By Sukant Deepak

New Delhi, Aug 9 (IANS): "Sufi music has a peculiar magic to it. It metamorphoses one to a distant world, and the lyrics tend to touch the heart in the most peculiar way. Most importantly, it has the power to heal," says singer Harshdeep Kaur.

Kaur, who sings in multiple Indian languages including Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali and Gujarati debuted at the age of 16 with the song 'Sajna Mai Haari', after winning titles in two reality shows. She remembers, "Imagine the thrill to have a film song released while you are still in school! I was overwhelmed."

One of the very few singers who have made it it big after winning two reality shows, considering the fact that most winners don't emerge successful in the industry, Kaur feels that though winning such shows gives one instant popularity, the most crucial part comes after that.

"It is very important to maintain that success and consistently work on creating good music and singing good songs. The struggle and hard work doesn't end with winning a reality show. The key is to make the most of every opportunity that comes one's way."

For someone who has worked with the best known music composers in the industry including AR Rahman, Amit Trivedi, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Vishal-Shehkhar, Pritam, Salim Sulaiman, Shantanu Moitra and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, she still remembers the time when along with her father, she would meet music directors to give them her demo CDs.

"I had no godfather in the industry. My only support was my family and my talent. It was purely my voice and hard work that fetched me work. Also, it is very important to stand out with your unique talent in order to get work."

Forever looking forward to working with composers who like to experiment with her voice and push her limits, the singer is all praise for the work culture down south. "Not only are they extremely professional and polite, their sense of music is praiseworthy."

At a time when there are no live gigs happening, Kaur, besides film music, is consistently working on her independent music and making new songs. "I'm composing some new songs and learning how to record myself. And yes, doing digital concerts with my band too."

Seen recently during Soundscapes, an initiative by HCL Concerts, the singer feels that the corporate house is doing a commendable job in promoting quality music despite the lockdown. "It is such a nice way to spread hope and positivity," she concludes.