RDB made a humble entry with Rafta Rafta. With several chartbusters in their kitty, they now look forward to international compositions. By Karan Bhardwaj
RDB’s musical journey has today become a case study in itself. Their life took a turn for better the day they got a surprise call from Akshay Kumar who was in Toronto for his film Namastey london. The actor wanted the rappers to record a song for his movie. As Rafta Rafta came out, RDB took a giant stride.
“We were truly in awe after we were informed that Akshay Kumar liked our music. After Rafta Rafta, we teamed with him again for Singh Is Kinng. Snoop Dog also collaborated for the title track,” said Surj, who was in the Capital recently. Today, they have a studio in Delhi, a strong network in Mumbai and they produce compositions from California. But distance doesn’t hamper their music or its demand in the tinsel town, RDB is an international rage now.
Apart from giving solo hits like Paisa Paisa (De Dana Dan), Saddi Gali (Tanu Weds Manu), Yamla Pagla Deewana (Yamla Pagla Deewana), Tamanche Pe Disco (Bullett Raja), they have also done several albums and singles with international artistes like ludacris and Nindy Kaur. Up next is Dadi Da Cash, Papa Day Paise with American rapper T-Pain. The song has just been launched and is gradually picking up. “It’s a hip hop track with Punjabi tadka. NS John had written the song, which our elder brother Kuljeet, who is no more, had composed. Now we have revamped it. T-Pain has done an excellent job with his raps with chorus. He has sung in English but has also shot a Punjabi special for the promo,” said Surj.
RDB was formed in 2001 by British Sikh brothers, Manjeet, Surjeet & Kuldeep (Kuldeep passed away this year). Their music is a blend of West and traditional Punjabi beats and vocals.
But why don’t they settle down in MumbaiIJ “The reason we chose to stay away from Mumbai is that we need peace to create music,” said Surjeet adding that the city runs on strong networking and it’s not easy to get work. “Bollywood is all about relationships, networking and favours,” he said. However, Manjeet is glad that the musical duo didn’t have to struggle much. “People adore us and that’s possibly the reason why filmmakers approach us. The equations are changing in Bollywood and many new voices and composers are making an entry,” he said.
In coming days, RDB will helm five to six tracks. Presently, they are working on the title track of Sajid Nadiawala’s Heropanti. “It’s going to be a peppy one. Since Tiger Shroff, son of Jackie Shroff, is the lead actor, we have used signature tunes of flute from Jackie’s movie Hero. Then there is an international movie Dr Cabbie, directed by Jean-François Pouliot,” he informed.