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Punjabi music taking Punjabiat to places through Bollywood
by Sunil Sharma

         Chandigarh: Punjabi music which has today captivated a huge number of fans beyond Punjab, especially abroad, is creating a great influence in Bollywood films. Almost every other film from Bollywood is found carrying a Punjabi number or lyrics in dialogues. The recent popularity of 'Singh is Kinng' through its song "Jee Karda", the Punjabi playback singer Labh Janjua not only gained immense popularity but also brought the spotlight on Punjabi culture and language. The film has also highlighted how Punjabi language is influencing the Indian cinema of the present day. Punjabi's influence has been prominently noticeable in a number of recent films such as `Singh is Kinng', `Jab We Met' and `Heroes'. This new focus in Hindi films is a result of the growing demand for Punjabi numbers. Labh Janjua, the Punjabi singer of 'Singh is Kinng' says: "Punjabi songs are getting highlighted, as Punjab is usually a happening place in the development of art. The mode and language of Punjabi music is very open. Drumbeats and vocal music in Punjabi songs is very energetic." The popular trend for Punjabi music has also helped gain a big exposure to Punjabi folk instrument players like Harpal Singh who plays 'Tumbi'. Harpal Singh says: "In Bollywood, `Tumbi' is now in great demand. The `Jee Karda' song in the film `Singh is Kinng' starts with the tune of Tumbi. This song has become very popular as well as the instrument gained worldwide fame." Filmmakers are increasingly using Punjabi lyrics in dialogues as well as songs. The songs in particular are being used with original folk instruments in the present day Indian cinema to draw maximum music loving audience. There are Ghazals and romantic songs in Punjabi too. With growing charm of Punjabi music and its culture among non-Punjabis, many people opine that the Bollywood has provided a platform to showcase `Punjabiyat'. J. S. Cheema, Film Director, said: "With the Punjabi music's influence growing in the Hindi cinema, the popularity of Punjabi folk in instruments has helped local musicians and musical instruments a lot. Punjabi chorus singers have also been used to give back up in Hindi songs. I see this trend growing in future." Today, many popular singers are contributing to the Indian cinema and making a difference through Bollywood films. After Mumbai, Chandigarh has become a hub for music composers, singers and filmmakers to cash in on this phenomenon.
-Nov 14, 2008