Mika Singh & Gioconda - Thodi Daaru

Mika Singh, born Amrik Singh, is a dynamic and often controversial Indian singer, composer, performer, and songwriter. He has carved a unique niche for himself in the Indian music industry with his powerful, high-energy bhangra and pop numbers, which have made him a go-to artist for Bollywood party anthems and a popular live performer worldwide. His career is characterized by chart-topping hits, a distinct vocal style, and a series of highly publicized controversies.

Mika Singh was born on June 10, 1977, in Durgapur, West Bengal, into a family with a rich musical heritage. He is the youngest of eight siblings, and his older brother is the renowned Punjabi pop singer Daler Mehndi. His father, Ajmer Singh Chandan, was a trained classical musician, while his mother, Balbir Kaur, was a state-level wrestler and a scholar of folk music. This environment fostered a deep love for music in Mika from a young age.

He started his musical training early, learning to play instruments like the tabla and harmonium by the age of 12. His career began in a Gurdwara, where he sang kirtans (devotional songs). He later moved on to become a successful pop and bhangra artist, releasing his debut album "Saawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag" in 1998. The title track of this album became an instant sensation and remains a timeless party anthem.

Mika's rise to fame in Bollywood was fueled by his distinct vocal style, which is often described as energetic and nasal. While this style initially drew criticism, it became his trademark and a major reason for his commercial success. He became a staple for music directors looking to create high-octane dance numbers.

Some of his most iconic and chart-topping Bollywood hits include:

• "Mauja Hi Mauja" from Jab We Met (2007)
• "Dhinka Chika" from Ready (2011)
• "Subha Hone Na De" from Desi Boyz (2011)
• "Jumme Ki Raat" from Kick (2014)
• "Aankh Marey" from Simmba (2018)

Beyond Bollywood, Mika has released several successful independent albums, including Something Something, Gabru, and Dunali, and has performed at sold-out concerts and music festivals around the globe, including at London's Wembley Arena and The O2 Arena.

Mika Singh's career has been frequently overshadowed by his brushes with the law and public controversies. These incidents have often put him in the media spotlight and have become a part of his public persona.

• Rakhi Sawant Incident (2006): One of his most infamous controversies involved a public dispute with actress Rakhi Sawant. The incident occurred at his birthday party where he was accused of forcibly kissing her. The case was eventually settled out of court.
• Hit-and-Run Case (2011): He was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run case in Mumbai, though he denied being the driver.
• Slapping a Doctor (2015): During a live performance in Delhi, he slapped a doctor who was in the audience. The incident led to a legal case and an apology from the singer.
• Detention in the UAE (2018): He was detained in the United Arab Emirates after a complaint of sexual misconduct was filed against him by a Brazilian teenager. He was later released after intervention by the Indian Embassy.
• Performance Ban (2019): The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) briefly banned him from the Indian film industry for performing at a private event in Karachi, Pakistan, which was organized by a relative of former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. The ban was lifted after he apologized.

Mika has also ventured into acting, appearing in films like Loot (2011), Balwinder Singh Famous Ho Gaya (2014), and The Xpose (2014). He has been a prominent figure on Indian television, serving as a judge and mentor on popular reality shows such as The Voice India and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, where his energetic personality and candid remarks have made him a fan favorite.

Despite the controversies, Mika Singh's legacy in the Indian music industry is undeniable. He is credited with popularizing a new genre of party music and remains a highly sought-after artist for his ability to energize any crowd. He has also been involved in philanthropic work through his NGO, the Divine Touch Foundation, which works for underprivileged children.