RAMEET SANDHU ON SONGS THAT SHAPED HER LIFE AND NEW RELEASE KARDE HAAN
by ASJAD NAZIR
Like a Scottish secret weapon, Rameet Sandhu has risen through the musical ranks with her deadly talent and amazing ability to deliver a killer song or lethal live performance whenever required.
This all-round ability of the singer and actress can be traced back to a musically-rich childhood, where she was exposed to diverse influences and showed a natural flair for performance.
The British actress and singer has teamed up with Mumzy Stranger for her latest single Karde Haan, which had a global release and is accompanied by an eye-catching music video. This is the latest song in the on-going musical journey of Rameet Sandhu and with that in mind, Eastern Eye got her to talk about her life in songs.
My earliest memory of a song is Tootak Tootak Toothiya by Malkit Singh…and it was one of many Punjabi songs played at home by my parents. When I was younger, I didn’t understand the lyrics, but it sounded so good and was super catchy, which stuck with me throughout my childhood memories. Admit it, just by reading the title you have this tune buzzing in your head right now. Big respect to the golden star Malkit!
The first song I learned as a kid was Twinkle Twinkle Little Star…and it is not the version you are thinking of. It was the super desi version from classic Bollywood film Purab aur Paschim sang originally by Asha Bhosle and Mahendra Kapoor. I learned this song with my brother Munmeet Sandhu. We learned this song because it had the fusion between Punjabi and English lyrics, which reminded me of the nursery rhythm Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. This was also the first song I performed live at a competition and won by singing it.
One song that is connected to a strong childhood memory is Teri Kanak Di Rakhi Mundiya from the Punjabi film Do Lachhian...and it was another song I learned with my brother. I remember singing this song in front of all my family members and at shows that we used to perform when we were younger. I love acting. This song is stuck in my head because we used to do an acting scene before performing it, which made it more fun and memorable.
Another song that is connected to a strong childhood memory is No. 1 Punjabi from the movie Chori Chori Chupke Chupke by Sonu Nigam and Jaspinder Narula... as I was hugely influenced by my parents who made us grow up listening to Punjabi songs. They kept us connected to our Punjabi roots. This song was particularly memorable because when I was younger the first dance I learned was of that song and I remember performing it at places.
Songs that influenced me growing up were…any by my cha cha jee Malkit Singh. We have seen him performing so many classics over the years, which was amazing. I learned a lot watching him perform and he influenced me so much. His golden voice is still going strong after so many decades.
The first album I bought was my own titled Dil Milde…and it was a moment of real joy. I was so proud of the album that I released with my brother when we were 11 years old. It was a huge achievement and a very happy moment in my life.
The first song I recorded was Jatt Ludhiana Da…and that was for our first album Dil Milde. This was sung alongside my brother Munmeet. We were lucky to have the great Malkit, who helped and guided us while recording this song.
My first solo release was Peengh…and it means a lot to me for a number of reasons. It was my debut solo single, my father Tirath Sandhu wrote it and was composed by my favourite music director Mumzy Stranger. Peengh was also my first big performance, which was at the UK Asian Music Awards at a huge arena. What an amazing experience and achievement to be aged 17, and sharing the same stage as the legend Rahat Fateh Ali khan. An unforgettable experience.
A devotional hymn that is close to my heart is Mittar Pyare Nu…and it is connected to a very sombre moment in my life. My brother and I sang this shabd (hymn) for our childhood best friend who passed away. We dedicated this hymn for him and that moment will forever remain in our hearts.
A track that connects me to an achievement I am proud of is Kuriya…because I wrote it myself and it topped the charts. It was the first time I had written a solo song and recorded it. I felt a sense of achievement with this track and I am very proud to perform it every time.
A collaboration I really enjoyed was Talli Hogaya with Curtis Young and Dr Zeus…and it showed me that thinking out of the box really works. I’ve believed music is universal and thought why not get myself, the hit-maker Dr Zeus and Dr Dre’s son Curtis Young on one track. I am glad I did and am looking forward to more unique collaborations in the future.
A song by an artist I love is Do You Know by Diljit Dosanjh…and it is one that has an addictive quality. I completely love Diljit as an artist. I love him for his hard work and determination as a singer, and actor. (Laughs). Not gonna lie, I dream of Diljit singing this song to me.
Songs that really help me are anything by Cardi B…and it is impossible to choose just one. Some of her songs are very empowering and even some of her fun songs are a great pick-me-up when you are feeling down or doubtful in life.
A song that I have on repeat right now is Teri Mitti from the film Kesari…and in my opinion, this track is full of emotion. Sung by B Praak, this song has such beautiful lyrics and one that makes you feel something, which is what good songs should do.
My karaoke song of choice is High Rated Gabru by Guru Randhawa…and can you blame me? There’s so much nakhra in this song. I absolutely love singing it.
A music producer I love working with is Mumzy Stranger…and he is someone I think is magnificently talented. He is such an amazing singer, songwriter and music producer. It is great fun working with him and sharing our ideas together. We have a few songs coming this year, which I’m super excited to let you all hear.
My latest song is Karde Haan…and its music is done by Mumzy Stranger. I’m super excited about this song as I have put in a lot of hard work into the whole project. I’m hoping you guys love it as much as I do. I’ve loved the idea of doing pop music with a Punjabi vibe, so I sat with Mumzy and made this new composition with him. The lyrics are done by my father, who has written my songs previously. We bounced a few ideas together to create this amazing song.
I am really happy to be working with the giant record label T-Series for my song Karde Haan…and we have been on quite a journey to create this song. They are the number one YouTube channel in the world and I am thankful to them for showing faith in me.
In terms of future songs…I have been travelling back and forth to Mumbai. I have been meeting new people within the music industry and experiencing a brand new vibe, which has really energised me. I learned a lot being in Mumbai and you will see the progress after watching and listening to Karde Haan.
Karde Haan by Rameet Sandhu is out now
