Twenty years ago,his song Tum toh thehere pardesi had become a household name and catapulted singer Altaf Raja to stardom. Known for making an appearance in films for which he has composed or even sung songs,Raja was also seen on the screen in the 1998-film Yamraaj. He is now back with a song called Jholu Ram in the film Ghanchakkar. Not only is he returning to singing in Bollywood after three years,but also to the silver screen after a gap of 15 years,with a music video. There is a short laugh when the singer is asked about his long hiatus. I was always around. Yes I had a lower profile,away from the limelight,but I was doing shows,writing music and even singing just for myself, he says. Composed by Amit Trivedi,the song features Emraan Hashmi along with Raja. With a slow jazz tune set in the background and lyrics such as Killer combination hain burger mein Daal makhani,it reminds one of Rajas tongue-in-cheek style of singing. And the numbers leave no doubts about the songs popularity. The video,also dubbed as the comeback,went online a week ago and has already garnered over 1.4 lakh views. Raja,after a lot of persuasion,relents to the fact that it is a comeback of sorts for him. I was glad that the song found its way to me. It is a different singing style. And Amitabh (Bhattacharyas) lyrics are wonderful. Besides,I was coming back in the video for the song,which is always nice, he says. But the adulation doesnt affect him much. Allah has been kind and the fans even kinder. Every time I have dished out a new song,people have welcomed it. I cannot have asked for more. Jholu Ram is close to my heart because it is a new style, he says. The questions he is asked about his songs continue to be a point of contention for Raja. When I sing in my regular style,they ask why,and when I try a new style,even then they question me, he says,adding,But why shouldn't I? As a singer I am bound to give fans something new. Of course it still has my touch but it is a good thing to do. As far as new projects are concerned,Raja is not forthcoming with answers. Yes,I am working on new songs but I wont talk about them. I like to surprise people. Take Jholu Ram for instance,everyone was surprised. When I do come out with a new album or song people will know about it and they will be pleasantly surprised, he says.
