TALENTED BRITISH SINGING STAR RECALLS SPECIAL MUSICAL MOMENTS FROM HER LIFE
by ASJAD NAZIR
Talented singer Anna Heer lit up the airwaves with her recently-released song Radio and it was the latest chapter in a musical journey that started from a young age.
The British-born singer hails from a musical family and has been surrounded by songs from a young age, which includes having a father who was part of an award-winning bhangra band. Eastern Eye got Anna to look back and tell us about her life in songs.
My earliest memory of a song is…Laung Da Lishkara, which is an old Punjabi song that has been covered by so many people over the years. But for me, it is the first song I learned as a kid from my grandma. She taught me how to sing the song and I still remember singing it with her.
A song connected to a happy childhood memory is…Nachdi Di Gooth Khulgaye by Premi because it reminds me of my brother’s second birthday party. I remember dancing like crazy with my sister to it. Happy days.
Another song connected to a childhood memory is…Kehna Hi Kya from Bombay. The AR Rahman-composed song was on replay throughout the summer holidays when it was released, and I loved it. I still do.
A song that really influenced me growing up was…Cham Cham Nachdi Phiran by Asha Bhosle and Channi Singh from Alaap. I lived for her parts in this song. Her voice on this song, the melody and everything else were magical. I used to sing this a lot and wanted to sound just like Asha Bhosle.
The first album I ever bought was…Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number by Aaliyah. The late great singer died young, but left a lasting legacy and influenced many in some way, including me.
A song that inspired me was…Pyar Ka Hai Bairi by Sangeeta. Growing up listening to Sangeeta was inspiring. I would watch her on shows such as Network East and knew I wanted to sing. I loved what she was doing at that time.
The first song I performed live was…Dil Cheez by Bally Sagoo. I am and have always been a huge fan of Sagoo’s work. He was very good friends with my dad and kindly gave me the backing track to Dill Cheez as I was keen to perform it. It was a great experience and I knew it was something I wanted to do again.
The first song I recorded…unfortunately never got released. I first stepped into a studio to feature on a B21 song with Bally Jagpal and recorded it with the talented Bhoota Jagpal. It was a great experience and I learned a lot.
The first song I released was…Nishani Pyar Di and it was just an amazing experience. I teamed up with talented music producer Popsy on the song and also released an eye-catching music video filmed in an amazing location, which was so much fun to shoot.
A song connected to a recent memory is…Panjeb by Rashi Sood. The memory of my sister’s wedding will always stay with me and I remember us overkilling this track by playing it throughout the celebrations. Every time I hear this song, it reminds me of the wedding festivities.
A song by an artist I love is…Londono Patola by Jazzy B. I am such a huge fan of Jazzy and I like both versions of the track he released. But I do like the original a little more and after all these years, it still has the power to light up a dance floor.
An album that helps me is…Bollywood Flashback by Bally Sagoo. The timeless album has feel-good vibes even now. Listening to any song on the album puts me in a good mood.
A song that brings back beautiful memories even now is…Teri Akh Deh Ishaare by Heera. This track takes me back to my childhood and to carefree times. I am blessed to have had such an amazing upbringing filled with love and have so many great memories.
A song connected to a sad memory is…Sajna Ve Sajna by Gurdas Maan. This track reminds me of a loved one who sadly passed away. This was his favourite song.
A song I have on repeat right now is…Wang Da Naap by Ammy Virk. There is such a great vibe coming from India these days from talented artists delivering big tracks like this one.
My latest song…Radio is something different for me. I went out of my comfort zone with this track and I’m glad I did. I am really proud of this song and hope you love it just as much as I do.
My next song…will have even more energy than Radio. I’m looking to release more fun and upbeat music.
I love music…because it is in my blood. My dad has been my biggest role model and inspiration. With him being the lead singer for Geet The Mega Band and I have been around music, am in love with it. There is not a day that goes by without me listening to music or singing. Music is my biggest escape from everything in life, at times. I literally can’t live without it!
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Big B defends his choice to praise Abhishek openly and others privately
Amitabh Bachchan reveals why he praises Abhishek publicly but not Jaya or Aishwarya
Quick highlights:
Amitabh Bachchan has responded to online comments asking why he often praises son Abhishek Bachchan on social media but not wife Jaya Bachchan, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, or daughter Shweta. The actor explained that while he chooses to support Abhishek publicly, he honours the women in his family privately, saying he prefers to respect them “in his heart.”
Bachchan defends Abhishek praise, addresses fan remarks online
The 81-year-old actor, who regularly shares photos and thoughts with fans, recently posted images of himself meeting admirers outside his Mumbai home, Jalsa. Captioned “Yes, I praise Abhishek. So?”, the post sparked comments from users questioning why he doesn’t do the same for Jaya, Aishwarya, or Shweta.
Responding directly, Bachchan wrote, “Yes, I shall praise them in my heart… not publicly… respect for the ladies.” His reply quickly circulated across platforms, with many praising his thoughtful answer. Others pointed to his tendency to engage more often when defending Abhishek, especially around film releases.
Bachchan also shut down a user accusing him of having “paid fans,” bluntly replying, “Prove it! You are small-minded… why don’t you pay and get fans too?” When another person mocked those waiting outside his home as “unemployed,” he replied with characteristic wit: “So give them a job? When they stand at the gate of Jalsa, they are EMPLOYED in love.”
Actor remains active on social media while juggling film projects
Bachchan has become increasingly interactive online in recent years, often directly responding to criticism and fan feedback. Meanwhile, Abhishek was last seen in Housefull 5, a multi-starrer comedy that released earlier this month. Jaya Bachchan appeared in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in 2023, while Aishwarya Rai was part of Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan films. Despite the online chatter, Amitabh continues to walk his own path, on-screen and online.