Singer Kaka looks back on his rise to stardom: Nothing happened overnight

Kaka, the voice behind the hit song “Billo Bagge Billeyan Da Ki Karengi”, describes his latest single “Neend” as a modern take on ghazals and kawali. “I used to sing kawali as a kid. I liked their lyrics and compositions,” he says, adding, “In this song, it is important to dress in a modern way and use ghazals and kawali. I have focused a lot on the speed, tempo and lyrics to keep the emotion and make it such that everyone understands the Punjabi used in it.”

Neend also showcases Kaka’s evolution as a songwriter. He says that dissatisfaction with the lyrics of the artists around him prompted him to take matters into his own hands and he started writing songs that reflected his personal style and feelings. “I have been singing for years but when I wanted to release my own songs, I was not impressed with other people’s lyrics. Mujhe aisa lagta tha ki ismein ek do lines idhar udhar se uthaayi hui hain. That’s when I felt the need to write my own songs. I feel good now when people see me as a writer too,” the 30-year-old tells us.

Reflecting on his journey to fame, Kaka says that this rise, he says, was gradual and was shaped by his passion for music from a young age. “Nothing happened suddenly or overnight with a particular song. My mother and father loved listening to music, so I think my journey started there,” he recalls, adding, “Later, I started singing in school and college and eventually wrote songs too. I just got into college.”

He also says that the pandemic gave him the opportunity to delve deeper into music creation, resulting in songs that resonated with his audience. “When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I had a lot of time on my hands because I was free and didn’t have to go anywhere,” he explains. Kaka reveals that this time allowed him to further explore his talents, which led to the creation of music that, while not initially intended for the masses, found a special place in the hearts of his listeners.

When asked about a possible foray into Bollywood, similar to artists from Punjab who have lent their voices to countless numbers in Hindi films, he says, “I would love to do that. Woh do songs likhne ko bolenge, main chaar likhdunga. However, I don’t want to go door to door asking for opportunities. I’m fine, but if something great happens, why not!”