Harrdy Sandhu’s music has a passport of its own, blaring from tractors in Punjab to clubs in Turkey. In this exclusive interview, he talks about chasing timeless sound, crafting cinematic music videos, and why quality, emotion, and cultural roots remain at the heart of everything he creates.
Exhibit: You’ve got fans singing your songs in clubs, gyms, and in their cars at full volume. What’s the wildest or most unexpected place you’ve heard your song playing?
Harrdy: One of the wildest experiences was hearing my songs being played in tractors and autos in remote areas. Seeing how far music travels and connects with people is always surreal. But if we’re talking about an unexpected country, it was definitely Turkey. I never imagined my Punjabi tracks would resonate so deeply there.
Exhibit: ‘Bijlee Bijlee,’ ‘Backbone,’ and ‘Naah’ became instant anthems. When you’re working on a song, do you know it’s going to be a superhit, or does success still take you by surprise?
Harrdy: Yes, I had a strong feeling that these songs would become big hits. I’m very selective with my releases and only work on songs I genuinely believe have the potential to connect and go big. That’s why I prefer releasing fewer songs, quality over quantity has always been my approach.
Exhibit: Your music videos are almost like mini-movies. If one of your songs had to be turned into a full-fledged film, which one would it be, and who would you cast?
Harrdy: My first full-fledged movie song would be “Soch”. It’s a track that really helped define my sound and reach. If I ever had the chance to cast someone for its visual reimagining, I’d love to work with Alia Bhatt. She brings a unique depth and grace to every role.
Exhibit: We’ve been waiting for the Harrdy-Jaani-B Praak trio to return. Can we expect a reunion soon, and if so, what kind of magic should we be ready for?
Harrdy: Yes, the reunion is happening soon! I honestly don’t know what kind of magic we’re about to create, but I know for sure that it will be magical. There’s something special when certain energies come together.
Exhibit: Your latest track, “Baby”, has everyone hooked with its vibe. What was the creative spark behind it, and was there a particular moment or memory that shaped the song’s story or sound?
Harrdy: “Baby” was penned by Kaptaan, and the moment I heard it, it instantly struck a chord. It felt deeply rooted in Punjabi culture, and I was drawn to the composition. It reminded me of where I come from, both emotionally and musically.
Exhibit: The Punjabi music scene is now global, making waves from India to international charts. What do you think is the secret behind its universal appeal?
Harrdy: I truly believe Punjabis are the most closely connected to international music and fashion. There’s a boldness and vibrancy in Punjabi culture, and our music carries that aura. It’s infectious and feel-good, making people dance without realising it.
Exhibit: You’re always on the move, be it touring, filming, or performing. Is there one destination that has completely stolen your heart, and what’s one place that’s still on your bucket list?
Harrdy: One destination that completely stole my heart is Moscow. The vibe, the energy, the people, it was incredible. And a place that is still on my bucket list is Masai Mara in Kenya. I’d love to go on an African safari and experience that wild, untouched beauty.
Exhibit: If you had to pick just one, would you rather drop a song that’s a chartbuster overnight or one that becomes a timeless classic over the years? Why?
Harrdy: If I ever had to drop one song that defines me and stays with people for years, it would be a timeless classic. A song like “Soch”, which, even today, is close to everyone’s hearts. Tracks like that give you a lasting emotional connect with your audience.
Exhibit: Your fitness routine is inspiring. If you had to design a futuristic smart gadget to optimise workouts, what features would it have?
Harrdy: A futuristic gadget I’d love to see would be something that tracks your calories and macros accurately in real time. It would totally simplify eating habits, letting you know if you’re overeating beyond your maintenance level or not getting enough.
Exhibit: You’ve lived multiple lives: athlete, singer, actor. If a futuristic bio-hacking technology allowed you to master an entirely new skill overnight, what would you choose?
Harrdy: If I had to pick a completely new skill to master, it would be Mixed Martial Arts. Not just for fitness, but also for the discipline, focus, and strength it builds, mentally and physically.
Quick Bytes:
- Do you really know how to use all the features on your iPhone?
No, not really. I mostly use it for taking pictures, browsing social media, and playing music.
- Last 2% battery: Call someone important or post a selfie?
I’d rather just put it on airplane mode.
- Flight delayed: Save music or scroll Instagram?
Scroll Instagram.
- Storage full: Delete your camera roll or uninstall Instagram?
If my phone storage is full, I’d definitely delete something from my camera roll.
- Would you rather choose a super stylish EV or a rugged 4×4?
A rugged 4×4, any day.
- If you had to play one song while driving, what would it be?
“Baby” – my latest track.
Credits:
Editor-in-Chief: Ramesh Somani (@ramesh_somani)
Photographer: Shannon Mikhail Lobo (@shannonmikhaillobo)
Featured Brand: Digitek (@digitekofficial)
Make-up: Abraham David Kharat (@abrahamdavid_kharat)
Hairstylist: Rashid Salmani (@rashidtheartist)
Styled by: Robertson Lyngdoh (@robertson_lyngdoh_)
Styling Assistants: Harsheen (@harsheen38) & Shraddha Khaire @shrads.jpg
Artist Reputation Management: Dream & Hustle Media (@dreamnhustlemedia)
Artist Managed by: Pouja Gandhi (@poujagandhi)
Artist’s Creative Head: Shubam Lotey (@shubam.lotey)
