Maninder Buttar: ‘The Punjabi music industry is thriving’

PUNJABI singer Maninder Buttar has gained popularity with hit songs that have collectively clocked up billions of views on YouTube and been streamed all over the world.

He recently added to top tracks like Yaari, Ik Tera, Pani Di Gal, Laare and Sakhiyaan with recently released EP Panchatantra, which has received appreciation across the globe. 

  With more solo singles and big collaborations on the way, the music star remains on an unstoppable rise and spoke to Eastern Eye about his journey so far. He also revealed his inspirations, music hero, future hopes and thought process behind his recent song Soda Water. 

 What first connected you to music?  

My first connection with music dates back to my childhood. It all began when I performed the song Nanha Munna Rahi Hoon at my school, where my mother worked as a teacher. The moment I finished my performance, I got loads of appreciation. This overwhelming response filled me with immense joy and sparked my first true inclination towards music. 

 How do you reflect on your musical journey so far? 

 Looking back on my musical journey, I feel grateful and fulfilled. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently strived to create music that is unique, thoughtful and different. I’ve approached each project with wholehearted commitment to create something meaningful and unique for my audience. 

 Which of your songs is closest to your heart?  

 Where do you draw your inspirations from as a songwriter?  

 I draw my inspirations as a songwriter from various sources, but a significant influence on my song writing journey has been Babbu, the talented lyricist behind Sakhiyaan.  

Learning from him has been transformative for me; he taught me the fundamentals and techniques of song writing and composition, which have deeply influenced my approach to creating music. His guidance continues to inspire and influence my work as an artist. 

 Who would you love to collaborate with?   

I am eager to collaborate with regional artists from Punjab, Rajasthan, and various parts of India, each representing unique languages and deep-rooted musical traditions. 

 My wish is to travel across the country, connecting with a diverse range of talented artists from different regions, blending their unique sounds and musical styles to create diverse and vibrant projects in future. 

 My dream collaboration would be with Honey Singh – his music and creativity have inspired me greatly.

The cover of his latest EP Panchatantra.

What was the inspiration behind your recent song Soda Water? 

It was an opportunity to push the boundaries of my creativity and deliver a sound that stands out from my previous work. 

 I explored using various vocal styles to achieve a distinct sound and it gave me the chance to try out a different approach in my music. 

 What music dominates your own personal playlist?   

My personal playlist is filled with a lot of Pakistani music, which I absolutely love for its creativity and soulful melodies. It’s mostly dominated by old classics that hold a special place in my heart. 

 Who is your own music hero?   

My music hero is Honey Singh because of the impact he has made on the music scene. He has paved the way for artists like me by popularising Punjabi music and creating immense opportunities in the industry. I deeply respect and admire him for his work and the path he has shown to artists from our region.  

Honey Singh, also known as the ‘Bluetooth King’ of the industry, is a music icon who holds a special place in the hearts of his audience. 

How does it feel being part of a new generation that is adding exciting new layers to Punjabi music?  

The Punjabi music industry is thriving with creativity and innovation, and I’m very optimistic about the future.  

I believe that in the coming years, we will see a lot more collaborations with Hollywood artists, and Punjabi music will gain even more international recognition and influence. For the new generation, this is an exciting time filled with endless possibilities, and I am excited to see where this journey takes us as we continue to push boundaries and break new ground in the music world. 

 Tell us something not many people know about you. 

 Not many people know much about me personally, as I’ve always kept a low profile outside of my work. However, I’m looking to change that in the future by becoming more interactive and engaging with my audience on social media.  

While I haven’t been very active on social platforms before, I’m looking forward to connecting with my fans and sharing more about myself with them.  

Why do you love music? 

 I love music. It is everywhere around us. Everything we hear can be considered music in some way. Being part of the music industry allows me to deeply connect with all aspects of this art form and provides me with a powerful means of expression. 

 It enriches my life and brings profound meaning to my existence, and I feel very fortunate to be able to share this passion with others through my work and connect with people on a deeper level.  

Being able to touch people’s lives through music is truly rewarding and inspires me to continue sharing my art with the