B Praak On Changing His Name & Why You Won’t Be Listening To Just Emotional Songs From Him Anymore

When Mann Bharrya released back in 2017, the emotional roller-coaster that depicted domestic violence became an instant hit. One felt the lyrics of the song deeply, as B Praak crooned them with rhythmic intensity. He had already been composing songs for some time now but this song, that was later adapted in the 2021 film Shershaah as Mann Bharryaa 2.0, became a major turning point in his career.

There’s something about the singer’s powerful vocals that moves people. He says he won’t stop singing emotion-laden & romantic songs as people are full of emotions and he’s merely projecting their feelings. But that won’t stop him from venturing into newer genres like hip hop and pop.

In an exclusive chat with Esquire India, the National Award-winner (for Teri Mitti), whose real name is Pratik Bachan, talks about his father’s legacy, Filhaal 3, why he changed his name.

Esquire India: You worked as a composer for a few years before bringing out your own song. What made you switch to singing?

B Praak: I was into music direction earlier. There’s hardly any singer in Punjab with whom we (Jaani and him) have not collaborated. Then I thought it was time for me to sing my own songs. I released Mann Bharrya in 2017. There are some songs that have made special places in people’s hearts and will remain immortal like Mann Bharrya, Teri Mitti, Qismat and Saari Duniya Jala Denge.

ESQ: Your father Varinder Bachan was a popular music producer and composer. Were you influenced by his talent growing up?

BP: I always dreamed of becoming a musician. I knew I had to become an artist as I was into singing but he suggested I compose too because he thought I could compose well. I never received formal training growing up but learned from him. I have never used my surname because he wanted me to have my own standing.

ESQ: You and Jaani have worked together from the start of your careers. What brought you two together?

BP: Our bond will always remain the same as it was when we first met in 2011. If we have been working together well for so many years, it is because we have an understanding. We both like and dislike the same things and have never tried to overpower each other.

ESQ: Why did you change your name from Pratik Bachan to B Praak?

BP: When Jaani and I met, we thought my name could be changed for the better. We discussed and planned a lot. Finally, it was my mother who came up with B Praak, derived from my own name.

ESQ: Why are your songs so emotionally charged?

BP: People are full of emotions. Their hearts are full and sometimes broken. Somebody had to become their voice so I became one.

ESQ: Do you plan to compose and sing other genres of songs?

BP: Of course. We are soon coming up with our devotional label. Jaani and I have worked hard for it. I am also working on pop/hip hop songs and might release them this year.

ESQ: Your father was a religious man and hardcore devotee. Is your devotional label an ode to him?

BP: My father was a Radha Soami devotee. Besides being inspired from him, I feel if we can contribute a small part, the world will change. The youngsters today seem lost with their purpose. I want my fans to see if I can sing devotional songs, what’s stopping you?

ESQ: Punjabi artists have gone global and the Punjabi music industry is now bigger than ever. Do you plan to go on global tours or collaborate with international artists as well?

BP: We are already working on the global tour and it will be announced soon. As far as collaborations with international artists are concerned, that will also be out soon. This year, we will also be bringing out a new romantic album and launching Filhaal 3. I can’t share much details now but I can say that the song is stronger and bolder than Filhall and Filhaal 2.