August 2024: MusicMG is a free flowing, independent thinking, boundary breaking artist: Millind Gaba

Millind Gaba is a popular name in the entertainment industry. A successful singer, songwriter and producer, Millind has also crafted his own space as an actor. Some of his works, both in movie and songs have been appreciated by his fans and industry alike. Recently he released his latest song ‘Dhola’ produced by T-Series. A catchy song with an equally intriguing video, it was an apt moment for us to get some time from him for a cover story for August 2024. Without much ado, here’s what he said:

‘Dhola’ is a popular tune, tell us more about this song

‘Dhola’ is a happy song, a celebratory kind of a song. The song is originally written by Charanjeet Ahuja Ji, who I also address as ‘Bauji’. He is a legend of our industry. I wanted to give it my own take of betrayal, heartbreak, rage and revenge. The protagonist in the song is celebrating his heartbreak, taking everyone else around him down along with his own downfall in love. For all the ex’s around the world, this song is a ‘trigger warning’.

Tell us a bit more about the video of the song

I have played the character of a person who is alcoholic, bad tempered and a revenge seeking psychopath. I have a natural flair for acting and could explore myself more through this song. The video was conceptualised by me, and Rupan Bal has made my vison come to screen beautifully. Thankfully the song is trending, and viewers have liked the picturisation of the video.

There is a fair amount of word play in the teaser. Tell us more about it

When we got the script, we were thinking about what all words can be used to mock/tease one’s ex. We came up with the word ‘fox’. The word ‘Fox’ has been used in some forms to bring a fun element out in general. Word play came out spontaneously, it wasn’t planned, just an impromptu improvisation on the set.

Watch the song here:

Tell us about the ethos and concept behind MusicMG

MusicMG is a projection of myself as an artist. I believe that till the time I am here on the earth, I would like to do whatever I am most interested in. I have never liked to follow a formula and have tried to challenge myself in my every subsequent project. In that sense, MusicMG is a free flowing, independent thinking, and boundary breaking artist, and a demon on stage, a witty personality. This is in contrast to Millind Gaba, who is a calm person by nature.

How has been the experience with T-Series on this song?

T-Series has played a vital role in the promotion of the song. The viral video of mine where I am shown drunk, creating a ruckus, was actually a promotional strategy that I had conceptualised and was well supported by T-Series. Bhushan Sir is like a big brother and a family to me. I feel happy and fortunate to have T-Series and Bhushan Sir’s support me.

Tell us about your collaboration in the song

All the artists engaged in this song are family to me. Dhruv has worked with me on many projects, Goldie wrote ‘Kya Karoon’ earlier while LOC is my brother-in-law and an amazing, authentic Delhi artist. First four lines of this song are written by LOC from where the entire song built up. It was a great, fun experience working on this project with these artists, who are literally family to me.

What do you plan from here for the rest of 2024 in terms of your releases?

From now till the end of the year, there are at least two songs in the pipeline. I generally like to keep a reasonable gap between my subsequent releases. I believe that my audience should get enough time to listen to my latest song as there is a lot of work that goes behind releasing one track. The kind efforts we put towards the conceptualisation, storytelling, pre promotions, post promotions, etc., it is worth letting the song flow with the audiences for a considerable period of time before releasing the next.

What is Millind Gaba’s take on global outlook for Indian artists and the language of work?

I am the most comfortable with the language I normally speak. I would always want to sing in Hindi/Punjabi, as it is my natural state of being. ‘Mundian Tu Bach Ke’ has been one of the biggest trending songs globally for ages now, despite not being in English. As artists, we are getting more recognition globally. My own personal take is that I would love to break the barriers and take our songs to newer audiences across the globe. My songs even now are getting played in multiple countries and would like that to grow further in years to come.

What plans for the Live Season which is going to start soon?

After Navratri, I start getting busier with shows. Once the wedding season starts, I get a lot of shows to perform. I like performing on weddings over concerts as the responsibility of making people have a good time during a wedding rest solely on you as an artist. In concerts, people come to watch you but in weddings they come to be entertained and go back with great memories.

What is Millind Gaba’s Mantra in life?

My mantra in life is ‘be silent, stay grateful and let your work talk’. I love partying and having fun in life, but at the same time, I don’t want to be a loudmouth. I believe in staying humble and staying grateful. I close my day in gratefulness for what I have been bestowed upon by everyone.

Well, so here it is. A trending song, an ever-trending artist and a promise for more to come this year! While we wait for Millind’s future releases, we are hooked to ‘Dhola’, also now on MusiCulture Trending Playlist on Spotify, check it out and have a great time!