“I like to be the King of where I stand and like to sustain it”, says the sound and face of Punjab, Harbhajan Mann.

The singer –actor who stormed in everyone’s heart with hits like ‘Gala Goriyan De Vich Toye’ and ‘Haaye Meri Billo’ is back on scene with his latest release ‘Mauj Mastiyan’ that has been playing on records in India by music supremos T-Series. The Aan’ , ‘Baan’ and ‘Shaan’ of Punjabi Cinema is here in  Mumbai to shoot a video for his newly released Album. Our Special features correspondent Vidhushi caught a few moments with Harbhajan Maan and here is what he had to say…

V-What is the USP of the Album?
HM-Nowadays Punjabi music is experimenting a lot. There is Hip Hop, Pop...etc. I think the USP of the Album is that I stick to my grass roots, so the songs have the essence of Punjab and I have not changed it. The Soul, Lyrics and Composition represent my region, Punjab.

V -What is the music like in the Album?
HM-There are Bhangra, Folk song and Sad songs, a mixture of all.

V -How many songs are there in the Album?
HM-There are eight songs in all, of which we will have videos for six. Out of these two videos are done.

V - Tell us about the two videos.
HP-The first “Churi” captures romantic moods and eagerness of a loved one’s return and Second video the title track “Mauj Mastiyaan” is a peppy and a fun loving song. This video features a well-known face, Sanjeeda aka ‘Nimmo’ of ‘Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka’.

V -  Any specific reasons for taking Sanjeeda?
HM-She matched the role in every way.

V -How has your association with T-Series been?
HM It has been good. This is my seventh album with them and i am happy to work with them again .They give me the freedom to visualize and analyze all aspects of the album from choosing the leading lady to production work. Therefore, it is always good to work with them.

V -Do you think this Album will touch the Chart list?
HM-This Album is more focused on Punjabi market. It doesn’t matter who hears it, sales should happen.

V -What do you have to say about Punjabi singers, who pop up every now and then?
HM- There should atleast be some talent for them to stay for long run. One who has the talent will survive.

V -Where do you think Punjabi music stands when we talk about Indian Music?
HM-Whatever Hindi song you see nowadays, many of them have atleast one, two lines in Punjabi. Moreover, they are played on all leading music channels. Definitely, Punjabi Music is here to stay especially because of its energy.

V – How has your experience as an actor been?
HM- It has been an excellent experience. Punjabi Cinema was ending, with my films it has revived.

V -  Your next venture in Acting?
HM-My next movie is ‘Miti Vaja Mal’ produced by ADLABS. It will be an August Release.

V -How many movies have you done before this?
HM- Three, all hits. ‘Dil Apna Punjabi’ was in U.K. Top 20.

V -Any Plans to do a Bollywood Movie.
HM- I like to be the King of where I stand and like to sustain it. However, if offered a role that suits my image as a Punjabi, then I will consider it.

V -How about Singing in Bollywood?
HM- No, I think it is too late for me now and also my Hindi pronunciation is very bad.

V -How has your Journey towards stardom been?
HM-I have been singing since Childhood and have had training in Punjabi Music. I am born and brought up in Canada and then shifted to India in 1993 .From 1993-1998 I was well known in Punjab but beyond the territory, no one knew me. T-series first time shot my video, played it on all leading music channels, and gave me the recognition. Then came the movies and since then it has been an unstoppable journey till now .

V - Who is your inspiration?
HM- Pakistani Singer Shaukat Ali.

V -Any Hindi and Sufi singers that you like?
HM- In Hindi, Rafi Sahab and Lata ji. Sufi-Abeeda Parveen.

V -If it was not the limelight industry then where would you have been?
HM Politics in India, seems quite interesting.
HM-How do you think has ‘Harbhajan Mann’ contributed to his field?
We have opened a new territory through Harbhajan Mann as a singer then Actor. Obviously, me as a singer has helped to rope in viewers for Punjabi movies. My Popularity as a singer has brought in approximately 100 crore budget to Punjabi films. Moreover, I will continue to work for promotion of Punjabi music and films.

V -Sign off Words for your Fans?
HM-“Go buy the cd!!”