Rabbi Shergill, in Chandigarh for a book launch, says Punjab's literature and history is very rich

Rabbi Shergill was in Chandigarh to launch a book, Power of The Laugh, written by Amneet Kaur, and the conversation went much beyond the books — Punjabi language, music and the pandemic. The Bulla Ki Jaana singer, who is from Delhi with roots in Punjab, believes, “Punjab has a lot of potential; the literature is rich and so is the history. If you read Waris Shah or Baba Farid, they are amazing.”

Rabbi, who is planning to write a book (in Punjabi as well as English) adds, “Any creative thing has two aspects — art and the craft. If art comes from within, it is the craft that you control through hard work, constant learning and practice. As I have written my songs, I also have sung Heer or Bulleh Shah and credit the original writers. So, it is not necessary to always come with completely fresh topics. Subjects are usually the same; it’s your sensibility and observation that give it shape.”

Changing times

Rabbi’s first album was Rabbi in 2005 and he credits KJ Singh, the producer of the album, “He knew poetry, so gave my words and music a chance.” About the current Punjabi music scene, “I am not clued in to everything. But, I like Motia Chameli by Satinder Sartaaj and also a singer named Bir Singh.” The independent musician adds, “While earlier musicians had just one or two platforms, now it has all changed, which has helped young talent.” — Sheetal