Bollywood singer and composer Mika Singh, known for his infectious energy and chart-topping hits, recently performed at the Beau Rivage Theatre in Biloxi. Originally from Durgapur, West Bengal, India, Singh has carved out a prominent place for himself in the Indian music industry. He is the younger brother of famed Bengali singer Daler Mehndi and gained international fame with his 1998 hit single “Sawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag,” which has since inspired several covers and recreations.
Singh’s career has flourished in Bollywood, with his distinctive voice featured in popular songs such as “Mauja Hi Mauja” from Jab We Met, “Dil Mein Baji Guitar” from Apna Sapna Money Money, and “Ibn-e-Batuta” from Ishqiya. His versatility as a singer has allowed him to work across a variety of genres, including pop, bhangra, and romantic ballads, making him a sought-after playback singer for Bollywood films.
Before performing in Biloxi, Singh spoke about his journey in the music industry and the evolution of his career.
“It’s been a long ride in the Indian music industry, and I’ve been lucky to have the support of my fans every step of the way,” Singh said. “Over the years, I’ve experimented with various genres, from bhangra to Bollywood item numbers to more soulful, romantic songs. In the beginning, my focus was purely on high-energy beats and catchy hooks, which is what a lot of people know me for.”
Singh’s breakout single “Sawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag” epitomized his early musical style—upbeat, high-energy tracks that quickly became crowd favorites. But over time, he has expanded his repertoire, venturing into softer, more melodic tracks.
“As I’ve grown, I’ve tried to incorporate more versatility into my music,” Singh said. “I’ve explored softer tracks, collaborated with different artists, and played around with more global sounds. I believe that as an artist, it’s essential to evolve with time, but also to stay true to your roots.”
Singh has collaborated with many notable figures in the music industry, both within Bollywood and internationally. He reflected on the significance of these collaborations.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with so many talented artists, and each collaboration brings its own flavor and energy,” Singh said. “One that stands out for me is my work with Honey Singh on Desi Beat and Gabru. Those songs became massive hits, and working with Honey was such a fun experience. Another memorable collaboration was with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan on Milegi Milegi. Rahat Sahab brings such soulfulness to his singing, and blending my style with his was a unique experience.”
Singh noted that the Bollywood music landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly with the rise of independent music artists.
“Bollywood music has definitely evolved a lot, especially in recent years with the rise of independent music,” Singh said. “Today, listeners have so much access to different kinds of music, whether it’s from movies, independent artists, or international sounds. This has pushed Bollywood music to diversify and experiment, which I think is a great thing.”
Singh emphasized that while Bollywood remains a dominant platform, the competition from independent artists is invigorating the industry. He believes this trend will lead to more collaboration between film music and non-film music in the future.
“I see the future of Bollywood music being more collaborative, with film and non-film music coexisting and influencing each other,” he said. “Independent artists are bringing raw, new sounds and voices that add richness to the industry.”
In addition to his successful music career, Singh has also explored acting, which he says has deepened his connection to music.
“Acting has definitely been an interesting journey for me, and it’s given me a whole new perspective on music,” Singh said. “When you’re acting, you’re connecting with emotions in a very visual, expressive way, and that’s influenced how I approach my songs too. I now think about the visuals and the story behind the music more deeply.”
Looking to the future, Singh teased several upcoming projects, including new music and live performances.
“My fans can definitely expect a lot of exciting things this coming year,” Singh said. “I’m working on some new singles that I think you all will enjoy—a mix of high-energy tracks and some soulful numbers as well. I’m also collaborating with a few amazing artists, which I’m really looking forward to sharing with everyone.”
Singh credited his manager and promoter, Manish Sood, for helping him maintain a busy schedule, particularly with his performances in the United States.
“Apart from music, I have a couple of projects outside of Bollywood that I think will surprise my fans,” Singh said. “I can’t reveal too much just yet, but let’s just say there’s a lot in store.”
For aspiring musicians, Singh offered words of encouragement, advising them to stay persistent and true to their passion.
“This industry can be tough and competitive, but if you love music, keep working hard, keep practicing, and keep improving yourself,” Singh said. “Make sure to understand the basics of music well—it’s like building a strong foundation.”
Singh also urged young artists to embrace social media and independent platforms to share their music, reminding them that success often comes with patience and consistency.
“Believe in yourself, and the rest will follow,” Singh added.
