Hard Kaur… why the name?

My real name is Taran Kaur but Hard Kaur reflects aggression and power. It gives a warning to others not to mess with me.

Why would you want to give that impression?

I have seen and experienced hardship all through my life. I have put in a lot of effort to get where I am today. I was born in India but lost my father at the age of five. My mother, fortunately, is a very strong woman. She could not even speak English properly, but she took me to UK in 1991 and struggled day and night to open a beauty parlour. As I grew up, I worked equally hard with her. At the same time, I wrote lyrics and sang rap songs. I faced a lot of racism and discrimination but my mother encouraged me and told me not to get affected by any remarks from anyone, including family members. I became Hard Kaur at the age of 16. I brushed aside all negative remarks and created a name (and space) in rap music where no woman dared enter.

Why have you shifted base to Mumbai?

Today, my mother is well settled in UK and I am back in India, the place where I belong, to climb the ladder of success. I have lived in UK for almost 16 years. The only thing I like about UK is their passport and the pounds. It is a golden cage and I wanted to free myself. I love Mumbai as I can be myself and dress up the way I want. It is a cosmopolitan city which does not discriminate.

Your breakthrough hit was Ek glassy and now Talli ho gayi is a hit. Is alcohol the highest common factor?

I have gone through a lot of racism and remarks like ‘Indian females are not meant to rap’. I had to prove a point and make a song which all Asians, especially Punjabis, could relate to. So I came up with the idea of writing a song on alcohol. It was a risk, but I was prepared to take it. The song became a huge hit. There is no ‘fascination’ or ‘superstition’ involved with alcohol songs. I have sung 10 songs between these two songs. But people remember only these distinctively. The fact is, the audience wants fast catchy numbers and I give them just that.

You feature in the video of most of your songs, and also Johnny Gaddar. Are you trying to create a brand image?

I am not just a singer but an artiste which distinguishes me from other singers. I am the only Asian female rapper. I have won the MTV Style Award. So the branding has come automatically. I have not made any deliberate effort to feature in my songs but I am glad since it adds to my publicity. I would give the credit to Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy who gave me a chance in Johnny Gaddar. It is believed that my ring tones sell more so they wanted me to feature in the song and that started the trend.

Why are most of your songs shared with other female singers?

Rap is something not all singers are comfortable with. So when the song needs to be made catchy, I am called to add rap. Today people respect my talent and I have no dates till 2011. I have no regrets as I get my share of publicity and fame.

What is keeping you busy these days?

Talli (from Ugly Aur Pagli) is already a huge hit. I have shot a song Smile from my album Supa Woman for CNN-IBN show I Rock which will be aired for Independence Day. I attend meetings for my future projects, I shuffle between India, UK and London to perform for shows. I am working on my upcoming untitled album which has music by various artistes including Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. I am singing a song for Ganesh Hegde’s upcoming album and for an untitled Yash Raj film which has Rani (Mukerji) and Rakhi Sawant. I have also ventured into music composition. I have a team of writers, publicist, marketers, visualisers in the UK whom I train.

What happened to Sona Family of Glassy fame?

Sona family was made only for one particular song. Glassy became a huge success and the so-called family went their own ways.

Do you have a designer or stylist?

My mother is a beautician so I have learnt the art of doing make-up. I do not need any dress designer either as I keep myself updated with the latest trends and do not hesitate to experiment with my look.