Only Kailash Kher could turn a live performance into a hit song — that's how 'Teri Deewani' was born, right in front of a cheering crowd.
Today, we celebrate the man who redefined Bollywood's Sufi music — Kailash Kher, who turns 52 today. Known as one of India’s most iconic voices, Kher has gifted us timeless hits with his raw, powerful vocals and earthy melodies. Songs like ‘Saiyyan’, ‘Tere Deewani’, ‘Chaap Tilak’, and ‘Mere Nishaan’ have become fan favourites, and chances are, you’ve not just heard them but fallen in love with them too.
Deeply rooted in Indian folk and Sufi traditions, Kailash Kher’s music reflects a rich cultural legacy. His father, Mehar Singh Kher, was a traditional folk singer, and Kailash grew up immersed in music. From an early age, he would spend hours listening to his father’s songs, and by the age of four, he was already turning heads with his naturally strong and expressive voice.
At just 14, driven by his passion, Kher left home in search of a guru or institution to formally learn music. He dedicated himself to years of training in classical and folk traditions, often in solitude. “It was because I wanted to pursue my passion for music. It required me to stay in isolation” he once said — a journey that shaped the unforgettable voice we know and love today.
And have you ever wondered how his legendary track ‘Tere Deewani’ came to life? The story behind it is just as amazing as the song itself. Let’s dive into its origin.
Kailash Kher’s live performances are nothing short of electrifying — they’re beloved by audiences everywhere. And the feeling is mutual. Kher holds a special fondness for his listeners, especially those in Delhi. Praising the capital’s crowd, he once said, “Sabse zyada gajab audience puri duniya mein humein Dilli mein hi milti hai.”
In a conversation with Raj Shamani on his podcast, Kher revealed the fascinating backstory behind his iconic song ‘Teri Deewani’. During one of his concerts in Delhi, where he was performing a mix of released and unreleased songs, inspiration struck spontaneously. He began singing random lines on the spot — and that impromptu moment gave birth to ‘Teri Deewani.’
Kher improvised the song right then and there, composing both the melody and lyrics as he sang. The repeated ‘Ho ho ji, haan haan ji’ lines were used as fillers while he thought of what to say next. The audience's enthusiastic response gave him the confidence that this song had something special — and that it had to be created. And the masterpiece was created!
What an incredible story! But then again, would we expect anything less from Kailash Kher? Only someone like him, so deeply connected to his art and his audience, could create a masterpiece right in the middle of a live performance. It takes not just talent, but passion and a soul full of music to turn a moment into magic.
