'Happy 30th Birthday Raja, Allah aap ko kamyaabi pe kamyaabi de, aur aap ki har khwaish puri ho'
...Raja Hasan Sagar and Jenna Pal...
My warmest and sincerest regards to my sweet friend Raja Hasan Sagar for taking out his precious time, to give me this wonderful WORLD EXCLUSIVE interview. This interview was actually conducted a few days after the tragic Mumbai bombings on the 29/11/08, but, I wanted to broadcast it today as it is his 30th birthday and I thought it would be a special treat for his fans.
This interview actually had to be conducted whilst Raja was on the move as he is always sooo busy, but, I was still majorly impressed at the very frank and honest answers that he gave and I do apologise in parts, if I am laughing uncontrollably, the reason is because I was not prepared for some of the things that Raja was about to say. He was soooo funny and spontaneous!!! There are also parts where it is hard to hear what is being said, so I have also written a English transcript below, of what was said, please note that it is a loose translation of what was said :0)
Also, you may not believe this, but, this is the FIRST EVER audio interview, that I have done in my life and I tried to ask things, which fans would be intrigued to know. This interview was really conducted, as more of a friendly chat between me and Raja, because it is hard for me to have a serious conversation with him. We are both great friends and complete jokers, and we both just love, making people laugh!!! (You will get to see many shades of his funny character throughout this interview!!!) In fact, this is probably the MOST serious, that I have ever spoken to him...Hahahahaha!!! :0)
I really want to take this opportunity to thank my dear friend and team member Av (A.K.A Avtansh) because this interview, would not have been possible without his assistance. Av, I have told you many times before, that you are one of my funniest and craziest friends, whom I love and respect a lot. Thank you very much, for being one of Raja's most loyal and avid supporters. I am sure that with true fans like you around, Raja's career will only soar onwards and upwards!!!
...Raja Hasan Sagar and Avtansh...
Okay, so now brace yourselves, to have a lovely giggle as you sit back and enjoy Raja Hasan Sagar in his full glory, breaking a WORLD EXCLUSIVE, which will make you all smile from ear to ear.
Enjoy!!!
Regards,
Jenna Pal (Site Manager)
>> Raja & Jenna - World Exclusive (Part I!!!) <<
Jenna: Raja, firstly, I want to congratulate you because after the controversial 'Saregamapa 2007' results, you have gone on from strength to strength, you have won many hearts, as well as winning 'Ustaadon Ka Ustaad' and 'Ek Se Badhkar Ek' and even sang for many Bollywood films and may Allah ensure that your career continues to flourish...
Raja: Thank you very much!
Jenna: Approximately a year ago, when I first interviewed you, these shows had not taken place, so I just want to take this opportunity to ask you a few questions about them.
Raja: Yes, yes.
Jenna: Okay, your first question. How did it feel when you won 'Ustaadon Ka Ustaad' and were you confident when you saw your fellow contestants, that you would win?
Raja: Erm, in regards to confidence, well, I had gained a LOT of confidence after 'Saregamapa,' because people had showered me with a lot of love and adulation, which I really liked a lot and I believe that irrespective of if the show was 'Ek Se Badhkar Ek' or 'Ustaadon Ka Ustaad' that this is not MY win, this is EVERYONE'S victory who worked tirelessly for me, voted for me, and for my fans who love me very much, this is THEIR victory.
Jenna: Definitely, definitely, you are right.
Raja: For them to win, I had to win!!!
Jenna: Yes definitely.
Jenna: Then, after that, you participated in the all singing/dancing competition 'Ek Se Badhkar Ek' with Jassi, this show was far longer in duration, than 'Ustaadon Ka Ustaad,' and even more difficult to win, but, you won again. How did it feel when fans made you win, yet again?
Raja: As stated in response to your first question, this is not my win, it is a win for the fans, who showered me with so much love and so many votes. Actually, the biggest compliment is when people take time out of their busy lives/schedules to vote for me, there is NO BIGGER WIN than this. I think this is bigger than the 'Ek Se Badhkar Ek' win itself, that people love me so much and that they watch me, I feel that, that is my biggest win!!!
Jenna: Yes, definitely, definitely.
Jenna: Who did you feel was your biggest competition in 'Ek Se Badhkar Ek' and why?
Raja: Well, I didn't really feel like I had any competition, because we were all singing and working together, and in regards to competitors, well, I think that they were all good competitors, they all sang well and everyone tried their best and I was also there amongst them, and I also tried my best.
Jenna: Yes, yes.
