In lieu of the onslaught of requests for a post about Mr. Mehndi, I'll give it my best.
I was introduced to Daler Mehndi some time around my freshman year of college. A video of his was circulating around the dorm and I found it hilarious; so I did some research. My research consisted of asking my friend Sanjay (he's brown) if he knew anything about this Punjabi pop Pasha. Sanjay then told me that Daler Mehndi is comparable to Jay-Z in the United States. He is a living legend throughout the Indian culture. Sanjay could tell that I was amazed by Daler's sheer talent and musical genius so he vowed to help me cultivate my love for this Indian icon. Months later, after returning from a trip to India, Sanjay gave me 2 of Daler's greatest hits cd's that he picked up overseas for me. Needless to say, I was like a kid on Christmas. Bumping to jams like Jalwa and Dar Di Rab Rab, I was in heaven. Daler soon found his mug on my buddy icon, and has reigned there since. Daler's influence on the musical world can be heard in many songs by many artists. Because I don't think I can do a better job describing the legend that is Daler, I've gathered some quotes from around the internet which highlight his prowess.
“This is the romantic saga of a man whose only exalting source of existence was music. At a vulnerable age, he moved away from his home to train under the late Ustaad Rahat Ali Khan Sahib of Gorakhpur. There, he imbibed the Patiala Gharana style of Hindustani Classical music. Gifted by the Gods, his understanding of music gave him a sense of consistency and stability required so much in the fickle and ever elusive world of Super Stardom.
He became a hot music property in 1995 with his hit album Bolo Ta Ra Ra that broke all records. His subsequent albums Dardi Rab Rab, Ho Jayegi Bale Bale and Tunak Tunak Tun also became super hits, each one surpassing the other! Thence on it was a cakewalk on the runway of more success with releases and awards galore. He has become a metaphor in pop music of the 90's.“ ~ Daler.com
“With his diamond-studded turban and ostentatious overcoats, Daler Mehndi's persona mixes the homely appeal of a Sikh lad-done-good, with the "bling-bling" trappings of a gangster rapper.” ~ BBC
“The king of Bhangra. The Punjabi pop Pasha. The man who brought a revolution in Punjabi music blending it with folk songs and western lyrics has been ruling our hearts for years now. With 7 albums to his credit, all unique yet retaining his individual streak and typical style, Daler Mehndi today is a world-known figure in the music industry.” ~ DalerMehndi.com
About a year ago, a nasty rumor hit the Internet claiming that Daler was the ringleader of a human trafficking operation. I, and many others were crushed by the claims. How can a man that's larger than life stoop to such lows? For the first time, I questioned my faith in my fearless leader. Thankfully, the rumors were in fact, just rumors, and the investigation was dropped. My man, welcome back to the top (as if you'd ever left...)
The only thing better than Daler would be if Usher and Daler joined forces and collaborated to create the greatest album of all time.
-schrags