‘Ranveer Singh said I listen to your voice every morning’: Harshdeep Kaur on performing ‘Ik Onkar’ at Deepika Padukone-Ranveer wedding

After giving her audition, Harshdeep left the outcome to fate. Two to three months later, her stars aligned when she received a call from Rahman, asking her to sing for Rang De Basanti. “They wanted a voice to sing a prayer that is sung at the Golden Temple,” she revealed. Harshdeep prepared diligently for the opportunity, learning “Ik Onkar” and even bringing a book that explained the meaning of the prayer to ensure Rahman could understand its depth.

Sharing a glimpse of Rahman’s dedication, Harshdeep narrated an unforgettable moment. Rahman had asked her to sing the prayer at exactly 4 a.m., the time it is traditionally sung. “We reached the studio at 8 p.m. and waited as work went on. At 4 a.m., he looked at his watch and said, ‘It’s time. Sing the prayer.’ It was like Amrit Vela. He asked me to sing it two or three times, encouraging me to keep going without worrying about making mistakes,” she recounted. Harshdeep described the experience as deeply spiritual. “I felt as though Rab (God) was standing with me. I can’t forget that moment,” she said.

Harshdeep calls “Ik Onkar” a very significant prayer in her life, not only because it marked her collaboration with Rahman but also because it led her to perform at Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s wedding at Lake Como. “Ranveer is a huge fan of this prayer. He called me and said, ‘I listen to your voice every morning, and on the most important day of my life, I want you there, singing “Ik Onkar.”’”