Jenna: On the 'Ek Se Badhkar Ek' set, when a massive argument had erupted, between you and Abhijeet-Ji, you received mixed reactions, but, your fans were very pleased because, we saw that you were receiving very low marks, even though your performances were mind-blowing!!! When you reflect on that moment now, do you have any regrets of having such a fierce reaction or are you happy that you reacted, so wholeheartedly?
Raja: See, at the time, I said, what seemed to be the correct thing for me to say, but, in hindsight, I realise, that maybe I shouldn't have spoken out so harshly, but, it also true that if I hadn't spoken out at all, that I may not have won. This is true as well. See, a person can only tolerate, so much. For the whole duration of the show, I never uttered a word out of place, and the only time I felt compelled to speak, was when marks were not being given/counted at all, that is when I spoke out. See, I have faith in my fans, it's like Abhijeet-Da said; 'there is no such things as fans,' but, I blindly believe that WITHOUT fans...
Jenna: A star is nothing...
Raja: You cannot be a star without fans. He used to say, 'there is no such thing as fans,' and I used to believe that 'of course there are, fans mean everything!!!' When I used to finish my shows, fans would call me and say; 'Raja, what happened??? You performed soooo well, how come you received such low marks?' So, obviously after a while, a man starts to lose his sanity!!! Anyway, it is good that I spoke out, that one time, it was good :0)
Jenna: Yes, definitely...
Jenna: You gave such incredible performances in 'Ek Se Badhkar Ek,' but, if I had to choose just two of my personal favourites, then I would choose; 'Lagan Lagi' and 'Khwaja Mere Khwaja,' because you TOTALLY ROCKED THEM, and I felt that you should have received ten marks for them and my least favourite was 'Jiya Dhadak Dhadak,' but, which performances were your favourite/least favourite and why?
Raja: Well, my best performance...I won't like to say because, who am I to judge? The public are the ultimate judges, they know more, but, 'Lagan Lagi' I would say, I did very good, and even with 'Jiya Dhadak Dhadak,' I felt very good. I really liked them because I felt that I sang them quite well and after performing 'Jiya Dhadak Dhadak' I received quite a few phone calls from several Music Directors...
Jenna: OH WOW!!!...
Raja: Yes, one or two of them also got me to sing for them...
Jenna: Oh brilliant!!!
Raja: So, that was a big deal for me.
Jenna: Okay.
Jenna: You sang a great variety of songs in 'ESBE 2008,' which proved your versatility as an artist but, there is one song that you sang, which totally caught me off guard, and that was 'Kangna' by Dr Zeus, a Punjabi song produced by a British Asian producer...
Raja: Well, in the U.K, a lot of people love 'Kangna' don't they?
Jenna: I simply loved it, what inspired you to choose that particular song?
Raja: Actually, I had heard about that song from Harpreet Deol. I had loved that song before 'Saregamapa,' I had heard this song soooo many times, and when I toured internationally, in the U.K and the U.S, I saw that the fans, generally loved Punjabi songs, and two of their ultimate favourites, I can even recall them today, they are; 'Kangna' and (Raja breaks out into a Punjabi song...'Soniye Dil Nahi Lagda' By Aman Hayer.)
Jenna: Oye, Oye!!!
Raja: You liked that one?...So, I chose this song 'Kangna' for my International fans...
Jenna: Yes, yes, you sang it very, very well.
Here is Raja's performance of 'Kangna,' on 'Ek Se Badhkar Ek,' for those of you, who missed it.
Jenna: Up until this moment, what has been the best/worst moment of your career?
Raja: Well, my dear friend...the best would be when Salman Khan said to me; 'Have you gone crazy, does anyone sing that good?' Then the next time around, (referring to 'SRGMP 2009,') I felt really, really good, that one of the most popular, one of the best artists, one of the most beautiful, most handsome, most smartest, one of the...Oh my dear friend!!!...What more can I say??? A man like SALMAN KHAN is saying this to me. Thanks, thanks, thanks to Zee. He even singled me out in 'SRGMP' as well, he recognised me and asked about me (Raja) who sang; 'Tu To Jaane Na,' and I REALLLLY liked it a LOT, that was an excellent moment for me!!!
Jenna: Awww, brilliant...
Raja: And the worst part of my life is 'Pardesi, Pardesi,'
Jenna: Awww, yes, we know...
Raja: In that song, I don't know what happened, I was telling Himesh that; 'if I didn't understand singing, then why would I be here?' Actually, I was wrong!!! No seriously, at that time, I was WRONG!!! I didn't even understand myself, what I was saying and I didn't acknowledge, who I was speaking to and how badly I had spoken.
