Singer Sukhwinder Singh recently sat down with Pinkvilla for an in-depth conversation about his remarkable musical journey. The living legend reflects on his successes and the passion that continues to drive him. He spoke at length about memorable collaborations with Subhash Ghai and AR Rahman and his experiences of lending his voice to Shah Rukh Khan’s films. Sukhwinder also shared heartfelt memories of working with lyricist Gulzar and late Anand Bakshi, who helped shape Hindi film music.
On working with Subhash Ghai
When Singh was asked about his experience of working with Subhash Ghai, he revealed that he has worked with him in Taal, Kisna and even composed the music for Anil Kapoor starrer Black and White. Discussing the classic track Ramta Jogi, the singer revealed that the song was composed after the completion of the film. He told that once Subhash Ghai had invited him for dinner. Ghai often addressed her as Ramta. Sukhwinder Singh said, "AR Rahman heard the filmmaker addressing him by this name 4-5 times, which piqued his interest. He asked me what it meant? I said it means ‘eccentric person’. A person who cares so much about love. The person who takes so much care of his partner."
How was Ramta Jogi born?
Singh also emphasized to Rahman that love is between God and the individual. He said, I told him, "Ramta’s real name was Rahmat, who was loved by God and now he is not known as Ramta but Rahmat, which means God’s blessings." Rahman asked him to include it and Singh sang Ramta Jogi. He said, "The musician then sent that CD to lyricist Anand Bakshi Sahab and even Subhash ji was not aware of it, but he liked it immediately. Rahman is a very good technician. The best thing he did was that I was singing randomly, capturing it in the most natural way." Subhash Ghai then told Sukhwinder Singh that the film was about to be released as the prints were made, but he requested him to keep track as he knew it would work. This song matched Anil Kapoor’s character and was then included in the film.
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