By Hemisha Morarji.
Described as ‘an act to watch in 2012’; the Punjabi beauty gives Bhangra a funky makeover by dressing it with mainstream dance, pop and R’n’B.
She has already been touted as the ‘Punjabi Queen’ by the Asian media, since her first two hit singles, Akhiyan and Deewani, rocketed straight into the number one spot on the Indian music charts.
Now British-born Nindy Kaur, known for her musical links to RDB, begins 2012 on a full-throttle blast with her latest single “Save the World”, which marks her first collaboration outside the ‘Rhythm Dhol and Bass’ camp.
The single, already available to download from iTunes, has been remixed by Culture Shock, who have already worked with Pop juggernauts such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Sean Paul and Nicole Scherzinger for Desi remixes of their tracks. And the result of this collaboration between Nindy and the three DJs is a pure adrenaline feel-good dance theme, set to make this summer even hotter than expected.
The wife of RDB member Manjeet Ral, Nindy has already made a name for herself in India before her solo career kicked off. She was the playback singer on Bollywood hits Kambakkht Ishq, Aloo Chaat, Yamla Pagla Deewana and Char Din Ki Chandni with none other than RDB.
Her collaborations with the group have earned them the nickname, the “Indian version of The Black Eyed Peas, and they are best known for their soundtrack on the 2010 film Kambakkth Ishq, starring Akshay Kumar, Denise Richards and Sylvester Stallone.
And on top of that, she’s the ambassador for the IIFA, the Indian equivalent to the prestigious Oscars!
But despite her achievements and her stunning good looks, Nindy remains modest, so much so, she advises us not to watch the first RDB video she was in because her “eyes look terrible” (although her eyes are her best features).
Asian World caught up with the songstress and as we chat down the phone, she discusses her admiration for Rihanna, taking her 5-year-old son to Universal Studios and touring with her husband’s band.
Your single “Save the World” features Canadian music producers Culture Shock, who have remixed tracks for Lady Gaga and Rihanna. What was it like working with them?
It’s always a comfortable experience being around them. They’re like my little brothers. We’re always jamming in the studio and having a great time while working. They’re wicked.
Can you tell us about your upcoming album NINDYPENDENT?
It’s basically an upbeat, energetic album. There are no flaws or sad songs on there because I wanted to portray the album as happy. I want my songs to be played at clubs and weddings; to uplift moods.
You are the wife of RDB member Manjeet Ral, who also kick started your career by asking you to sing on one of his tracks. Is there any musical competition between the two of you?
No, there’s no competition at all. He’s my mentor and if it hadn’t been for him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. He has really helped me and supported me all the way.
What inspired your love for music?
[My husband] Manj was the one who grabbed me and put me in the vocal booth. I remember when we were sitting in the car 10 years ago on our wedding day and there was a Bangra song playing on the radio. He said to me, “I want you to sing the hook line.” And I said, “No, I don’t want to, I’m no good. I don’t want to be famous; no-one will take notice…” But he was like, “No, go on, sing the hook line!”
So I sang the hook line and then Manj decided that I was going to sing on one of RDB’s tracks and feature on one of their videos – by the way, please don’t watch it, my eyes look terrible. There was a problem with one of my eye contacts, so I have one red eye.
No, I’m sure you looked amazing…
No, I didn’t, honestly. But since then, RDB played a lot of shows in the states and I would perform during weekends because I had a full-time job. Then one thing led to another and I found myself releasing singles and now an album. It was a domino effect, but a positive one.
You’ve said that traditional Bhangra and mainstream dance, pop and R’n’B have helped to influence your individual sound. Which artists have influenced you as an artist?
Shazia Mansoor was a big influence. I absolutely love her voice. She did a song called “21 bid” which I would always play in the car, at home and at work. She has a fantastic voice.
What about Western artists?
Rihanna. She keeps coming out with these hits. Her songs are amazing.
You said that you would like to work with Sean Paul, Lady Gaga, Chris Brown and Rihanna. Who out of the four would you most like to work with and why?
Definitely Rihanna. Every song of hers is a hit and there isn’t a song that isn’t catchy. And that’s what the public want – songs that they can relate to.
You have been described as an act to watch in 2012. It must be flattering?
Yeah, definitely. I’ve been touring since November and it’s been unstoppable. We’ve done shows inBangaloreand we’ve also been doing a lot of university and college events that have attracted up to 20,000 people. I tend to come out with ‘Akhiyan’, as that’s the song that people know me best for and the response from the audience is insane! It’s that sort of response that makes my performance better, which also makes it better for the fans too.
You’ve started touring last November, how has that been like?
It’s been insane! I’ve been touring in Hong Kong,Bangkok,SingaporeandIndiaand I finish the tour in the next two weeks. Then after that, I’m going to take one month off because I have a five-year-old-son…
Awww…
Awww, yeah. So hopefully, I’ll be taking him to the Universal Studios (inFlorida) and then I’ll begin touring in theUSin May, then in December I’ll be touring inDubaiandHong Kongagain.
Out of all the countries you’ve toured in, which has the best ambience audience-wise?
I’d sayIndia. But if I had to name a specific city inIndia, I’d say Leh. The response there is insane!
You’re well known in the film industry and your work with RDB was featured in an Akshay Kumar film. Would you like to do any more soundtracks for films in the future?
You know, just last month we’ve finalised the whole soundtrack that RDB have done for a Bollywood film and I sing on one title. I can’t tell you about the film, but it’s expected to be big when it’s released in 2014.
