How much do you know about the person behind the 2005 chart topper “Bulla ki jaana”? Always known for his BINDASS music, here’s 8OCTAVES you bringing more about him.
Rabbi’s music has been inspired by Rock, Hard rock as well as Sufi and Punjabi folk music. His favourite musicians include Bruce Springsteen, Sahotas, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and Jimmy Page. Rabbi, who had been active in the music industry for quite some time since the 90s, composing jingles and such, achieved superstardom practically overnight, with the release of his debut album Rabbi in 2005, all because of one catchy number – undoubtedly “bulla ki jaana” is the one!!
The broadest classification possible for his music is rock, his lyrics Punjabi, his video bereft of belly buttons. His songs flit from Bryan Adams-ish light to Leonard Cohen-esque darkness. He sings Simon and Garfunkel in an autorickshaw. An ardent fan of rock himself, his tribute for MJ is always close to his heart, he says-MJ’s death was a moment of deep sadness for me. At first it was unbelievable, but then when the sorrowful news was confirmed, it seemed like a personal blow to me even though I had no first hand interaction with the God of Pop Music.
Not only a singer, but Ahead of the MCD elections, Citizen Journalist Rabbi Shergill even found out what are the problems faced by the residents of Delhi. Moreover it is a surprise for all of us that this talented artist is also a part of A.R.Rahman’s core team and is directly or indirectly behind the awesome ARR’s musical numbers we are glued to until today!
Looking back to past, we understand that Rabbi’s father was a Sikh preacher and his mother, a college principal, loved Gurbani kirtan. Rabbi was “very, very influenced by Sikh literature. He grew up reading Gyani Gyan Singh, Kabir’s dohas, Shiv Bata and would have long discussions on poetry. He was listening to rock music and Punjabi spiritual music. It all comes together combusts.
Getting to know more about his entry into the music industry, His first demo impressed world music producer Jawahar Wattal. Sony Music wanted to sign him on. He had differences with Jawahar.Sony then put him on to K J Singh, the man who would produce his debut eponymous album. The two worked on a new demo. Sony backed out. Knocking on doors began again. Rabbi met Minty Tejpal, brother and business partner of Tehelka Editor in Chief Tarun Tejpal and that is exactly how Rabbi made his mark with “Bulla Ki”. Following this, Rabbi came out with a second album, Avengi Ja Nahin, in 2008, showcasing his maturity in song writing while covering darker subjects. One particular number that stood out from this album was ‘Bilqis (Jinhe Naaz Hai)’. Let us wait and watch what he brings out to us with his newest album. ‘Ganga‘, one of his newest songs on his upcoming album.
” Rabbi himself has been called “Punjabi music’s true urban balladeer”. It’s the great reality of urban India is all we have to say – Punjabi rock it is!
