Bollywood gives Punjabi songs bigger platform: Rapper Badshah

Take "Saturday Saturday", "Kar gayi chull" or "Kala chashma" -- these songs came and went in their original forms, but they have received unprecedented popularity after being included in a Bollywood film. Rapper Badshah says Hindi films undoubtedly give Punjabi numbers a wider reach and fan following.

"I've made so many songs before that nobody cared to listen to, but as soon as they featured in films (they became more popular). I made '...chull', it was a hit but in a limited way, but now it is the biggest track of this year.

"This happens because Bollywood gives you a bigger platform. It helps you in making your reach wider," Badshah, whose real name is Aditya Singh, told IANS here.

Known for hits like "Proper patola", "DJ waley babu" and "Swag", Badshah's latest song "Kala Chashma" -- which he had earlier released with Indeep Bakshi -- features in a refreshed avatar in the upcoming film "Baar Baar Dekho". It has been picturised on Katrina Kaif and Sidharth Malhotra, and has gone viral on social media.

Talking about the track, Badshah said: "I have not done anything to 'Kala chashma'. I have just polished it a little... Katrina Kaif, Sidharth Malhotra, (singer) Neha Kakkar and all the other people who have been involved have contributed to make this song really big," added the rapper, who performed live at the Gardens Galleria here last week.

While "Kala chashma" is Badshah's first attempt at recreating a song, he considers it a "safe bet".

"I think it's a safe bet as the song is already a hit and it will help the film to get a good opening," he added.

But doesn't he feel this is also a mark that Bollywood may be running out of fresh ideas for music?

He said: "No, nothing like that. I think it is like fashion. Like there was a fashion of romantic numbers... I feel that a film is made in crores and then the makers feel, 'Maybe this thing (a song) will work for the film, so let's try this'.

"So, I feel it is a safe bet. Everywhere people take very less risk, so that's the same case for every industry."

The "Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai" crooner, who has already rapped a few lines for superstar Salman Khan's two films "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" and "Sultan", says he is keen to work on films with Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan too.

"I don't know why I haven't been able to work with both of them but I would love to work for everyone in the industry. Bollywood is a tough place to be in and survival isn't easy," he said.

Nevertheless, the "Bandook" rapper credits his growth and popularity to Bollywood.

"I want to thank Bollywood for accepting me and loving me the way I am and my songs. Bollywood has given me the reach. I also credit my team and label as anyone who is successful, is never alone," Badshah said.

(Durga Chakravarty can be contacted at durga.c@ians.in)

--IANS

dc/rb/vm