With Punjabi pop being the 'in' thing in the musikworld , each day we get to see a new singer struggling to reach at the top .Like any other field there a whole lot of people in the field of Punjabi pop album everyday. The recent rat rasce of Punjabi pop stars like Daler , Bhupi, Mahi, Harbhajan Mann, Hans raj hans and so on has inspired -Shanker Sahney (of Yari Yari fame) to be a part of this competition.

To begin with, Shanker has his roots in music, since he belongs to a musical family. " I am a proponent of a Khirana Gharana, Mainly, I was initiated into the world of sur and taal at the early age of three, by my father Prof.T.B.Sahney, head of music department in the Punjab University," he informs proudly. A long journey into the realms of music followed. Since the age of five, Shanker has been performing in live shows on Doordarshan and Radio. In the succeeding years Shanker's talent was honed by countless hours of riyaz. " What helped me a great deal in perfecting the art of singing is my daily riyaz. I believe that's one thing I should never miss out, and only riyaz will take me a long way ," vouches the singer.

After finishing school, Shanker did his Chemical engineering from Chandigarh, and embarked upon job hunting in the commercial world. However the seeds of music sowed too deep in his being,began to sprout and he was drawn back to his first love -MUSIC. " I love music and would love to be a superstar," he confesses. A large part of his college days were spent in the studios recording as a guitarist and a singer in over 500albums.

Very popularly known as The Machli Hai Oyewalla, Shanker earned this nickname after his first song Machli hai Oye which became a big hit in the entire state of Punjab, in the early 90's. Shankers second album was titled Aj Nachno Ni Hatna, which like the first was released only in Punjab.

However,the big break came when his solo album Yaari Yaari was released by Tips music. The album combined the rhythm of dance and the soul of love song alongwith the traditional folklore that captures the essence of the land and the charms of Punjab. "This is my first solo album, which has gone national, I owe a lot to the Tips and Jawahar Wattal the ace music director," he adds. His greatest desire to work with star maker Jawahar Wattal was indeed a dream come true. He continues," Working with Jawaharji was a wonderful experience. He is such a knowledgeable person and renowned for his music compositions all over the country, Definitely Jawaharji knows what sells, and for any singer who wants to be known nationally he's the ideal composer to work with." Also Yaari Yaari happened to be Wattals 50th music album. Well certainly, it was the best thing that I could have asked for at the point of my career." He smiles.

What made him join the trend of Indipop music? He confirms that he came up with pop albums just to cash on the trend. :" It was a sheer coincidence that today there is a great demand for Punjabi pop in the music market; it was easy for me because I am basically from Punjab And had no problem being apartof this trend." Any plans to join the films as a playback singer? "As yet nothing, but certainlyI would like to seize the opportunity if I get one . 'adds shanker. Shanker's preference from Punjabi to Hindi to Punjabi pop varies mainly according to the preferences of the audience.

Shankar has the remarkable ability to create an urban as well as rural ambience with rendition of Punjabi folk songs among the masses. Lastly what he truly believes is," Song is a melody, over and above catchy lyrics and technically savvy music videos are the essential elements that go to form a solid foundation for a good singer. Although there is a stiff competition in this field, it is good because it means better music. " "My future plans include more albums. I'd like trying my hand at everything in music. " He finishes.

Piyali Dasgupta