Desi-Box caught up with soulful musical maestro Kailash Kher as he gets ready to tour the UK for his 2012 world tour. Known for his distinct voice and his ability to beautifully infuse traditional and contemporary music, the ‘Allah Ke Bandey’ singer has taken the globe by storm since he arrived on the scene in the year 2000. With having now sung in over 300 films and in 18 different languages he has proved himself as a global musical icon, whose songs and lyrics have touched the hearts of many. Currently releasing his fourth album; Rangeele with his band Kailash, Kailash spoke to Desi-Box about his passion for music, performing, his love for Coldplay and Adele as well as dedicating a song to cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar. (We were also humbled enough to get a brief rendition of his favourite song Babaji from his forthcoming album!)
DB: You started your music career in the year 2000. Is it true you fell into music by chance?
Kailash Kher: Yes definitely. I had no idea that my kind of music whether my kind of music would be accepted loved and respected the way it is today. I would never imagine in my wildest dreams that the words I write, the thoughts I have and the poetry I write can be liked by people all round the world. Today seeing this all happening is truly a miracle for me.
DB: Having sung in different languages do you find it difficult at all?
Kailash Kher: I don’t find it difficult. I find it all interesting. I reinvent myself through all the challenges I get. Whether I’m supposed to sing in Kannada or Telegu language etc. I always smile at myself first and laugh and think god how can you give me so many opportunities? Sometimes I tell music directors not to offer me songs. The moment I say no they are after me more saying the song is made for me. And I say if you 100% believe that I will do it.
Music to me is singing. Singing itself is the biggest meditation when you can be with yourself. Whether I am singing for a brand or film, singing itself is the biggest thing for me.
DB: How do you put so much passion into lyrics that you don’t quite understand the meaning of?
Kailash Kher: I ask the creator or director for the basic meaning. They also compose the song with my persona and belief in their mind.
DB: What is your proudest moment?
Kailash Kher: Every moment has been significant. Every moment is inspiring.
DB: What is your most memorable performance?
Kailash Kher: The memorable many are. Recently in Pune; I can’t tell you how beautiful the concert was, the audience, the sound, the venue and the energy on stage was amazing.
DB: You are not only touring in big cities but also touring in small cities too. Did you make this decision?
Kailash Kher: Destiny has made this decision for me (laughs) you can say I am destiny’s child. I don’t categorise people depending on size of city they are from. Most of my fans are in the smaller cities, and this is my passion; to play live music for them for people who can’t afford to go to the big cities to attend my functions. It is in a way my way of paying tribute to them and saying thank you for enjoying my music I love and have a passion for live performance, it connects me to the fans and the common man; I get inspired a lot.
DB: Can you tell us about the formation of the group Kailasa?
Kailash Kher: In 2004, when my songs in films became bigger, people started calling me for live concerts. That time I was working on my album with Naresh and Paresh. I just asked them would you join me in making this band. I named it Kailasa which means heavenly.
DB: What was your inspiration for the album Rangeele and how does it differ from your past albums?
Kailash Kher: Rangeele is our 4th album which is part of our non-film work. It has 11 love songs. I believe the album is different from our other work, because we keep reinventing ourselves. Wherever we go we get inspiration from everyone and life around us. This is reflected through our music, sound and composing.
DB: Can you tell us your favourite song from the album Rangeele?
Kailash Kher: It has to be Babaji.
DB: Can you tell us about the song you dedicated to Sachin Tendulkar?
Kailash Kher: When I met him in Mumbai, he told me loves my music and knows my songs of by heart and I really felt humbled and touched. Because he is the man who is very busy, yet he has some time to listen to my music. So I decided to make one song especially for him when he competed his 100th century for India.
DB: When judging on a talent show what do you specifically look for in a individual?
Kailash Kher: I look for purity in the voice and no fabrication or artificiality in the song. There should be truth because any performing art is a reflection of one’s inner person. I believe you can’t fake it, because if you do you won’t have the potential to last very long.
DB: What music do you listen to?
Kailash Kher: These days lots of Coldplay. I also listen to Adele because of my wife. They are both amazing. My two year old son Kabir listens to Coldplay’s Paradise a lot. He sings “Para-para-paradise, Para-para-paradise.”
DB: What do you love about UK the most?
Kailash Kher: I love the city of London the most as it has history and so much to tell you. It’s about the history behind it, it has seen so much. I love Europe in general.
DB: Your music attracts people of all ages, especially students why is that?
Kailash Kher: It’s all about love which connects all. Our music reflects our inner personas. Love attracts all from 80 year old’s to 16 year olds.
DB: Can you tell us about some of the films you have sung songs for?
Kailash Kher: Prakahi jah’s – Chakravyuh, Kya Super Kool Hai Him and recently Paan Singh Tomar
DB: Any last messages for your Desi-Box fans?
Kailash Kher: We are coming to UK for all you fans. Irrespective of your background you are made for music and made for love. We hope to see you enjoying the concerts.
Saregama Events recently announced exclusive student ticket offers at selected concert dates. Check out saregaamevents.com for more information.
