He is the big daddy of Bhangra Pop. The Pasha of Pop they call him and many other exercises in eulogy are conducted to describe the undisputed lord and master of the Indi - Pop circuit. Welcome to the world of Daler Mahendi. Some people prefer Dollar, but what the heck, the man rules like no one else, and as long as the moolah comes in, the adjective before a currency does not matter.

Born and brought up in Patna, Bihar, he belongs to a family of singers who used to sing in various Gurudwaras. He left home to train under Ustad Rahat Ali Khan Sahib of Gorakhpur. There he imbibed the Patiala Gharana’s nuances before jumping onto the commercial circuit of Indi - Pop. Having a classical knowledge to boot his phenomenal performance skills has increased his repertoire and range, which he still to explore completely.

A taxi driver by profession before he hit big time in the Indi - Pop circuit, his has been the proverbial rags to riches story. Teaming up with the now fifty - plus - albums - old composer - arranger, Jawahar Wattal, Daler has over the years given huge hits starting from Bolo Tara Rara in 1995.

The phenomenal success of the singer prompted further releases, which came rapidly with the team remaining intact. Dardi Rab Rab Kardi followed in 1996 and then came Ho Jayegi Balle Balle and Tunak Tunak, his last in 1999.

The bejewelled turban and long flowing robes have become trademarks of Daler and wearing them a fashion statement. His immense energy on the stage, his repertoire includes a non - stop remix session of old and new Hindi film songs interspersed with popular folk tunes, which can stretch upto 45 minutes. Even the most cynical of foot locked monoliths will move to the sheer vitality and enthuthiasm of his songs. This coupled with the rich voice, powerful and gripping completes the package that Daler has so assiduously cultivated and nurtured.

Daler is also credited with the eventual breaking of the barrier between Hindi film music and Indi - Pop when he sang ‘Na Na Na Na Na Re’ for Amitabh Bachchan’s comeback vehicle Mrityudaata.He also had a hit in Arjun Pandit and Khauff.

Accolades and Achievements

Creating a record after signing a 2.5 crore deal with Magnasound, Daler was a hassled man after the last album Tunak Tunak failed to set the box - office on fire. A transfer took place and his present music label is Tips, paying an undisclosed amount to the superstar. After the fall - out with long time friend - cum arranger, Jawahar Wattal, many were ready to write his obituaries, but the imminent fall never came.