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© Stella Floras
Sarbel in the Indian press
Merhaba Sarbel. Are you surprised that there is a huge interest in India and among the Indians in your music?
Merhaba ! Well I’m not very surprised as I have seen an Indian version of my song ‘Yassou Maria on youtube and as you know I have lived in the UK and I have many Indian friends.
Then are you familiar with our music and film industry ie Bollywood?
Yes, I am a huge fan of Shah Rukh Khan and my favourite Indian song is Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and I really like Say Shava Shava from what was it called Kabhi Khusi Khabi Gham!
Wow! you know a lot about Bollywood and you pronounce the words so well. Would you be interested in joining the Bollywood bandwagon as an actor or singer?
Oh I would love to. It would be an extraordinary experience to sing in Hindi. I have sung in several languages before: Arabic, English, Turkish, Spanish and of course my native Greek. I’d love to come down to Mumbai!
What do you know about India and about our culture?
I know you have beautiful women. Indian girls are among the most beautiful women in the world! You guys have amazing music. You have a very spiritual culture, which is full of colour. I have many Indian friends as I mentioned earlier and I have attended many Indian weddings. A wonderful experience indeed, your culture is filled with colour and happiness. Simply amazing!
You mentioned that you have sung songs in Turkish, Arabic, Spanish, Greek and English. Have you ever sung a song in Hindi or do you know any of our songs?
Yes I do…….. Om Jai Jagdish Hare, Swami Jai Jagdish Hare…….(sings) I forgot the rest. It’s a beautiful religious song. It’s so beautiful!
Wow! you are incredible, you just sang our Aarti song! You sure are full of surprises! How do you sing so well in Arabic, I hear you have Arabic roots, right?
Yes my mom is Lebanese and I’m half Greek and half Arab. My song ‘Se Pira Sovara’ is sung half in Greek and half in Arabic its title in Arabic is Sidiq Mansoor. My other songs Sokolata, Boro Boro and Takse mou and my music in general have an Arabic Eastern influence and feel.
That explains your popularity in the Middle East, Greece, Europe and now in the Indian subcontinent! Your music is very well appreciated around the world. You have released a song with a Persian singer too? It’s become successful globally.
Thank you!! Yes with Cameron Cartio, Mi Chica! The song is sung in Persian, Greek, Spanish and English. I love languages, I love singing in different languages and I think variety is the spice of life. I’ts a wonderful experience to learn and sing in various languages!
Have you ever been to India?
No, I have never come to India, I would love to come to your country. I’ve been meaning to go since many years but I have been really busy with work, and haven’t had the chance yet ! But as soon as I can I’ll go!
Are you aware that your song Yassou Maria has become a huge hit among Indians. The children are dancing, humming and singing it, specially the tity tots?
Well thank you I am really happy that my music is appreciated and you all enjoy it.
Sarbel thanks for giving us your time and giving us this interview. Shukriya, Shukran and Efharisto Poly! Do you have any message for the readers of Aaina magazine?
Shukran in Arabic, Shukriya! I would like to thank you all and wish you all a very Happy Diwali! Diwali Ki Shubhkamnayen! Namaste!
Exclusive Interview for Aaina by Sanjay Jiandani
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