New Delhi, August 10: When it comes to music, British-Punjabi band RDB, who composed chart topping Bollywood numbers like ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ and’Singh is Kinng’, say that India and Pakistan are the same.
The quartet of Kuly, Manj, Surj and Nindi Kaur of RDB which stands for ‘Rhythm, Dhol, Bass’, blend western genres with traditional Punjabi beats and vocals and had recently performed in both India and Pakistan to packed crowds.
“India is like home! And we love coming back as much as I can. I like to think that music is an international language that brings all different countries together. Coming to India and Pakistan is just like home, because they are ‘apne bande’ (our people),” Surj told PTI.
The trip to Pakistan was an emotional one, especially for Surj who was to be aboard the flight that crashed in Islamabad, killing all 152 passengers and crew. He had missed the flight by a few hours.
“There is definitely someone watching over me, I thank god for that lucky escape. Everyone who lost their loved ones.
my thoughts and hearts out to all the ones who lost loved ones, I feel for you all,” he said.
The band launched their debut album in 2001 but are now a force to reckon with on the world music stage.
ith five albums already in their kitty, the group has come up with a new record ‘Worldwide’ and their new member Nindi Kaur.
“It has a worldwide influence. As the whole team loves touring the world and performing to all different types of crowds, it only made sense to produce a worldwide album, with lots of collaborations and lots of international music.
But always keeping it real to our desi culture,” said Surj, who along with the other members of RDB performed at F Bar in the capital recently.
But has it been difficult for the group to mix traditional music with western sounds at any point of time?
“Not as difficult as you might think, it’s actually great fun, fusing different musical beats together, when we’re in the studio and we put beats together we are on another level,” Surj said.
Counting the ‘Khiladi’ of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar as their friend, RDB admits that working with global hip-hop star Snoop Dogg was a big boost to their musical career.
“Akki has and always will be our friend. To work with him is not only inspiring but great fun. Making music for films was a stepping stone in our career, and will always pursue our career and achieve higher goals,” Surj said.
“Snoop is an amazing guy to work with, he was so humble and we was so up for getting the desi groove on. We totally had a blast making the music video for Singh is Kinng. You couldn’t really ask for a better collaboration,” he added.
–PTI