Jenna: You just spoke from the heart, because you were hurt...Even fans saw the way...
Raja: Many fans called me and asked; 'Raja, why did you say that?' I realised my mistake, I sang badly and the way I commented afterwards, was also wrong and that was the worst part of my life thus far, but after this interview, I don't really want to comment on this subject again. I just pray to Allah that I never repeat such a mistake again. I even want to apologise to Abhijeet-Da, because I also said a lot to him as well and I shouldn't have. He is senior to me and he is one of the best singers of our industry. These things happen...
Jenna: Okay. My next question is...
Jenna: Whenever you sing any songs Raja, you seem to have a very strong emotional connection to the songs, which touches people's hearts deeply. When you sing, do you draw on your own personal life experiences, or do you just concentrate on the lyrics of what you are trying to convey and just sing methodically?
Raja: I never concentrate on lyrics, I only concentrate on my life. I always reflect on my past, present and my future life experiences. I always sing songs, based on my personal life experiences.
Jenna: Yes, it seems like you pour your heart out to everyone. Like...you drown yourself in your emotions, when you sing...
Raja: Yes, I try, I try...
Jenna: Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful...
Jenna: What is the single most sweetest thing that a fan has ever done to/for you?
Raja: Well, I would like to thank ALL of my fans, because collectively, they have made me win; 'Ustaadon Ka Ustaad' and 'Ek Se Badhkar Ek' and now I have blind faith in my fans, that if I compete in any competition, that they won't let me lose!!!
Jenna: Yes, of course, of course!!!
Jenna: Years ago, when you were a struggling singer, did you ever imagine that in such a short space of time that you would achieve so much success and superstardom, because it seems to me, that you are overwhelmed at the love and attention that you are receiving, whether that be from numerous websites/blogs or the countless prayers that you receive etc
Raja: Absolutely, do you know why I am surprised? Because I don't know how to speak with people...I have to deal with instant fame, and I didn't realise that it would ALL come at once.
Jenna: Hahaha!!!
Raja: Seriously, I just went on these shows to prove myself as a singer, but, then people chose to make me their hero and it has proven to be very honourable and good for me :0)
Jenna: In many instances, it is not common for Reality Television stars to receive a lot of love and recognition and even if they do, they are generally forgotten within a year because newer stars are making their way into the industry, but, it is apparent that everyone still loves Raja...
Raja: I make a promise to all of my fans that I will always do my best for all of YOU. Even if I do anything wrong, then you are fully within your rights to scold me and please feel free to suggest any improvements. I will never say that I am a STAR, I am NOT a star, I am star because of my FANS, because of my...? (Unfortunately, at the time of the interview, I had understood what Raja had said at the end of this sentence, but, when I replayed it some days later, to convert this interview into English, I had real trouble figuring out what he had said???!!! I will try and get him to listen to it and tell me what he said, when he gets a few minutes away, from his hectic schedule!!!)
Jenna: Yes, definitely.
Raja: Thank you.
Jenna: On the internet, you have lovingly been given different names/titles by fans. There are also two that I have given you, which are; 'King Of Hearts' and 'The People's Champion,' how do you feel about such titles?
Raja: I love this, I love this medal, and I love this name, but, I hope, I always pray to God, that you continue to have blind faith in me, and in my career...all of my fans, all of the faith you have placed in me, making me your 'King Of Hearts,' or the 'People's Champion.' I just pray to Allah that please, please don't let me lose people's faith and their trust, I will always try to work hard, I will always practice and always try my best for my FANS and for YOU, and for you ALL!!!
Jenna: Awww, bless you...
Raja: Thank you.
Jenna: What are the biggest advantages/disadvantages of fame?
Raja: Well, the advantages are that everyone recognises me and everybody loves me, everybody knows me very well, so, this is a major advantage for me, that wherever I go, I can rest assured that I will never have to starve to death, because a fan will always be there to feed me if need be.
(Awwww, God Bless him!!!)
In regards to disadvantages, there are a LOT of disadvantages to fame, especially in regards to my craziest fans, who have my mobile number, they always call me, in the night, in the morning, in the evening...every time...So, this is a hard disadvantage for my career, because sometimes I am busy in meetings, sometimes I am busy in recordings, sometimes I am busy shooting, and I have to take all of these calls, because they are my fans...
Jenna: Yes...It proves to be very difficult.
