Bling in the Bhangra!

The man is a glittering gold rush. For a second, you are tempted to reach for your sunglasses! When it comes to the 'bling and blare', Jazzy B takes his throne, wears his (spiked) crowning glory of blue hair gel (exactly like that of a peacock's) and rises and shines in his signature style. "I've always been a fashionable guy, in fact, I have a personal hairdresser in London who does all the 'damages' to my hair ! I've also always loved gold...used to wear the fake trinkets when I was high school, now it's the real stuff," says the Punjabi pop singer, who'll also be launching his fashion line called Trendster. While that's stuck somewhere in the pipeline, the news for the day is that Jazzy is out with his new album, Rambo, and he's gone mobile with the promotion. "Today, media rules. It's a digital world, and that's the way to sell." So, Spice and Jazzy made a 'call', and unveiled the 'Star with Jazzy B' contest. "Spice users can download exclusive songs from my latest album, and as part of the contest, win music CDs, free tickets to my next concert and a part in my next music video," Jazzy jazzes it all up. It's all there on www.spiceindia.com.

Over to Jazzy B and the journey so far - "14 years! I've been around for these many years and music has changed me completely, made me a very humble man," he unwinds, crediting music as the greatest glue between people and countries. "Look at A R Rahman. This genius has cut across borders and is a name to be reckoned with globally. So are legends like Kuldip Manak," Jazzy feels that is you are original (he hates remixes) and stick to your style, you will make it. "No reality show can deliver an overnight stardom. You can rise only on the basis of your talent and hardwork." A one-step at a time person, Jazzy took his time to release the current album. "I could've churned it out in six months, but that's not the idea. I like to concentrate on every track and make a complete entertainer." Which, by the way, is a reflection of this maverick singer's personality - loud, flashy and full of energy. "Life is too short to be hated. People are already leading hectic lives. I want that whenever they slip in my CD, it brings a smile to their faces." So, it's the beat, bhangra and Jazzy in a 'pitch fever'. "The beauty of Punjabi music is that it makes everyone get up and dance. Hip hop is similar to it and that's why many international musicians are incorporating it in their music."

When he's not composing, Jazzy's promoting new talent. "It's necessary. Respect alone does not bring food to the table. Although the traditional compositions never die, there's a need to preserve our culture, our music...I feel, we should groom young talent and open an arts and music center in every city."