EXCLUSIVE : People try to link me with Akshay Paaji, but that’s not true: Hard Kaur

Whenever there’s a mention of hip hop music scene in India, Hard Kaur’s name comes to the fore inevitably. The desi-diva, who had rocked the musical charts for years, was missing from the scene. But, the singing sensation is back with her new singles, which is making some good noise around. In a candid conversation, Hard Kaur unravels about spills the beans about his new single, future projects, movies and more

Tell us about your new singles in the market.

I had been waiting to release and public demand was also there. People had been asking me about my singles. So, I had to do it for their love. And here we are in the New Year with a new party song!

What’s more in the offing?

I am going to release more singles this year, at least three-four, and all of different types. There are many other musical expeditions in the offing. For Coke Studio, the song Kattey that I did with Bhamri Devi made a lot difference to me. I have always wanted to do music like this. But, I was told to do party songs. In such cases, even if you have something else you can do better. No one wants to take that chance, even though I had the songs ready. But now the times have changed. Now, I can introduce the real hiphop to India slowly and slowly.

But, wasn’t the song out of your genre?

Kattey is a brilliant song. You may think that it was a serious song or people may not like it that much. However, the viewership of the song tells us that this country has good listeners, who value music and understands it. But I am a musician I have to do everything. But, had it been just up to me I would have done just that!

Every musician/hip hopper seems to have their favourite camps. Whom do you wish to be associated with?

I am favourited by everyone. Though, they try to link me with Akshay Paaji, but that’s not true. Wherever there will be good work, I'll do it.I am open to work woth everyone. I am not like someone who pushed themselves in camps or groups. They have their support. What do we have? Whatever name, fame or money I have is hard-earned. I have neither ancestral wealth nor support from anyone. So, I do everything independently.

Many believe that you have been the first one in India to introduce this form of music. What do you have to say about this?

Oh yes baby! I am the godmother of hip hop music in India (laughs). I wanted to educate my county about this form of music. I didn’t like when people looked down upon us, Indians, and think that what do we know about hip hop. I wanted to change that. And this, I brought that change.

Also, I wanted to show the world that being a woman I can do what I guy in India could never managed to do. I wanted to remove that stereotyped lid placed on us. Also, I was born in India and brought up in US, so I was bullied a lot. I had a lot of negativity around me. When more people suppressed me, more I forced my way upwards. I am a rebel heart and have broken all the barriers, which have stopped me or any woman from growing, learning and doing what they need to do.

What had been your source of endless energy?

It has to be my mother. I am just a franchise; the real Hard Kaur is my mom. She is a powerhouse. Today, whatever I am doing is just because of the faith she had put in me. She fought with world, discarded the societal norms to make me this. She has always told me that I have to be successful on my own terms. She had openly told me that I have to be successful on the basis of my music and not by sleeping with someone or troubling anyone.

We saw your acting debut in Akshay Kumar starrer Patiala House. When are we going to see you next?

I am playing a baddie in a movie called Ticket To Bollywood with Vinay Khosla. Though, my screen time is hardly four to five minutes, it’s my dream role. I have always wanted to play a part of a gangster. In the movie, I am extorting Vinay Pathak. (laughs).

You have been away from the news for quite some time. What have you been up to?

People think I wasn’t doing anything and I had now work But, I was spending time with my family. My nieces and nephews had forgotten how I looked like. I had t give them time and love and that is what I did. And nothing in the world could match that level of happiness. Also, I needed some time to create music, travel, read, draw inspirations. An artiste needs this to rejuvenate himself and his art. I did that too. And I am back with a bang!