Manj Musik of bhangra band RDB on his Bollywood ties

By Arti Dani

Published: Wed 3 Apr 2019, 10:41 AM

Last updated: Thu 4 Apr 2019, 1:53 PM

Music director and singer Manj Musik, who performed in Dubai last month for the Holi festival, released his new track, Worldwide Punjabi, along with American Rapper Fat Joe early this year. The song was launched by Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, a close friend of Manj.
UK-born Manj is the former lead vocalist and music composer for the bhangra music group RDB. Akshay had introduced RDB (which Manj formed with his brothers in 2000) in Bollywood through songs like Paisa Paisa (from De Dana Dan), Rafta Rafta (from Namaste London), Singh is Kinng, and many more.
We spoke to the multi-talented artiste about his journey from learning music in a gurudwara (a place of worship for the Sikh community) to creating his own space in Bollywood.
Can you tell us more about your upcoming songs?
I just released my new music video featuring Ranjit Bawa, and it is out on Zee Music. I have shot two more music videos and I am looking forward to releasing them next month. I have more music coming up with Akshay Kumar as I am working on one of his upcoming projects.
Tell us about your collaboration with Akshay Kumar?
Akshay has been a great support in everything that I have done. He has been like a mentor to me for everything in Bollywood. He introduced me in the market with Rafta Rafta and then we did Singh is Kinng and so on. I am still working alongside him and releasing more music. I have opened my record label, Musik One Records with Raj Kundra. We will be releasing new music and promoting new talents.
How do you keep yourself inspired and motivated to make good music?
Travelling the world inspires me. We get to hear different kinds of music. Even when we go to clubs or lounges, we hear new things. I am in Dubai these days, and when I went out a couple of times, I heard many Arabic songs, it was fascinating.
How did your musical journey begin?
Music has been important from an early age. When I was a kid, I used to help my dad arrange kirtans (devotional songs) in the gurudwara. And then we started making our own music and opened a studio. Music has been part of my life, even though by profession I was an accountant. And because of Akshay, we are here today.
Looking back at your career, what has been a significant highlight for you?
Performing across the world and being friends with the big stars in Bollywood. I am so grateful that I am close friends with almost everyone in Bollywood. I appreciate the people, the connections and the fans I have made. I am glad our hard work has been acknowledged.
How was it performing at the Holi event in Dubai?
We performed at Wonderland for Holi. It was perfect. We have performed around three or four times, and it is inevitable that we were going to come and play here again. The crowd here is fantastic.
What is it that you enjoy about performing live?
We love to perform live and interacting with people. There is a difference between playing live and recording (in the studio). The one-to-one interaction is the best thing.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
In my spare time, I like playing with my son. I love playing soccer and video games.

arti@khaleejtimes.com