In family he finds strength

Son of legendary singer Hans Raj Hans, Navraj Hans is a multitasker. A singer by genes, and an actor and cricketer by choice, Navraj owes it all to his father.

He talks about the functioning of the music industry, how lockdown made him work on his physique, making him realise that health is the ultimate wealth…

You are a singer, actor and cricketer. How do you balance all these roles?

Every day I wake up early and do riyaz for a few hours. Then I watch movies throughout the day, mostly world cinema and practise cricket thrice a week on indoor mats.

Your father is a famous Sufi singer. Did he inspire you?

He is my biggest inspiration. He has built his career from nothing, except for his talent. He comes from a middle-class family. He is versatile and hardworking, which has made him a legend today.

Name a few songs that are close to your heart?

The song Sili Sili Aundi Hai Hawa, which I sang alongside my father, is the closest to my heart.

What are the three things that you learnt from this lockdown?

Firstly, I learnt that life is more important than anything else. Health is wealth. Secondly, I learnt that we should never take things for granted. Lastly, we need God and His blessings to survive.

OTT platforms saw a major spike during this lockdown. Do you think it is the future of entertainment?

That’s not predictable because most audiences in the age group of 40-60 still prefer TV over OTT platforms. Only the younger generation is more attracted towards OTT. Still, as I said, the future is unpredictable.

What would you choose— a movie or a web series?

That totally depends on the subject and the story. If something unique and interesting comes up, I would love to do it no matter if it’s a movie or a web series.

Which is your current favourite web series?

I watched Money Heist and I absolutely loved it!

What new things did you learn during the lockdown?

I tried to cook but it didn’t go that well. My samosas turned out to be like vadas!

What changes do you see in yourself post Covid-19 outbreak?

I have improvised my diet and I am working on my physique.

Punjab has a rich culture. Your take?

Punjab di mitti di khushbu! Nothing, absolutely nothing matches the fragrance of the soil of Punjab! Our fields smell heavenly after the first rain of the season.

When was the last time you performed Bhangra?

Just recently, at my live show in Gurugram.

When you are stressed, which place do you visit in Punjab?

I am not the type to stress over anything. But if I am sad or feel low, I go to my parents. Their love and warmth make me forget everything.

Which are your favourite Punjabi dishes?

Mere ma ke haath ki saag and roti. I can finish eight rotis at a time. Also, mutter paneer bhurji made by my wife Ajit.

Which Punjabi film is close to your heart and why?

Yaar Annmulle. It’s my bother Yuvraj Hans’s first movie.

Favourite Punjabi songs?

All my father’s song. In a nutshell, my family is my favourite!

Three prominent places you would recommend your friends to visit in Punjab?

One must visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar, then explore food joints in city. They are simply outstanding. And not to be missed, my city, Jalandhar.

—Dharam Pal