A New Spin

Cricketer Harbhajan Singh is well-known for his zany dance moves on the field — be it his impromptu Bhangra-meets-Gangnam-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,featuring Singh in the lead,was formally launched on Thursday. The posters introduce the cricketer all suited up in a very Shah Rukh Khan-esque pose (with arms spread out and the body-tilt). The lyrics by Sanjay Glory,though predictable,are heartwarming,and Singh,with a little help from singer Lakhwinder Lucky who has also lent his voice to the track,has managed to sound pleasant.

“Lyrics were the deciding factor,” said Singh,who admits to a close bond with his mother (she also features in parts of the video). “This is a tribute,not only to my mother,but to all mothers who sacrifice a lot for their children,something that often goes unnoticed,” added Singh.

The singing coupled with the acting,admits Harbhajan,was not 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. I was nervous but enjoyed it,” said the cricketer,who adds that he is a bathroom singer. “So 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 there’s a concept that appeals to me in the future,I might just go on to surprise you once again,” said the cricketer. Along with the new single,Singh has also released a video message urging Punjabi singers to refrain from vulgarity. “There’s more to sing about than just guns and drugs,” he said.