Another Punjabi pop star is here

By Lakshmi Balakrishnan

NEW DELHI, JAN. 12.

Daler Mehndi's Punjabi numbers may no longer set the music charts on fire, but that seems to have hardly made a difference to the increasing number of neophytes who are venturing into this segment of the Indipop scene.

At a time when most Indian musicians are seeking inspiration from the West, Non Resident Indians seem to be discovering the musical component of their Indian roots. The latest addition to this block is bhangra pop singer Mangal Singh, who recently released his new solo album ``Koka''.

His name may not really ring a bell, but Mangal has to his credit some chart-busting numbers, including the foot-tapping ``Kali teri choti hai'' from the Hindi film ``Bahar Aane Tak''.

Having spent almost 30 years of his life in England, Mangal's first album ``O Mere Sanam'' was released by CBS and was the first Indian album to be recorded by the American music company. He has also lent his voice to more than a score Hindi films including ``Insaniyat'', ``Andaz Apna Apna'' and ``Veerta''. His forte being Punjabi folk and pop, Mangal has also sung in more than 40 Punjabi films.

A collection of eight contemporary bhangra numbers, the music for ``Koka'' has been given by Vidyut Goswami and the lyrics have been penned by Sham Balkar, Madan Pal and Mohan Preet Singh. Three songs of the album have been picturised under the direction of choreographer Ganesh Acharya, and the videos are already on air.

His only album in the last two years, Mangal is hoping to stage a comeback into the music scene with ``Koka'' that has been cut by Lucky Star Entertainment Limited.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Other States
Previous : Delectable Aussie fare for the palate
Next     : Lawyers' stir causes overcrowding in jails