I face problems with a smile, says singer Bhavdeep Romana

Mona

A fan of Punjabi folk music, Bhavdeep Romana’s latest track is a fusion spin on ever-popular Laung Gawacha. A duet with Prajakta Shukre, a finalist of the reality show Indian idol, it’s fun and peppy. Shot at Manesar, it was due for a June release but due to the pandemic, it was released on September 24. Bhavdeep sailed high on music and movies through the lockdown. Here’s more about him.

• Actor, anchor and singer—what’s next for you?

To be a complete performer. Though Laung Gawacha is my second song, I am still far from being a singer. Our industry is full of legends. But I love entertaining. I started as a show host and acting, singing, dancing - are all part of it. I am enjoying every bit!

• How did Laung Gawacha come about?

It was a concept by Raymant Marwah. In fact, he is the one who encouraged me to sing. It is directed by Manan Bhardwaj. With a song as popular as Laung Gawacha, there was a huge responsibility, but I am glad about the initial responses to it. While we shot before the lockdown, putting it together when almost everything shut down was still a challenge.

• How was the lockdown for you?

It sure was a bolt from the blue. For us the work stopped completely. There is no gathering, what would a host do? But being an artiste, one finds strength in one’s creations. In fact, music and movies kept people going all over the world. I learnt editing.

• How was it growing up in Punjab?

I grew up in Bhatinda. Being a historically significant town where Queen Razia Sultana was held captive, I grew up with deep cultural roots. People there are warm and welcoming. One can still visit anyone without any notice, something that I miss now that I live in Chandigarh and Mumbai. My school years at St Xavier’s prepped me for a journey in the entertainment world. I was always on stage, and received encouragement from my teachers.

• What is the most prominent Punjabi trait in you?

Warm, affectionate and the never-say-die attitude. Problems come but I face them with a smile.

• Who are your favourites in Pollywood?

Everyone. I grew up listening to Challa by Gurdas Maan ji, and have equally enjoyed Coke Studio version of Ki Banu Duniya Da Maan Saheb and Diljit Dosanjh’s songs. I like how Honey Singh brought a new flavour, each track of International Villager was a hit. What I don’t resonate with is, however, is all these songs of violence. Our folk music remains special.