Pop music will never die: Rabbi Shergill

Singer and music composer Rabbi Shergill talks about music, influences in an interview with TOI Looks are deceptive they say, and that suits well for Rabbi Shergill who comes across as a serious thinker. But as he settles in on the couch for an interview, he surprises with his witty one liners. When quizzed upon his perceived image, he says with a shock in his eyes, “I am a song and dance guy.” So how come his music doesn’t reflect that quality? He clarifies, “I am no philosopher or a messenger, it’s just that I sometimes have things to say, things that I see and have a angst for. And that is what comes out in the music.” So what exactly is he like? “I am a western-pop-rock meets Hindi/Punjabi poetry.” And what about the Sufi essence which he is actually famous for? “There has been only one Sufi song that I have done, so to say. My music is totally western and I have spent a good amount of time trying to master a western instrument, the guitar.” So he being coined as a Sufi singer means his other work has been sidelined? He agrees reflectively, “Yes, you can say that. But call me anything, I don’t care, a name is just a name. I do what I feel. Actually I have gone totally rock in my upcoming album.” And what does he think about the western influence on Indian music, rock being hailed and folk music being sidelined? He says, “I have been troubled by that,” and then shifts to a more serious note saying, “Why do we wear jeans in hot weather, why we don’t see women wearing sarees? These are the questions to be asked. Why just put a question mark on music, it is just a small fraction of the whole picture. Rock music these days is everywhere.” But does it mean pop as a genre is dead as there are hardly any albums are released recently? “That cannot happen,” he quips. How does he manage to survive in an age which is not very conducive for individual albums? “Well, there are few good people who come to me and ask for live performances,” he smiles. Does he not plan to use the internet that has become a medium for many artists? “Internet is good, but only for the start-up bands. How many independent artists have you seen coming up and making it big? Hardly any.”So someone who has played in a rock band, still does western music and has become popular for his Sufi music, is it essential for an artist to venture into various forms to carve a name for himself? And he comes up with a perfect one liner, “Different folks, different strokes.” And then goes on to add, “It’s a personal choice. Whether you play any one particular thing and get absolutely perfect in it, or you explore and learn various other genres.” And what does he believe in doing? “I believe in remaining true to who you are while still exploring other options,” with this he signs off and leaves hurriedly for lunch