British-based bhangra singer Mona Singh out with third album

Chandigarh, Aug 10 (IANS) Britain-based Punjabi bhangra singer Mona Singh, the daughter of noted Punjabi singer musician Channi Singh, says it is an uphill task for a woman to carve a niche in the male-dominated British bhangra music industry.

'It is really difficult for a woman to carve a niche in the male dominated British bhangra music industry. But due to my father's support and his strong hold, I got an easy entry and could escape initial struggle. Now I just need to sustain the legacy I have inherited from my father,' Mona Singh told IANS Saturday.

Mona debuted in the bhangra singing world with 'The Beginning' in 2000, and 'The Second Chapter' followed it in 2003. She is coming out with her third bhangra album, 'Stronger'.

Mona, who sticks to her Punjabi roots despite her Punjabi upbringing, is lending her voice to Bollywood films. She sang a song for director Karan Razdan's comedy 'Mr. Bhatti on Chutti'.

'I started humming Punjabi songs when I was just three and gave my first stage performance at the age of six. Just like my father, I love to sing in Punjabi and open for any kind of playback singing. I'm singing in a Bollywood film named 'Mr Bhatti on Chutti' and also in a Hollywood flick, 'Distant Mirage',' said an upbeat Mona.

Mona has also performed with her father at the Royal Albert hall in London and has been awarded by the Mayor of London for her immaculate singing. She has also toured Canada, the US, Pakistan, Sweden, and Dubai for various stage shows.

'I sing songs that are the reflection of my personality and of my varied life experiences. I'm trying my hands in various fields of singing, performing, composing, music production and presentation,' said Mona, who is a gold medalist in sitar.

Mona is also trained in classical music and in playing the piano and keyboard.

Mona's father Channi Singh is the lead singer of the bhangra band Alaap, which introduced Punjabi bhangra in Britain way back in 1978 and popularised it. He had scored music for some Bollywood movies like 'Yalgaar' and 'Janasheen'.

'Initially, our band had to pay hefty fees for performing at any place. But gradually we attracted the UK youth towards the charisma of Punjabi bhangra, and then onwards there was no looking back for us. Now I am keeping my fingers crossed for the success of my daughter's album,' said Channi Singh.