Sukhwinder Singh draws oxygen from two of his loves—music, yoga

Ever since Sukhwinder Singh entered the music scene with the iconic hit, Chaiyya Chaiyya, in 1998, he has been a relentless hit-maker. With songs such as the playful Ramta Jogi, motivational Kar Har Maidaan Fateh, soulful Mitwa, energetic Chak De India, catchy Gallan Goodiyaan and funny Jungle Mein Kaand, he continues to captivate audiences. And of course, how could we forget the Oscar and Grammy-winning sensation Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire! Sukhwinder’s electrifying live performances have won him legions of fans worldwide. This World Music day, Sukhwinder is set to perform in the City of Joy, to pay a rich tribute to Raj Kapoor. He will sing the song, Ram Teri Ganga Maili, it in four different styles – the original, classical, Sufi and folk.

Sukhwinder has another interest — yoga. On International Day of Yoga and World Music Day, which fall on the same day, today, he talks to us about two of his loves.

“Music is akin to meditation for me. I was introduced to it during my childhood,” he says. Born in Amritsar, Sukhwinder completed his education in Jalandhar. But for Sukhwinder, his education in music is an ongoing process and he takes his riyaaz seriously. “I am a ‘traveller’ learner. Wherever I go, I make sure to spend time with the local artistes. I sit with them, jam with them and always learn a thing or two!”

So, where does yoga fit in? When someone suggested him yoga, he was not sure if he could accommodate it in his schedule that oscillated between long hours in studios and travel. But once he took it up, Sukhwinder realised its worth in real time. “Being a sportsperson, it didn’t take me long to learn yoga – the basic stretching and asanas; what amazed me was that the benefits of yoga extend not just to the body but to the mind as well.” Sukhwinder loves that you cannot ‘hurry up’ in yoga. “I have made a special playlist with an element of classical, bit of rock, more of folk and I enjoy my yoga routine that I follow four to five days a week,” he says.

Given his hectic schedule, he has kept no fixed time for yoga but he makes sure to do it consistently over the years. “It relaxes my body and mind, prepping me for the frantic pace of life that I lead, helping me give my best to my fans, for whose deep love I am deeply grateful for.”

Looking forward to the release of his projects —Vishal Bhardwaj’s Arjun Ustara starring Shahid Kapoor; Siddharth Anand-directorial King that stars Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan; Ahmed Khan’s Baaghi 3 with Tiger Shroff; and another film on Namami Gange, his hands are full, heart content. “I wish everyone, a fabulous World Music and Yoga Day!”