One for Mastee

Mastee Hi Mastee is the name of Ashok Mastee’s latest album, which he has released with Times Music. Ashok Sachdeva is his real name, but the enthusiasm and the vigour with which he performs, ‘Mastee’ is the right word for him. He started singing six years back and to this day, his live shows are as groovy and power-packed as you could imagine. “I don’t stop to have a look at myself while performing. When on stage, I am totally engrossed in my singing. And I guess that is the reason for my popularity,” says Ashok, who is a big favourite up-North. His concerts have the public up on their feet, dancing to his tunes.

Way back in the early ’80s, when the fear of violence and terrorism had gripped Punjab, Ashok decided to do his bit to bring some relief in the tensed situation. He joined the New Theatre Movement, where he went from one village to another, performing plays for a social cause and to bring about social awakening. “People appreciated my stage performance and my friends suggested that I try my luck in singing. I recived training from Vijay Sachdeva in Punjab and Charanjeet Ahuja in Delhi. My voice had a basal texture which further helped me in singing,” he says.

On the reason to stick to Punjabi pop, the singer says, “Punjabi folk music has always been very popular amongst Indians. Ude jab jab zulfen teri and Yeh desh hai veer jawanon ka are evergreen hits. This mass appreciation, affected my decision and I decided to stick to the Punjabi style.”

His new album has a different sound compared to his previous one. The last album, being recorded in Delhi, lacked in terms of technicalities and orchestration, but this time round, there has been no compromise, claims Ashok. “I took about a month to complete this album. And every little detail has been taken care of,” he informs. The album has six dance tracks. “And they are not the usual Balle balle kinds,” he insists, “My songs have a lot in terms of poetry, melody and presentation, they are meant more for live shows.” A love ballad also finds place in this mast singer’s album.

Inspite of his busy schedule with music, Ashok still loves to do plays, which are his first love. He has also acted in a Punjabi film Lado, which won a National award. He dreams of acting in Hindi films too someday. “It sure does attract me, but right now I am concentrating on singing. I have to excel at my present job. I am planning to shift to Mumbai, so that I can try my hand at playback,” he concludes.

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