Allah ka banda
| Kailash Kher |
Kailash Kher talks about one-hit wonders, making it big... and long hair
Nikita Rana
You had a big hit, 'Allah Ke Bande', very early in your career. There are many singers who have been one-hit wonders. Does the thought of making every song a hit pressurise you?
No, I never write or sing a song with the intention of making it a hit. I give my best to all my songs and leave the rest to the listeners. So I'm not pressurised to dish out hits. I think when you put your heart and soul into something, a hit just happens.
You've lived at the Andheri station at one point in your life. Now, you're a well-known voice, you drive a Honda City and live in Lokhandwala Complex. Now that life has changed so much for the better, do you think you have changed too?
Everybody changes with time, as you grow you change - it's natural. I lived at the station when I didn't have money, now I live in Lokhandwala. But, honestly, it's not a big deal. I'm still the same person at the end of the day. I'm don't consider myself a star. I still travel by autorickshaws and am in touch with my friend, the chaiwalla, who used to be my companion in those days. I'm not obsessed with luxury and I think using autos is simpler than facing parking problems. People see me on the roads and shout, "Allah ka banda, Allah ka banda" but I can deal with it. I'm not a celebrity.
Your style is very different - from your singing to your hairstyle. There were people who didn't like you singing 'Mein teri dewaani' because it was a song meant for a woman. What do you think about singing for the opposite sex and how do you react to the criticism?
Yes, my style is unique. I like my hair long, although I've cut it short recently. I had problems maintaining it. It's too thick! I'm busier these days, so short hair makes more sense now. As for criticism for singing 'Mein teri deewani', you have to listen to the song carefully to understand that it's not about a male or female issue. In Sufi music, one goes so deep into devotion, that there is just that soul connection.
You had run away from home when you were a little boy. How did you manage
Yes I left home when I was 12 years old, but I didn't run away. I had spoken to my parents about what I really wanted to do. To learn music you need a certain atmosphere. You need your apace. I knew it wouldn't be possible if I lived at home. My parents had tried very hard to stop me but I explained to them that everyone has a purpose in life, a purpose one should realise. I had told my parents that they could disown me if I didn't succeed. Thankfully, I did okay.
You're a very busy man now, with lots of shows and tours etc. How do you like to spend your free time? Is there anybody you special in your life yet?
I do a lot of meditation. I also observe maun vrat. All this helps me. As for the special person in my life, I'm trying very hard to find one. My family and friends tell me I should get married but I just can't seem to find the right girl.
What do you enjoy more, playback singing or making private albums?
I came to Mumbai to make my own album. The playback singing is like a bonus. I'm thrilled that my first song was 'Allah ke bande'. When you sing somebody else's composition, you treat it like another's child. There's more scope to innovate when it's your own song. I'm concentrating on my album, Kailasa, right now. I've already recorded a few songs, one of which is 'Teri deewani'. The songs are a fusion of Sufi, classical and pop music. The album will have a new version of 'Allah ke bande'.
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