Diljit Dosanjh, the Punjabi star who won over critics as an actor with his performance in Udta Punjab and Phillauri, is more a singer than an actor at heart. One of the biggest singers in the Punjabi music industry, Diljit has learnt the craft by performing Shabad (Sikh religious music) at local gurudwaras. He may have sung pop music on his road to success, yet, he remains that young boy who wants to make religious music, which appeals to all. And today, with Punjabi music in the eye of the storm over its explicit lyrics and content, Diljit comes to its defence. Excerpts from a chat...

These days, Punjabi music is associated with a lot of explicit lyrics...
Music has evolved and changed over the years. If our world is changing so are our standards of living, eating and fashion habits. Then why should we isolate music? It will definitely change. Log vodka peete hain, tabhi waise gaane bante hain.

What about your own compositions?
I'm not proud of my songs, barring the album Sikh. I haven't done anything extraordinary. I am a selfish guy; I made the song for myself so that I can become famous. My studio keeps a tab on the number of hits and the amount of money we are making on a daily basis. I have done no good and haven't changed anybody's life for the better. I will feel proud when I do something good for everyone.

Is there any actor you would like to sing for?
I don't want to sing for any superstar. If given a choice, I would love to sing religious numbers. Hopefully through my songs, shayad koi kahin baitha sirf do minute ke liye bhi parmaatma se judd jaye. That will be a big achievement for me. But your personality doesn't fit the bill. I don't want people to connect with me, but the song.

We've seen you getting emotional on a recently-concluded reality show you judged...
I don't have it in my heart to reject anybody because I know that it is extremely difficult and daunting to sing live as compared to recording in a studio. The best of artistes can go out of tune. I've been through it myself on many occasions. I would rather work hard for two years and cut an album to prove to people that I sing well (laughs). That's why I can't reject anybody, and I end up becoming emotional.

How closely do you relate to the contestants' struggle?
I am from a village and had to start working from ground level. So, I have also faced a lot of hardships. However, I fail to connect with reality TV contestants who harp on their struggle. I connect better with contestants when their eyes speak, and not them. We all have faced problems in life. It's immensely satisfying when kids tell us that they want to make their parents proud, which speaks volumes of our Indian culture. Warna baahar toh bachhon ko lagta hai ki kab woh 18 ke ho aur baahar nikle.

What do you mean when you say that you began from ground level?
I used to sing Shabad and play the tabla in gurudwaras. That's how most people in Punjab learn singing. I started learning folk music later. When the Punjabi film industry gained momentum, I started acting as well. However, I have always want ed to be a singer and not an actor.

Why didn't you try your luck in Bollywood right at the beginning?
Gaane ke basis par main kabhi Bollywood nahi aa sakta tha, because I am into folk music, not rap or club music. I follow Gurdas Maan, who is also a folk singer. It's all thanks to Punjabi cinema that I am here within a span of four years. I have never knocked on anyone's door asking for work; not even a song. I never aspired to become an actor. I only wanted to be a singer.