Mika made his debut on the Indipop scene piggybacking on the success of older brother Daler Mehndi.
Unlike Daler, who restricts his bravado to his costumes, Mika became as well known for his brawling as for his bhangra.
Between pouncing on starlet Rakhi Sawant and torturing TV audiences with his dancing in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, Mika has also released a few albums where he wrote the songs, composed, arranged, played and sang in his characteristic nasal twang.
His stage performances are as over the top as the man himself.
Loaded with all the rustic appeal of a tractor in a wheat field, Mika talked to tabloid! ahead of his shows in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
You delivered a string of hits in 2007. What's the outlook for 2008?
Yeah, last year was quite a good year for me. Four of my songs became hits: Ganpat, Yara Dhol Bajake, Mauja he Mauja, and Soni de Nakhre.
Well, this year should be great too, because I'll be writing my songs, singing them and acting as well. All in all, I'm enjoying my work.
I'm looking forward to performing in Dubai, where I have done many shows. I love the UAE. It's a very nice country, clean and safe.
Someday, I want to buy a house here.
Do you love being the bad boy of Indian music?
I love that image. It's not that I'm fighting or hurting. All I can say is that it probably comes from my music and the kind of songs I sing. Like Dunalli - a song about a revolver - and Ganpat - a high-spirited song celebrating the Mumbai underworld - and I don't create controversies. I've stopped. Ha ha.
What about your move into acting in Hindi films? How is that playing out?
As I told you, this year I will be acting in a film. I could have done it a long time back, because I've got so many offers. So, finally I've agreed to do a film.
I just finished a shooting schedule in Bangkok with my co-stars Govinda and Sunil Shetty.
Are you still friends with Rakhi Sawant?
Rakhi is a nice dancer and a bigger drama queen. I haven't been in touch with her for some time. She's a kid [laughs]. I'm like her Godfather.
How was your whole television experience?
Ah, TV shows. I enjoyed my time and increased the ratings of the channels. And that was enough for my fans.
Are you making music again with your brother Daler Mehndi? And what has he taught you about music?
My brother, Daler, is a very good singer and performer. He is my guru. Everything I know about music I have learned from him. I think all of Bollywood has learned from him.
Next on my plate is a show in London on April 13, then I'll be shooting for my film in Bangkok and then again back to work. Chak de Phatte!
Mika in the UAE
World Punjabi Baisakhi Nite, Abu Dhabi
Featuring: Mika Singh, actor Sheeba Bhakri, Pakistani singer Sahira Naseem, Mona Singh and stand-up comic Kapil Sharma.
When: Thursday, April 17.
Where: Hiltonia Beach Garden, Abu Dhabi.
Tickets available from: National Future Video, Chappan Bhog and Kwality Restaurant in Abu Dhabi.
Tickets are priced at Dh200, Dh300 and Dh500.
The Baishaki Nite, Dubai
Featuring: Mika Singh, Bombay Rockers, Mona Singh from the UK, and Bollywood dancers.
When: Friday, April 18. Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm.
Where: Dubai Tennis Stadium.
Tickets available from: All Choithram, Al Mansoor Audio Video, Sindh Punjab, Gazebo and Kamath outlets.
Limited offer tickets available from Dh65 to Dh125.
For more info: call 050-8761958 or 06-7469617/18.
Singh's hits
Dil Todke Na Ja from Pyar Ke Side Effects.
Dil Mein Baji Guitar from Apna Sapna Money Money.
Neele Neele Aankhon Wali from Nehle Pe Dehla.
Ae Ganpat Chal Daru La from Shootout At Lokhandwala.
