A New Spin

Cricketer Harbhajan Singh bowls a new over with a song dedicated to motherhood

Written by Jagmeeta Thind Joy
July 19, 2013 05:50 AM IST

4 min read

There’s nothing unusual about celebrities trying their hands at different things. But there are those who take you by surprise with their choices. We are well aware of Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singhs talent on the field and familiar with his zany dance moves be it his impromptu Bhangra-meets-Gangam-style steps after taking a wicket in the last season of Indian Premier League or those on the dance reality show Ek Khiladi,Ek Haseena. The off-spinner has now bowled a new over with the release of his single,Meri Maa.

An ode to motherhood,the title track of the new Punjabi album and video,promoted by Venus Worldwide Entertainment,features Singh in the lead and it was formally launched on Thursday in Chandigarh. The posters that introduce the cricketer all suited up in a very Shah Rukh Khan-esque pose (with arms spread out and the body-tilt) were hard to miss. The gimmicks thankfully end there as the video has been tastefully done. The lyrics by Sanjay Glory though predictable,are heartwarming,and Bhajji managed to sound good,with a little help from singer Lakhwinder Lucky who has also lent his voice to the track.

This story requires a subscription

Select a plan and use IE10 code to get 10% extra off

POPULAR

EXPRESS EDGE

Daily ePaper access

Premium stories & archives

UPSC Section + UPSC Essentials Magazine

Premium stories & archives

UPSC Section + UPSC Essentials Magazine

Starts at ₹133/month

Best for UPSC aspirants

This story requires a subscription

Please Select A Plan

POPULAR

EXPRESS EDGE

Daily ePaper access

Premium stories & archives

UPSC Section + UPSC Essentials Magazine

Premium stories & archives

UPSC Section + UPSC Essentials Magazine

Starts at ₹133/month

Best for UPSC aspirants

For me,the lyrics were the deciding factor in my decision to be a part of this venture, said Singh,who admits to having a close bond with his mother (she also features in parts of the video). This is a tribute to not just my mother,but to all mothers in the world. As the lyrics reflect,mothers sacrifice a lot for their children and it often goes unnoticed, said Singh,who looked dapper in a saffron shirt paired with a black turban.

Also present with him was Punjabs well-known Sufi singer and his close friend,Satinder Sartaj,who was all praise for the bowlers maiden attempt. Its never easy to perform so well in an unfamiliar field. For a singer,it would be equally difficult to play cricket but Harbhajans effort is truly commendable, said Sartaj.

The singing coupled with the acting,admits Harbhajan,was by no means an easy task. I have faced the camera before,having shot for television commercials but this was of a longer duration and I had to be expressive. It made me nervous but I enjoyed it, said the cricketer,who took singing tips from his co-singer,Lucky.

I am quite the bathroom singer and when I got an opportunity to sing on a professional level,I was game, said Singh. But he is quick to dismiss any pre-meditated plans of launching himself as a singer or actor. I have always made the most of opportunities that have come my way and this was one of them. If theres a concept that appeals to me in the future,I might just go on to surprise you once again, quipped the cricketer,flaunting a tattoo on his right hand that read Faith. I have a lot of faith in God and hence chose this, he added.

Along with the new single,Singh has also released a video message urging Punjabi singers to refrain from vulgarity and instead highlight the states rich culture. Theres more to sing about than just guns and drugs, said Bhajji.