Step aside Daler Mehndi, your wife Nikki wants the mike

Punjabi Bhangra King Daler Mehndi is facing competition on the home front, but of a different kind! His wife, Nikki, has decided to make her debut as a singer, 15 years after the two wed.

By Ravi Khandelwal

New Delhi, Aug.20 : Punjabi "Bhangra King" Daler Mehndi is facing competition on the home front, but of a different kind! His wife, Nikki, has decided to make her debut as a singer, 15 years after the two wed.

Nikki is all set to rule the stage, and it's a case of better late than never.

"I dreamt about being an actor, but after marriage this dream evaporated. When I arrived at the home of Daler, a family of singers, I again thought of making my hobby my career. Daler suggested I take up training in singing seriously," says Nikki.

Born and bred in Mumbai, Nikki was an accomplished dancer, but had never sung. Recently, she became a pupil of Daler's father Ajmer Singh Mehndi and obtained formal training in Indian classical music.

Her classical base, she says will stand her in good stead.

"Many people don't want to follow sargam (notation) and prefer light music. I personally feel that a singer requires schooling in classical music. Sargam, or the seven notes (Sa Re Ga Ma...), are a must for any professional singer," Nikki says. `Nakhra Punjaban Da', her debut album contains eight melodious tracks - two in Hindi, one in Gujarati and the rest in Punjabi.

Daler Mehndi has been personally involved in the making of the album.

From singing dance-heavy to soulful songs, Nikki has experimented. The tracks are simple, yet memorable, with a light-hearted tone.

"There is all round admiration of the Punjabi music industry. Now, everyone talks of Punjabi music. In every composition, there exists a Punjabi flavour. We artists feel proud that Punjabi music is growing and the industry is totally reliant on singers. The singers should be excellent to help the industry grow," Nikki adds.

At 37, Nikki has made a beginning. Her dreams are soaring and she is looking forward to a bright career ahead. Having an expertise of dance has helped her in mastering the stage.

At a time when male singers dominate the Punjabi music industry, Nikki's entry may fulfil a long cherished goal.

ANI