Ikk Kudi Singer Shahid Mallya Answers If He Still Feels Like An Outsider

Indian playback singer Shahid Mallya reveals if he still feels like an outsider after spending years in the industry.

Many artists from different parts of the country come to Mumbai to make a career in Bollywood. Renowned singer Shahid Mallya too had come to Mumbai years ago to try his luck in the music industry. In his career, he has sung many hit songs like Ikk Kudi, Rabba Main To Marr Gaya Oye, Iski Uski etc.

We recently asked him if he still feels like an outsider in the industry. He replied, “Yes definitely! But I am thankful that I have got some great opportunities here and people have loved my work. And I think, one needs to keep moving forward instead of looking back.”

Shahid originally hails from Ferozpur, Punjab. Music wasn’t considered an ‘ideal’ occupation in his family. When he first came to Mumbai, he faced all kinds of troubles. Speaking briefly about it, Shahid said, “People who come from small towns face all kinds of problems. Firstly, they don’t know the streets to studios and production houses. And then, one has to mingle into the language, food and environment of this city. When people see you talking in your language like Punjabi or Rajasthani, people take you lightly and don’t think you worthy enough to give an opportunity.”

Read Full Interview: Shahid Mallya On Nepotism, Hit Songs And Remix Culture

In 2020, after the demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, Shahid Mallya had openly talked about the existence of Nepotism in the music industry as well. When asked if anything has changed in one year, the ‘Ikk Kudi’ singer said, “Right now, most things in the industry are stalled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We will come to know once the work resumes in full swing. But yes, people have developed a mindset that talented and deserving people should get a chance. Somewhere in their heart, they have got a message to not repeat the mistakes they have done in the past and that they should promote good talent.”

Shahid’s recent song is ‘Rehguzar’ that released a month ago. It is a soulful song from Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Tamannaah Bhatia and Kabir Duhan Singh starrer upcoming film ‘Bole Chudiyan’.