King of Bhangra Malkit Singh is the first Punjabi singer to receive an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. MBE refers to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding valuable service in a wide range of useful activities. He is best known for hits like ‘Gur Nalo Ishq Mitha’, ‘Tootak Tootak Tootiyan’, ‘Kurri Garam Jayee’, ‘Dekh Li Vilyait’, ‘Chal Hun’ and “Jind Mahi” (the latter two featured in Bend It Like Beckham).
His song “Tutak Tutak Toothiyan,” written by Veer Rahimpuri, was the fastest-selling and most successful Bhangra single of its time. The Guinness Book of World Records later recognized him as the best-selling Bhangra solo artist ever, with over 4.9 million records sold over a 32-year career.
From Fields in Punjab to Global Stages
Singh’s career trajectory—from a village singer to a Bhangra pioneer—reflects resilience and innovation. Hits like “Gur Nalo Ishq Mitha” (1990s smash), “Tootak Tootak Tootiyan,” “Kurri Garam Jayee,” and “Chal Hun” have defined eras, while film cameos (e.g., Raees and I Am Singh) showcase his versatility. Rejecting dilution of Bhangra while embracing fusions that honor its folk essence. Today, at over 60, Singh remains active, touring and releasing music that inspires diaspora youth.
Born in Hussainpur village near Nakodar, Punjab, India (originally Malkit Singh Boparai), he began singing at age four and honed his talent through college competitions, winning multiple awards by 1981. This early recognition led to the formation of his band, Golden Star, symbolized by a “golden star” pendant he received. In 1984, he relocated to Birmingham, UK, marking the start of his international journey.
His debut album, Nach Giddhe Vich, released in 1986, set the stage for a prolific output of 21 albums, numerous music videos, and tours across over 36 countries. By blending authentic Punjabi rhythms with elements like rap, house, dance, and Bollywood, Singh has elevated Bhangra from rural festivities to worldwide stages, earning him the Guinness World Record as the best-selling Bhangra solo artist with over 4.9 million records sold
Here is Malkit Singh in exclusive conversation with Paresh B Mehta, Editor of Filmytown.com:
How many songs have you composed for Gurinder Chadha’s latest film Christmas Karma? How does your work with Gurinder Chadha in Christmas Karma show a mix of Punjabi folk with global Bollywood storytelling, and what does that say about diaspora films?
I have done two songs in her latest film. My association with her is since quite long as we both live in London, and she is also a big fan of my songs. I had also done Jind Mahi as well as Chal Hun in her super-hit film Bend it Like Beckham.
Gurinder wanted something similar to Jind Mahi for her new film Christmas Karma. However, when I heard the story, I suggested her that it would be appropriate for me to write a Christmas song, and hence I created Christmas Bhangra Karma. She instantly like it and knew it would be an instant hit. So it is!
In the Christmas Karma soundtrack, how do songs like Jind Mahi (with Malkit Singh) and Last Christmas (Desi Version) blend traditional Bhangra with holiday pop, and what emotions or culture do they evoke?
With the Christmas backdrop, lights and the music, it is a foot-tapping song. A bit of the background of this story is that during that time long back, many Indians were displaced from their homes in Uganda and this is when the British Government allowed them to come here. It is also an emotional sequence.
Who would have thought of a Bhangra song in an English movie? The credit goes to Gurinder Chadha, an ace story teller who seamlessly incorporated this unique song, dance and musical piece in an English film.
With Malkit Singh known as the “King of Bhangra” and a long career, what risks does Christmas Karma take in showing Punjabi culture to UK/Ireland audiences vs. Indian audiences?
It wasn’t risky because I am not branding a Punjabi culture rhythm for a Christmas celebration. In fact for the Brits, Irish and Indian audiences in the UK it is more fun. It’s like a story we see in Hindi films and even the kids will love it.
What challenges come with adding a Bhangra-heavy soundtrack to a Dickens-style story, and how might this affect how different audiences understand the film?
When I got a call from Gurinder Chadha early in the morning, after the narration of her film, she expressed her desire for something different and which hasn’t been tried before. So I wrote it myself and she instantly approved it.
The second challenge was I wanted to do music with English people and we required a Dhol for it’s rhythm and beats and it is used twice in the film. During private screenings I knew that we hit it out as the audience who already loved my music and when the song comes in the film, almost everyone got up and danced. The Indians are dancing with the foreigners. Everyone is enjoying it.
With such a large Gujarati followers in the UK, Ireland, US, Canada, and Australia, do you have any plans of blending Bhangra with Raas Garbas or Dandiya Raas?
This is a million dollar question. I recall when I had a show in Ahmedabad and there was a big crowd of about 20 to 25,000 people in the stadium. Initially I was skeptical about how the Gujaratis would lap my music. Would you believe it – it was just euphoric and the people played garbas and dandiyas on Bhangra beats. Not many know that I also did a Punjabi song ‘Kali Ainak’ in Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardar 2. It was shot in London at a wedding. Ajay Devgn and all the cast danced to it.
Malkit Singh’s latest song Ki Khanee Aye trending on Malkit Singh Golden Star – YouTube channel
The Kalli Ainak song has hit 3-4 million views in Malkit Singh’s YouTube channel. People often remarked how still look the same ‘Neetu dino dini hoor, soni hundi jaan’ – that while I have been creating and playing Bhangra for the last 40 years. The most common question was – What is the secret of Your youthful looks, your appearance, you have been looking like this for 40 years. The latest new song “Ki Khanee Aye” is dedicated to all those who want to feel and look young and charming.
