On the right notes

Singer Asees Kaur received rave reviews for her latest song Panghat from the recently released film Roohi starring Rajkummar Rao and Jahnvi Kapoor. Asees Kaur was discovered through reality shows Indian Idol and Awaz Punjab Di and since then has sung for various chartbusting numbers like Tere bin (Simmba), Jaan nisaar (Kedarnath), Akh lad jaave (Loveyatri) and Hui Malang (Malang).

The winner of multiple playback singing awards is clearly thrilled about having got on board for Panghat. Talking about how amazing it was to see the good responses Panghat has been getting, Asees, adds, “I got a call from Sachin-Jigar’s office, and I’ve sung a few songs for before. As they played Panghat to me in their office, I remember I fell completely in love with the song, and I got on board.” Working with the team was a lot of fun for Asees. She tells us that Sachin-Jigar had a vision of the song. “They said, ‘You’ve always sung romantic numbers; we want you to sing it as your own song.’ I was really happy as I’ve always wanted to sing an out-and-out dance number. Once I sang it, they loved it; even I was very happy about how it had turned out after the dub,” she says.

The godly connection

Belonging to a Sikh family, Asees’ connection with music started as a result of singing shabad in the Gurudwara. “My father used to give me one shabad and I’d take around one month to prepare it and then sang in the Gurudwara,” elaborates Asees, adding that she gives all due credit to the Gurbani that she’s sung in the past in the Gurudwaras.”

Asees did not come from a filmy background although that didn’t hold her back, even when life threw challenges at her. “Well, the journey has been pretty amazing. I got my first song within three months of coming to Mumbai, which was Dildara from Tamanchey. I was even happier after getting my second song Bolna on Sony Music, which was a breakthrough for me as everyone noticed my voice after that. It still remains one of my most favourite songs,” recalls Asees.

One song after another her musical journey became more interesting and happening. Asees sang romantic songs, club songs and party numbers. “I’m blessed that I’m able to show my versatility through my music,” she says. While she doesn’t dismiss her challenges, she tries not to sound too withered by them when she adds, “There are good days and bad days in everybody’s life. Most challenging part I think is to always be positive and give your best. But if you can face it well, it’s amazing.”

The gift of 2020

Even though Asees has sung various genres of music, she says she is closest to Sufi numbers and really hopes to sing them soon. “I haven’t tried singing one yet. But I hope I get to record a Sufi song soon and my fans accept it,” she says. While 2020 was a difficult year for most people, Asees found the year pretty amazing. “Even during the lockdown, I released music, especially non-film songs. It was a year in which I had time to reflect back and do more riyaaz.

Overall, it was a fun year for me. Now in 2021, after Panghat, I have an amazing non-film song coming up on Vyrl Originals, featuring Rubina and Paras in the video. This is one song I hold very close to my heart. I really can’t wait for you guys to listen to it and respond to it actually. So, please keep an eye out for that song,” she concludes.