Malaysian Kamal Chopra ‘Best International Artist’ at UK Bhangra awards
Bernama
-December 18, 2019 10:08 PM
Kamal Chopra, a mother of three, has been singing for the past seven years. (Facebook pic)KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian singer Kamal Chopra was crowned “Best International Artist” at the UK Bhangra Awards 2019, held on Nov 30 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Kamal, who is a lawyer by qualification but had stopped practising to pursue singing, said her win in the “Best International Artist” category was not based on any particular song or songs but for the work that she had been doing for the past seven years.
“I think the reason I was chosen to win this award is because of my continuous efforts in promoting and improving the quality of music and entertainment, especially for the Punjabi community.
“Besides, the live performances for various cultural events, charity functions and endorsement of Punjabi culture throughout my career in music garnered the attention of the organisers of the UK Bhangra Awards”, she said at a press conference here today.
She had been competing with singers from five other countries, namely the United States, Canada, Sweden, India and the United Arab Emirates but she was selected by a panel of judges based on her work, performances and contributions to Punjabi culture throughout a one-year period.
From the six nominees, the winner of the award was then determined by public votes throughout the world from Nov 1 to 27 and the voting was done through email and SMS.
As a representative of Malaysia, Kamal was also given the honour of performing live at the Regency Banqueting Suite, Birmingham.
“I was really excited to perform because it was such a great honour to be singing on such a prestigious platform like the UK Bhangra Awards. I would say this is the biggest stage that I have ever performed.
“I gave two performances and both were Bhangra songs. What was most exciting was that the crowd just couldn’t help it … you know how Bhangra music is. They started tapping, dancing on the dance floor.
“It was really energetic and very exciting,” said the Petaling Jaya-born singer who resides in Penang.
Asked about her career, which began seven years ago, she said it was her dream to become a lawyer.
At that point, she did not realise that singing would be something that she could take up professionally. Thus, she practised law for some years before changing her career direction.
“To be honest, I do not miss being a lawyer. I guess this singing is my calling. I’ve always wanted to be a singer and I am very glad that I was able to practise as a lawyer and fulfil my parents’ dream as well.
“Now, I do something that I really love and that is something that I would encourage everyone to do. When they do something they love, naturally, they will excel in it,” said the graduate from University of London.
Kamal, who is married with three children, underwent vocal training under the Rockschool International Music and Performance Arts, UK.
She said her inspiration is her husband, Dr Sunil Chopra, 56, who has done everything possible for her to achieve her dream.
“I left my job 10 years ago to be with my children. Being a housewife then, my husband encouraged me to take up singing because he had always known that I loved singing since my childhood days.
“Because of his encouragement, I started going for singing lessons and taking part in competitions. Then, when I started to win competitions, I realised that I should go further, initially singing for friends at functions and I then decided to take it up professionally,” said the 55-year-old.
Kamal’s future plans include doing her own original songs and to make a name for herself beyond Malaysia.
She believes age is never a factor to keep reaching goals and achieving her ambitions. This is especially true for those who are married and have children.
“Music has brought my family together as one. Music is food for the soul. It keeps me feeling healthy, young and energetic. So, the best vitamin that you can get is music,” she said.
The UK Bhangra Awards by Culture United is the largest and most prestigious Bhangra event in the UK since 2014, that promotes Punjabi Bhangra and Punjabi culture among all communities across the world.
