There’s a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to Sukhwinder Singh. Although the singer dominates most of our playlists with chartbusters like Chaiyya Chaiyya, Jai Ho, Chak de India, Ramta Jogi, Dard-e-Disco, Ghanana Ghanana, and more, that barely covers one aspect of the acclaimed artist. In a recent chat, we got a chance to learn more about the singer who has successfully mastered the art of delivering hit songs in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Punjabi, Urdu, and Marathi as well. Excerpts:

For Sukhwinder, concerts are about breaking down barriers and making music accessible to everyone. “When I plan concerts with organizers, I always have one condition—ticket prices for students shouldn’t cost them more than Rs 500. They need this money for their education. I’ve also reduced my fees at times if it means everyone who wants to attend my concert gets a chance to do so. For me, my audience is paramount.” He recalls a recent concert in Canada, adding, “I told them, Tussi raj raj ke aao, main raj raj ke gaane gaaunga (Come in numbers, and I will sing to your heart’s content).”

Sukhwinder’s perspective on life is as mellow as his voice. “I’m like a toy train—slow and steady. People can join me or leave, but nobody falls.”

He also emphasises the importance of taking time to create meaningful music and says, “I cannot rush a song. I need the right composers and writers. I know that if I sing well and have the right words, 90% of my work is done. If I start thinking about promotion before even making a good song, I might not have the right content. I do experiment with sound and style, but it has to be soulful. I want my songs to feel real, with good singing and poetry.”

Unlike most, Sukhwinder’s mornings are deliberately technology-free. “I don’t wake up and check views or followers. I wake up and watch cartoons for half an hour. They are my morning dose of happiness,” he shares with a laugh.

During our conversation, he also opens up about his love for fashion. “I admit it—I love shoe shopping!” His style, however, is as unique as his voice. “I love colours. I don’t care much about brands; I just want my clothes to be vibrant. I think I look hot in black too,” he says with a hearty laugh.

Sukhwinder likes to make time for yoga, sports, and regular music practice. “In 1985 and 1989, I represented Punjab in a 100-metre race. I love sports, and 80% of my house is filled with sports equipment; the rest is my studio,” he shares.

Touring doesn’t mean staying behind tinted windows in a car for the singer. “When I go to Pune, Indore, Nagpur, Bengaluru or Chandigarh, I feel like I’m meeting a friend,” he says. “I don’t sit inside the car—I love stepping out and having street food, chaat, and experiencing the city.”