Raja: Yes...It proves to be very difficult for me, this proves to be a great disadvantage for me, when everybody has my number!!!
Jenna: It is because you are soooo popular, that's why!!!
Raja: Thank God, Thank God!!!
(RAJA KILLED ME WITH LAUGHTER HERE - LISTEN AND LAUGH!!!)
Raja: There is also a bit of disadvantage in regards to my wife, because when the majority of the fans calling are female fans, then I GET SCARED that my wife may get angry, and hope that she doesn't argue with me, but, thank God that my wife is very, very sweet, she is very admissible, and it is good that she doesn't argue too much. She just asks who is calling and I say 'it's a fan' and she stays in a bad mood for a while, but, then she calms down after a short period!!!
Jenna: (I was dying from laughter by this time and just couldn't contain myself!!!)
Jenna: Awwww - Bless you!!! Awww!!! I wasn't expecting that answer!!! Sorryyy...Oh God!!!
Raja & Jenna: (We were both dying in a fit of giggles at this point!!!)
(On a more serious note, this is a personal request to all of Raja's fans who have his mobile number, please try and understand the severity of the situation/s highlighted above, as Raja also needs some breathing space as well, he needs to get rest and peace of mind, to produce great work and it is very important for him to adjust slowly, to his new found fame.)
Jenna: Fans always ask, is there any official release date for your forthcoming personal, solo album?
Raja: Yes, I have my own solo album releasing soon, which has been composed by my father; 'Yaar Mila De Re.'
Jenna: Oh wonderful!!!
Raja: The video shoot keeps getting postponed for some reason or another, but, when the video shoot gets completed, it will get released very, very soon...
Jenna: Okay, we are looking forward to it!!
Raja: God willing, God willing...Even I am trying :0) and I hope that all of my fans will buy it...
Jenna: Definitely, definitely...Everyone will buy it!!!
Raja: All of my fans, please buy it yourself, don't ask your friends for it, please buy it yourself, please...because I have blind faith in my fans. I have the world's BIGGEST TREASURE, which is MY FANS. I have TOTAL FAITH in them, they hold rights over me and I hold rights over them. They expect me to sing well and to work hard, and in return, I also, expect you all to...please, buy my album when it releases...
Jenna: Officially buy it...
Raja: If possible, please give me your blessings...
Jenna: Definitely, you have them already.
Raja: Thank you, thank you!!!
Raja: (In a very cheeky tone...) Jenna, shall I send you 10,000 copies???
Jenna: 10,000 what??? 10,000 copies???!!! Hahahahahaha!!!
Raja: Yes!!!
Raja: No, No, No!!! (He continues saying, in a very cheeky tone)...You can open a stall over there - on behalf of your Raja Hasan fan club!!!
Jenna: Oh Raja!!! I always have you playing in my car, people watch me, as I blare out 'Allah Ke Bande' on loud speaker!!! People are ALWAYS watching!!!
Raja: Thank you. I will send you my new song very soon...Jenna, I will send you my new song very soon, very soon, very soon!!!
Jenna: Awww, thank you Raja, that's very sweet of you.
Raja: God willing, definitely, I will try and do my best!!!
Jenna: I would really love it if you and A.R Rahman-Sahib worked together, because I really respect and admire you both, but, is there any Artist/Composer that you would like to work with?
Raja: One month ago, A.R Rahman-Sahib, called ZEE TV and requested a CD collection of my songs and I went there personally to give them a CD of mine.
Jenna: OH...
Raja: Really...
Jenna: WOW!!!
Raja: God willing, God willing, God willing, I hope in one or two months, I will definitely sing for Rahman-Sahib, and prove that because of my fans blessings, that I can deliver the result, that they are looking for.
Jenna: Yes of course, you are both incredible artists, my favourites definitely.
Raja: Thank you very much, thank you very much. I will try to give you an interview with A.R Rahman-Sahib, with both of us.
Jenna: Yes, definitely, yes, that will be brilliant Raja!!!
Jenna: Apart from this, are there any other new projects that you would like to share with your fans?
Raja: Yes definitely, I have done one movie as an Actor!!!
Jenna: Oh really???!!! As an Actor??? OH WOW!!!
Raja: Really, the movie name is 'Shadow,' and in that movie, I have a 15 minute role.
Jenna: Oh Okay...
Raja: It is a very small role for me. I have sang one song in this movie. It's a very good movie. God willing, you will like it a lot, when you go. I have tried to act a little...(which I cannot...:0)...I have just, just tried it.
Jenna: OH WOW!!!
