'Punjab is not on the cards anymore'

Known for his tracks, Haye Mera Dil and Yaar Bathere, Punjabi singer Alfaaz is also famous for being a part of Mafia Mundeer (a group that comprises of Honey Singh, Alfaaz, Money Aujla, J-Star Urban, among others), which is famous for landing itself in controversies. At JW Marriott, Sector 35, on Saturday for the launch of the film, Jatt Airways, the singer seems to have stepped right into another one. Touchy issues? Punjabi culture, women's clothing and more…

Ask him why he has not been spotted much in Punjab of late, and he says, "Bollywood and live shows abroad are keeping me busy; Punjab is not on the cards anymore."

As if to neutralise the previous statement, the singer adds, "Jatt Airways is my debut in Punjabi cinema. Being a Punjabi, I do have some responsibility towards Punjabi cinema."

As we approach the question that seems to be on everyone else's mind, about his controversial lyrics, despite carrying the responsibility of changing social mindsets, he says, "I write what is real and the truth about what is happening in the world. Besides, as an artiste, I am not responsible for bringing about change in the society. To be honest, I have never really understood what Punjabi culture is, but that's besides the point, let's talk about the film."

The obvious question that arises in one's mind is, without knowing the Punjabi culture, how can one claim to be a Punjabi and be representing the state at national and international levels?

"There is no one who can clearly define what Punjabi culture is."

How about Punjabi literature? "I don't read books," comes the reply.

Getting to the point and asking him about his lyrical 'attacks' on girls, defending
himself, he says, "You should see my next project, Tu Mera 22 Mai Tera 22, and you will realise that we are also writing about good women who wear suits." Yes, that's his definition of 'good women'.

Coming back to his friend and guide, Honey Singh, he says, "I share everything with him before I go ahead with any project. Neither does he, nor do I care about what people say."

For the future, both singers have a few collaborated tracks to look forward to, besides some projects with Anurag Kashyap and Amit Trivedi, for which Alfaaz claims to have written the lyrics and would be handling the vocals, with Honey giving the music.

Ask him whether Honey will be rapping for these projects and he says, "Honey is not a rapper; he is just a music producer."

Wrapping up the conversation, he quickly adds, "I don't understand why people highlight the vulgarity issue. Why don't they appreciate our work? Our work is evident in the fact that music producers from Mumbai approached us; we did not go running after them."