Mumbai, August 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Singer Sukhwinder Singh has recalled a major setback from the early phase of his career, years before he established himself as one of the most celebrated voices in Indian cinema with songs such as ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’, ‘Ramta Jogi’, ‘Bidi Jalaile’, ‘Haule Haule’ and ‘Kar Har Maidaan Fateh’.
In a throwback interview, Sukhwinder spoke about the relatively underrated song ‘Aaja Sanam Meri Jaan Chali’ from the 1991 drama ‘Khilaaf’ and explained why he believes the track did not make the impact he had hoped for.
According to the singer, legendary composer duo Laxmikant–Pyarelal wanted to launch him as a playback singer. However, Sukhwinder was keen to first learn orchestration and gain a deeper understanding of the creative process behind composing music.
“They wanted to launch me as a singer. When I played my CD for ‘Munda South Halla’ to them, but I wanted to learn orchestration, so I needed some more time. I wanted to learn what they were going through emotionally while composing a song,” he recalled.
Reflecting on recording ‘Aaja Sanam Meri Jaan Chali’, Sukhwinder said he approached the song with an energy that did not naturally suit him at that stage.
“When I sang the song, I sang it in a very energetic way. I sang it in such a way that I had to sing it strongly, something which was not in my nature,” he said.
Although the song found appreciation among some listeners, Sukhwinder felt that he was not yet ready to establish himself as a singer.
The singer added that he still enjoys listening to the track and feels that it has a distinctive quality.
The early setback did not stop Sukhwinder from building a highly successful career. He went on to deliver several acclaimed songs and received the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 2014 for ‘Bismil’ from Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘Haider’.
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