The self proclaimed King Of Pop, Daler Mehndi, broke all records when he launched his singing career back in 1995. Since then he’s gone on to provide music for the soundtracks of Bollywood films and win a whole host of awards for his music.
Daler Mehndi
The young Daler always dreamt of being a Bhangra singer and left home at the age of 14 to pursue his ambition. He practised his singing and learnt to play some of the traditional Punjabi Folk instruments. In his late teens he left India and went to live in San Francisco in the US. He drove cabs by day at sang at night to gain experience as a performer.
When he returned to India in 1995 to release his debut album Bolo Ta Ra Ra, he arrived just at the right time when the Punjabi Pop culture was beginning to emerge. His first record was very much of that ilk and the people of India went wild for the sound of Daler, the album went on to sell over 20 million records.
Daler has enjoyed a high profile in the US and has toured there many times. His unique sound which incorporates the Sikh musical tradition of Rababi singing to create a form of Hinfi Pop is particularly revered.
As well as being a Bhangra musical star, Daler is also an eminent philanthropist and founded the Mehndi Green Drive to help make a cleaner environment in Delhi. He has also donated 85 million rupees to the green drive, and as well as other worthy causes.
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