Romail Gulzar’s journey begins at 11am, driving up the
M40 to meet the legendary Malkit Singh at his home in
Birmingham. As he covers the two hour distance, the
anticipation of meeting an iconic star, who is regarded
as the number one Bhangra act in the world today,
becomes unbearable.
Malkit, whose name translates into “One Who Rules
the World,” has produced several world hits, releasing
21 albums with his band “Golden Star.” Ranging from
rap and house to traditional Indian folk songs, Malkit’s
talents have taken him far, hitting the Guinness Book of
World Records in 2000 as the biggest selling Bhangra
star ever.
Malkit’s original sound has led him to conquer 27
countries with his world music and eclectic mix of multicultural
beats. His mercurial flair for the arts has sent this
star into the world of celebrity, with the soundtrack to the
multicultural British movie ‘Bend it like Beckham’ and into
several Hindi films.
As Malkit’s journey runs through Romail’s head,
every mile bringing him closer, he finally reaches the
star’s home. Once inside Malkit receives Romail with
wonderful hospitality. The two men talk about their
homeland and what life has given them working and
living in England. As Romail tells Malkit about Pukaar
and his vision for the company, a friendship begins to
form.
Malkit was born with a gift of musical talent and at the
age of four, his singing ability won him admission to a
school meant for those two years his senior. Although
this talent has given Malkit Singh a golden ticket into the
musical world, he still understands how difficult it is for
young artists. One of Pukaar’s missions is to promote
and establish new talents, and Malkit is extremely
supportive of this.
Romail’s day had come to an end, and although he
would have loved to stay longer and talk with the artist,
he had other engagements to attend. But then fate
struck. Malkit was on his way to London to catch a flight
to India, and as luck had it Romail was going to London
for his next interview. So the two men belted up and set
off back down the M40.
Malkit couldn’t stop himself from singing Pukaar’s
praises and as the hours passed he talked positively of
Pukaar’s work. Coming from such a prestige artist, the
compliments rung through Romail’s ears, making him
dream of the dizzy heights Pukaar could achieve one
day.
In an attempt to impress Malkit, Romail played his
recently launched CD ‘Nalka Daru Da.’ Malkit was
impressed by Pukaar’s sound, and was keen to hear
more of where this had come from. As Romail told Malkit
about the band he became keen to meet them, agreeing
to support Pukaar when playing in Southampton if they
ever needed him to. He also showed keen interest in
attending Pukaar’s magazine launch party to celebrate
the company’s success.
As they approached London, Malkit told Romail of the
many countries he had been so lucky to have travelled
to. His hi-energy beats and contagious rhythms of
Punjabi melody have given Malkit world recognition and
continue to do so twenty years after he began his career.
The support from Malkit has made Romail very happy.
He is delighted that Malkit likes his music and he
hopes that this encouragement will give young artists
something to aim for and a bright outlook to a better
future.