Hard Kaur: Artists need to be respected for freedom of expression

Rapper and controversy's favourite child Hard Kaur, whose real name is Taran Kaur Dhillon, has come up with a new song titled "Kashmir2Khalistan". Known for being blatantly vocal, she says a real artist needs to be respected for his or her freedom of expression.

"That's how it should be. As artists we shouldn't be pressured into making club bangers and commercial songs all the time. A real artist needs to be respected for his freedom of expression. When that's taken away or overtaken with business and money it puts very difficult choices in front of an artist," Hard Kaur told IANS from London.

"It's hip-hop. It was invented to speak against the wrongs in society, to raise voice for the innocent and it being such a powerful technique of words and delivery it's has brought big changes in the world," she added.

The "Char baj gaye" rapper said that hip-hop has "proven again and again that it's not just music. It's a whole different way of existing".

The new track, Hard Kaur says is a song for the times "we are living in".

"It's my way of raising awareness as an artist through my music as. Being a Sikh, it's my duty to stand up against oppression and protect humanity especially when it's my land, my people, my country," she added.

The track has real footage. The "Sherni" rapper says it is because she is not "very financially stable at the moment, as everything has stopped".

"I knew the consequences my actions will have and I will lose a lot but I have no regrets. The song covers so many issues, so it only made sense to clearly show the people what I am trying to say through real footage," she added.

In June, she had been booked for sedition for posting allegedly objectionable remarks against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on social media.

Her social media handles were suspended in the country after she posted videos in which she was seen using abusive words for the government.

She says she misses her land.

Does she fear for her life in India, as she has constantly got death threats on social media by users?

"One should only fear god and I am smart. I have learned from history that I can do more for my country and people by staying alive," she replied.

She is looking forward to next year.

"In 2020, my album will be released -- "The Road To Khalistan" as well as a couple of collaborations. I'll also be featuring Asian MC's from around the world as well as Econ who's a Kashmiri rapper. He sent me his verse for "The Rising Mixtape Vol 2", which I had started work on just a few days before the lockdown. I'll feature his verse on one of the songs. I'll be dropping a few singles too," she revealed her plans for next year.