Bollywood needs artistes like me, Badshah, Honey Singh: Mika

Bollywood music has undergone a transformation in last few years with new pop singers taking over its territory and one such artiste is Mika Singh, who believes that the industry needs them because they bring fresh energy.
The 39-year-old star, known for giving hits like "Mauja Hi Mauja", "Subah Hone Na De", "Dhinka Chika", "Jumme Ki Raat" and most recently "440 volt", says singers like him, Badshah, Honey Singh are the top choice of Bollywood today for a reason.
"Bollywood needs all kind of artistes. It's not like Bollywood supports us or gives us a chance. It needs us and that is why we're here. Pop singers like us, who come from cities like Delhi, Punjab, bring new energy, which was not there earlier," Mika told PTI.

"If you go by the history, Daler paaji (brother) became famous before he entered Bollywood. Then after Daler paaji, Adnan (Sami), Atif (Aslam), Honey Singh, Badshah, they all came to Bollywood when they were already big names. Bollywood chose them because they were good."
Citing Diljit Dosanjh's example, Mika says this sudden change is not only limited to the singers.
"Diljit is a big star in Punjab, he's doing really well there. That is why Bollywood took him and 'Udta Punjab' became more popular."

Mika says that singers earlier would keep a low profile and that is why some of them were unable to make a mark.

"After Lata ji's era, most singers were unable to make histroy, they just came and went. We have brought a trend that singers should perform and wear good clothes.
"Daler Paaji and I are very proud that we have brought this trend and now everyone is following it today, which is amazing."
The singer has recently launched his new track "Sohniye", which also features his brother and veteran singer Daler Mehndi. The single is a foot-tapping number with Punjabi beats.
Talking about their first collaboration, Mika says, "I've been planning it since a longtime, thanks to Salman Khan, who made it possible. Daler paaji is my guru and mentor. He is a legend."

Though they have performed together in the past, it was for the first time that the two brothers worked on a song together.
Mika says Daler had to lose over 20 kilos for the video.
"I asked Daler paaji to reduce his weight for the video because I wanted both of us to look perfect as we were coming together for the first time. And he was so cooperative, he did whatever I told him. It took us almost a year to complete the entire song, including its video shoot, sound mixing, tune, beats.