The iconic Bollywood track from Aditya Chopra’s 1995 film “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” became their anthem, a soundtrack to countless cherished moments.
Little did they know that years later, Kamal would find herself in a recording studio, collaborating with the very voice behind the song that serenaded their relationship – Bollywood’s legendary Kumar Sanu.
“I was jumping with joy! It was simply crazy,” Kamal, a mother of three, recalled. “I kept thinking, is this really happening? It felt like a dream.”
For Kamal, who was named Most Outstanding International Singer/Performer at the World Class Excellence Japan Awards 2023 and Best International Artiste at the UK Bhangra Awards in 2019 and 2022, the news of working with Sanu was indeed a dream come true.
“He’s such a big personality. His voice is thunderous and commands attention,” the Penang-based former lawyer shared with FMT Lifestyle. “I was nervous at first, but he’s got a lovely, warm smile and is such a humble man – he really put me at ease.”
Sanu, renowned for his work on Bollywood films starring Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and others, also gave Kamal some valuable advice. “He said, in duets, it’s not just about singing your part – it’s about blending your voice with the other singer’s. That really stuck with me.”
Sanu also offered her career advice. “He said that to progress, one should not try to emulate other singers but to find their own voice and identity,” she said.
The collaboration, a duet called “Chandni” (moonlight), was a pivotal experience for Kamal, made possible by her partnership with Indian composer Arvinder Raina, who composed the song alongside Mridul, with lyrics by Shahab Allahabadi and Anjaan Sagri.
The entire process began in January, when Kamal and her team travelled to Mumbai to record the song. By April, they were shooting the music video, which was a visual feast set against the stunning backdrops of Mumbai’s Madh Island and Punjab’s Chandigarh.
Kamal’s husband, a radiologist and her biggest fan, even produced “Chandni.” It was Chopra who first encouraged Kamal to pursue music professionally. “He told me, ‘You’ve got a talent, you should show it.’”
Kamal, who grew up in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, loved singing Bollywood songs as a young girl, performing at school events and competitions. But the demands of her law career eventually took over.
It wasn’t until 2012 that she fully returned to music, taking classes and entering competitions before becoming a professional singer.
“He’s been my biggest supporter, always encouraging me,” Kamal said of her husband. “No matter how tired he is, he’s there, helping me with preparations and suggestions.”
Since then, Kamal has released several hits, including “Khwaab,” “Jhanjhran,” “Shadaa,” and “Prabh Mangna.” She’s even passed her love for music to her youngest son, who is a talented singer and musician.
Kamal’s career has taken her around the world, performing live in Australia, India, the UK, and Japan. She sings in multiple languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, English, Malay, Spanish, Tamil, and Chinese.
Looking ahead, Kamal dreams of collaborating both locally and internationally.
“I’d love to sing with Siti Nurhaliza and DJ Dave,” she said. “And, who doesn’t want to sing with Ed Sheeran?”
Kamal’s ultimate dream is to be a Bollywood playback singer, just like Sanu.
For those considering a career change or wishing to follow their passion, Kamal’s advice is simple: “Stop treating it like a hobby. Take it seriously, push yourself, and never give up.”
Her journey from a young girl singing at family gatherings and school competitions to working with Bollywood legends proves that with dedication and support, dreams can become reality – even outside of films.
Follow Kamal Chopra on Instagram.