Singer-actor MILlIND GABA, who recently got evicted from Bigg Boss OTT, speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about how he ended up doing Bigg Boss OTT and his musical journey

How did you end up on Bigg Boss OTT?

The makers and I had been in talks for the last few years about my being in the show. After much deliberation I finally decided to go for it.

What made you agree in the first place?

I wanted to discover myself, apart from all the incentives and perks we get from this instant stardom. I just wanted to see how I as an individual would react to situations if Im put in a corner. It was a sort of self discovery exercise that I wanted to put myself through and that was the primary reason for me to agree to be part of it. In the end, it was for the experience of it that tipped the decision.

How was your experience?

Experience was very refreshing, very real actually. I discovered that the kind of upbringing, the kind of humbleness I had in my initial days, I am the same grounded, dignified, gentle, humble guy, so it was it was good. It was great experience overall.

Tell us about your musical journey.

It’s been 13-14 years since I started my musical journey. To begin with, I worked for Ashok Musty. He is a very popular singer in Punjab. I have worked as a musician for Diljit Dusanj as well. I started my music production much later, after I worked with others. This was followed by me writing music, next came singing, then rapping. Things just fell into place after this.

You don so many hats — singer/composer/actor. What do you prefer the most?

Yes, I sing, write, compose, produce and act too. I enjoy singing the most. I enjoy my stage. The stage life is amazing. It is the only area where I am a complete devil, a totally crazy person. Otherwise in life I am very silent, I am very shy, I hesitate while expressing myself, but the stage is one area where I become someone else.

You are associated with Punjabi and Bollywood music. How different are they?

 Bollywood music and Punjabi music are almost the same today. This is because every Bollywood film has a Punjabi singer or has a Punjabi song in it. So there is no difference actually.

A few years back, Bollywood movies has situational tracks. The plot decided the song and lyrics but now that isn’t the case. Punjabi music made a huge splash and it got worldwide recognition. Songs are incorporated not as per situation but for foot tapping and crowd engaging purpose. So now there really is no difference.