Kanika Kapoor doesn’t speak Punjabi

Singer Kanika Kapoor, who is popular for her Bollywood songs with Punjabi lyrics, says she is doesn’t actually know the language well.

“I don’t know Punjabi. I’m [from Uttar Pradesh]. I recently sang a Bengali song — an interesting song which will be out in two weeks. I’ve also sung a Kannada song,” Kapoor said.

“When I was memorising the lyrics of Baby Doll, I would [say the lyrics wrong]. I didn’t know the Punjabi pronunciation but I learnt and delivered,” she told reporters.

Kapoor shot to fame with Baby Doll, which has a majority of its lyrics in Punjabi.

Some of her other hit tracks such as Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan, Desi Look, Nachan Farrate and even her most recent Da Da Dasse from Udta Punjab have all had a significant portion of the lyrics in Punjabi.

Her surname Kapoor, generally associated with Punjabis, might be another reason why people might think she is from the state.

Speaking about her Bollywood career Kapoor said: “Today I feel like I am an established singer in Bollywood. I carefully choose my songs. I write music as well, so I have that sensibility.”

“God has been very kind to me. I am bringing up my children in London, so it is a big struggle for me. I didn’t get anything easy. I had to sing my songs really well to make it on my own,” Kapoor said.

In her message on the occasion of World Music Day, which is celebrated on June 21 worldwide, Kapoor said: “The World Music Day celebrates music and love. I hope that all the singers could live their dreams like I have.”

Baby Doll won Kapoor the Filmfare Award for best female playback singer.