Raja: Thank you!!!
Jenna: That sounds very interesting, that sounds very interesting, you will have to give us the release date when the time comes.
Raja: Definitely, definitely, definitely...I will give...
>> Raja & Jenna - World Exclusive (Part II!!!) <<
Jenna: Is there any advice that you would like to give to struggling singers?
Raja: Yes, yes, yes. First of all I want to say, please have FAITH in YOURSELF, but, most of all, have faith in BLESSINGS, because without blessings, nobody can last...like Raja, like Toshi, like Aneek, Mauli, nobody can. I mean no one can become a star without blessings, so, do well and whenever possible, work hard and work with honesty.
Jenna: Yes, definitely...
Raja: Concentrate very hard on your work, work with your parents blessings and treat your friends well. You will find that the more better, you treat others, that this will also reflect in the way you work and in your nature (I think.)
Jenna: Definitely...
Raja: Because the better your nature, the better your work will become.
Jenna: Definitely, definitely...it is very good advice.
Raja: Thank you very much.
Jenna: Are there any contact details that you can give out to people, who want to book you for personal shows?
Raja: Er...Well, internationally and nationally I can't comment right now, because I am contractually bound with ZEE.
Jenna: Oh Okay, Okay, Okay.
Raja: This contract will expire in October.
Jenna: October, Oh Okay, this...???... Next October???
Raja: Yes, next October it will be finished.
Jenna: Oh, so after this time, you will be free to do shows?
Raja: Then after, you can call me anytime!!! :0)
Jenna: You have recently been nominated for the '8th ITA Glamour Face of Year 2008'...What was your reaction, when you discovered this?
Raja: (Laughs!!!) Well I don't know...What is this??? And what was it??? For me, this is a great opportunity, and I don't know how to explain in words, because I wasn't even aware that I was THAT famous, and people have given me so much love that they have nominated me for the 'Most Popular Face Of The Year,' but, now, I will have to work even harder for them.
Jenna: Definitely, definitely.
Jenna: And finally, is there any message that you would like to pass onto ALL of your fans?
(Please note that because this interview was conducted a few days after the horrific Mumbai bomb blasts (29-11-08) Raja's message was very much inspired by the madness, that was occurring around us, at that time.)
Raja: Yes, whenever possible, please believe in God, and in your work, don't hurt anyone, pray for everyone, love everyone. You are a man, you have to. Whenever possible, live together, love one another in this world, don't hate anyone, if there are any misunderstandings, work it out verbally. Whenever possible, look after your parents, give them back all of the happiness, that they sacrificed for you, during their struggle. Like my father, he struggled here for over twenty five years, and God is making me reap the rewards today, by giving me an opportunity to repay back my fathers hopes and aspirations. I want his every dream to be fulfilled. I want everyone to live together in love, respect their parents, respect their Religions, respect one another's feelings, support one another, and together we can translate this world into heaven...
Jenna: Yes, yes definitely, definitely, definitely...
Raja: If we live in love, the world will become heavenly and when this world becomes heavenly, then we can all live peacefully and happily in this world. I love everybody and I want people to love me also!!!
Jenna: Wow Raja, very beautiful, very beautiful...
Jenna: Raja, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart that you have taken out your valuable time for the viewers of 'Dilo Ka Raja'...
Raja: Even I want to thank all of those, from the bottom of my heart, who have given me such a grand name like; 'Dilo Ka Raja'. I want to pray to Allah, from the bottom of my heart, that all of my fans hopes/dreams/aspirations are fulfilled.
Jenna: Yes and may Allah also make you win the '8th ITA Glamour Face of the Year' award. (Obviously, this was discussed, before we found out that he had lost out, on the award!!! But, never mind, I am sure that bigger and better opportunities will arise in Raja's promising, young future!!!)
Raja: Thank you very much.
Jenna: God Bless You Raja!!!
Raja: Thank you, thank you Jenna. We will talk tomorrow.
Jenna: Yes, thank you very much.
Raja: God willing, I will call you. Ok bye, Allah Hafiz.
Jenna: Bye, Allah Hafiz...
So, there you have it...a wonderful insight into Raja, the beautiful human being. If you have any doubt as to why you love him so much, just keep replaying this interview. He is a very sincere, warm and loving human being, and I am very proud to be involved in helping his career flourish. I can only hope and pray to God that it continues to grow, from strength to strength.
God Bless You Raja!!!
Source: Jenna Pal (Site Manager) & Raja Hasan Sagar (Bollywood Heartthrob!!!)
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