Satinder Sartaj does not require any introduction. This young Sufi singer has earned glory through his quality singing. He has been preserving Punjabi culture through his singing. Well, this multitalented personality is far more than just a singer- a poet, song-writer, music composer, ex-lecturer and now an actor.
He is one of the singers, who are known for their cultural, clean and quality music. His music night last weekend filled the Vodafone events centre, Auckland with divine waves. The full-packed show was evidence of Sartaj’s popularity and craze among not only Punjabi but other Indian people also.
He is now moving to the big screen, with a film on a historical topic. This film named ‘The Black Prince’ will be based on the story of last king of Punjab, Maharaja Duleep Singh, son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Brillstein Entertainment Partners executive Jai Khanna will co-produce the film which has been written and to be directed by Los Angeles (USA) based Indian filmmaker Kavi Raz.
This film will be made in English and Hindi. 90% of the film will be shot in UK and some of some parts in India.
We got a chance to have an exclusive interview with Satinder Sartaj, in which he talked about his passion about music, start of his career, his upcoming movie, his dreams, inspiration and lot more. We have brought out the best of it for you here.
Swati Sharma: So can we say that Satinder Sartaj is now all set for big screen? Would you like to do Punjabi movies in future as well?
Satinder Sartaj: No way! I never wanted to do films. It’s just the topic of the film that made me do this film. I liked the story and concept of the film and I could not deny doing it. I am not interested in doing Punjabi or Hindi or any movies.
Swati: Then why did you choose this movie?
Sartaj: I have always felt that this is the part of the Punjab history which has remained hidden and I believe that it should be told. People have earlier tried to present this story through plays and acts. But no feature film has been made yet on this topic. Moreover, a film on this topic needed a big budget, so one tried to take an initiative. Now that Brillstein Entertainment Partners is co-producing this film, I think it’s the time we bring it on.
Swati: How did you start your career- as a singer, poet or composer?
Sartaj: I started my career as a singer. Initially I used to sing in front of friends and family. They encouraged me to do music shows. I started doing small scale music shows and then slowly and steadily, I got immense love of people from around the world which made me what I am today.
Swati: I have always seen artists running away from education but you have completed your M. Phil and then Ph.D. in Sufi singing. You have also done a Diploma in Persian language. How come you are so fond of education?
Sartaj: I have always loved education. Even I always wanted to be a professor not singer. I have been senior music lecturer in Panjab University, Chandigarh from 2003-2009. I, just by chance, got to be a singer.
Swati: Have you ever came across an incident during your music events that touched your heart?
Sartaj: I was doing a stage show in Greece, when a physically disabled man came to me. He was a Pakistani and had come from a place 800km away from the venue of the show, just to give me a Salwaar-Kameez (a type of Punjabi attire). I was deeply touched by his love for me. I can never forget that moment.
Swati: Sometimes, people compare you with the legendry Gurdas Mann or see you just next to him. How do you feel about that?
Sartaj: Maan Saab is truly a legend. I never compare myself with him. We, as a singer try to follow his steps. He has given Punjabi music industry new dimensions. He has already built a path for us. His contribution to the music industry is very big and commendable. He is not only popular in Punjabi industry but also in Bollywood and all over the world.
Swati: Who has been your inspiration in singing or whom do you follow?
Sartaj: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Saab has been my inspiration from very young age. I have always tried to sing like him and thought it would be greatiIf I could sing even a bit like him.
Swati: Tell us something about your new music album Rangrez. Which is your favourite number from this one?
Sartaj: This album has different types of songs. It has sufi, cultural, social all genre’s songs. People are giving immense love to this album as well. My favourite from this one is ‘Jalsa’.
The concert was arguably one of the most successful Punjabi events in New Zealand. The young promoter Navjot Singh’s efforts were clearly visible as the auditorium was full to its capacity and people could not stop their feet from tapping the dance floor.
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