Nindy Kaur: The Punjabi Bollywood Queen
20th January 2012

Nindy Kaur, wife of acclaimed singer and producer Manjeet Ral of RDB, began singing at the age of 10. Raised in the U.K. and surrounded by the beats and rhythms of Birmingham’s Bhangra bands, she grew up as a child who would save her lunch money to buy every single Bhangra album upon release. It was a given obvious that Bhangra music would soon become the prime influence in shaping her future as a singer. Her dad would pick up all the old folk-Punjabi records such as Ranjit Kaur and Mohammad Sadiqu, while Nindy and her brother would dance to them.

A self-taught singer, she spent years developing her vocal skills in both Punjabi and Hindi, until 2004 when Nindy Kaur made her stage debut as she toured the United States with Shezad Roy & Sukhbir. After that, there was no stopping this singer; she became a household name to music enthusiasts across the nation as her presence in music became more vivid as her relationship with RDB grew. With a smile on her face, Nindy says, “It’s a long Bollywood fantasy story and would take me all day to tall you about it. But Manj and I met quite randomly; we fell in love and married instantly. The next thing you know, Manj has got me in the vocal booth singing.”

Her talent was obvious to Manj and she went on record more with RDB, eventually leading to her performing on the same stage with actor Akshay Kumar at the Toronto Film Festival. Nindy instantly became an overnight success, with both the younger and the older generation, both in awe of her captivating and charismatic vocals. Nindy’s debut release was the track “Aja Sajana” which was featured on the album “Danger 3” by Untouchables Records. From there she also released “Gur Nalo Ishq” and “Gidha Pao,” which were both featured on DJH’s debut album. She went on to record two songs for Aftab Shivadasani’s movie “Aloo Chaat" whilst also working on her solo album and new tour.

We caught up with her for a brief interview....

What and/or who inspires your music?

Has to be people like Lady Gaga, the old skool Punjabi bands like Sahotas and of course Manj (My husband) who has been the back bone of my music, confidence, voice and support.

How and when did you first get noticed?

By RDB it was Manj who kept pushing me to get into the studio and record. I was like everyone else - a superstar singer in my car and in my shower! LOL! Manj really liked my voice and kept insisting I get into the studio with RDB. Along came a track they needed a female singer on so I gave it a go. The rest is as they say history with the brothers.

How many albums and singles have you released since then?

Lost count with the many songs I’ve released with RDB. Well past a dozen now and many more in the works. This year however I am excited to be releasing my debut solo album, Nindypendant. I’ve released the first two singles, “Two Seater” and “Deewani” with the third single around the corner “Save the World Feat Culture Shock” which I'm really looking forward to as its a complete mainstream feel track with my touch of pure punjabi nk style. The album will be out early 2012 with 10 original Nindy tracks alongside a host of guests.

What do you enjoy most about singing and performing?

It will sound cliché but it is the fans reaction to the songs. When you are on stage in front of thousands, to hear them singing back your track is a moment in life you wish you could bottle up. I will never get tired of that feeling.

Is it something you've always dreamed of doing?

I never really set out to be a singer. To be around such a successful group as RDB facilitated the transition and I can’t lie it’s a lot of fun but definitely a lot of hard work and long hours.

How was it being the ambassador at the IIFA?

In one word, flattering, the IIFA’s are the world’s biggest Bollywood stage. To have them in North America for the first time was another massive accomplishment for the Indian movie industry. When Manj and I were asked to be ambassadors it didn’t take long to say yes. Toronto is our second home and the opportunity to host our friends in Bollywood was a welcomed pleasure. I’ll tell you, between rehearsals, private parties and dinners we didn’t get much rest that weekend!

Did you ever think you'd have number one hits and be performing infront of millions of people?

Who really does? You always hope so but when it happens you can never be prepared for it. Its overwhelming knowing what you written and sang really means something to not just one person but millions. As an artist you can’t help but convey your inner thoughts on paper and to reassure fans when they connect with your music that they are not the only ones going through the same emotions is a much welcomed feeling.

You've done solo work as well as collaborations- do you prefer doing one over the other?

There is an anticipation that builds when doing both. To feed off the energy from others during a collaboration and to push yourself personally when doing a solo track each in its own way really motivates me to do my best.

What kind of feedback have you been getting from the media/your fans about your work?

All the feedback so far has been extremely positive. The fans have been very supportive of all my work with RDB and the way they have taken to my solo work I am truly grateful. If I could thank each and every one of them personally I would and I try my best to keep in touch with them all on my facebook page and twitter.

Under whom did you get vocal training?

Well to be honest I was never trained professionally, more of a natural to be honest but most of my guidance came from my hubby Manj. Without his guidance I wouldn’t be where I am today vocally.

What plans do you have for 2012?

I think you can never really prepare for what the music industry plans for you. I believe if you stay true to your heart and make music you are proud of then your music will continue to grow regardless of trends. I’m excited about releasing Nindypendant my solo debut shortly and starting the Nindypendant world tour. In addition there are a host of RDB/Nindy Kaur tracks in the works so things are very busy at the moment.

Any message/ advice for upcoming Bhangra artists in UK?

Just make the music you love and don’t conform to what you believe people want because people really just want to know the real you. Make music you are proud of and give it your all. We live in a tough economic time so when fans spend their hard earned dollar they should know they are getting your absolute best effort.

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