Jhule Jhule Lal... in the film Jai Kishan. He sang Khoya Khoya... with Asha Bhosle. His outstanding films are Zaalim, Ek Hi Raasta, Hum Hain Bemisaal.

A down-to-earth man, his singing potential cannot be ignored. At present, Aroon is concentrating on his singing career. His belief is simple, "My attempt is to offer melodious tunes which people can play and listen to repeatedly", says Aroon Bakshi.

Aroon plans to get more involved into music by introducing new trends — more Sufi Songs — in the music industry. He intends adding an entire range of new colours to music. Aroon says, "I want to reserve the trend towards pop bhangra and replace it with folk bhangra".

Aroon Bakshi wants to promote the musical depth of Punjab. He says, "A singer not only entertains, he is a harbinger of the cultural content of the land."