With over 3500 songs to his credit and still going strong, Benny Dayal has a long way to go in his musical journey. The popular singer released his latest track with Coke Studio Tamil called “Oh Hoi,” which is now live!

This release effortlessly fuses contemporary pop with the timeless melodies of traditional Irula tribal music. With the dynamic talent of Benny Dayal infusing modern flair, “Oh Hoi” breathes new life into Irula folk music, showcasing the captivating sounds of Irula tribal culture to a broader audience.

Benny Dayal, as we all know, has won many hearts with his peppy, fun and energetic voice. His soulful notes have gone to make all his songs chartbuster hits. Who can forget the catchy numbers like Lungi Dance, Badtameez Dil, Pappu Can’t Dance Saala, Bang Bang, Locha-E-Ulfat, besides so many more. Not just Bollywood, Benny has taken the other industries by storm too. Mandaara Poovalle, Kaalam Na Preyasi, Bad Boy, O Range, Jennifer Lopez, Kundanapu Bomma are some of his regional songs. No wonder then that the talented singer has received several awards and honours and continues to make our lives musical. Here’s Benny unplugged, unfiltered, up, close and personal…

When and how did you develop a love for music?
I was four years old when my father gifted me a Michael Jackson VHS tape called the Moonwalker. That movie sparked my entire soul to make this choice, to develop and make music a career choice and life decision.

Where did you get your professional training from?
I was trained in Abu Dhabi UAE in Carnatic music from the age of four to 18.

What were your early inspirations and aspirations? How did you get your first break?
Early inspirations were Michael Jackson, Yesudas and AR Rahman. My first big break was for the movie Sivaji by singing backing vocals alongside SP Balasubramaniam for an AR Rahman composition.

Tell us about the making of Oh Hoi for
Coke Studio Tamil.
Oh Hoi was a very challenging experience because bridging two types of cultures and making it sound genuine can be very challenging. I thank the Universe for bringing all of us together to make it a success. It was meant to be.

Any interesting anecdotes around the process of fusing contemporary pop with the traditional Irula tribal folk music for Oh Hoi?
As far as evolution is taking place and the audience is getting to see that in me, as an artist I feel I’m in the right direction… I’m grateful for being associated with whoever I have collaborated with. I must say it has helped me grow as a musician and as a person as well.

From your debut with the band S5 to collaborating with big artists, how has your musical style evolved over the years?
Stay true to oneself and honestly voice one’s opinion so that it takes a genuine direction. In a room full of talent that’s the only way to be a collaborator.

How do you think you have overcome traditional stereotypes and how is your independent music different from your music in films?
Indi music made by me has a rooted flavour of my upbringing and influences around me. I like to keep it urban and earthy. For example, Batameez dil is one of my biggest songs in Bollywood but my Indie projects like Tamil Fever composed by me and collaborated with NUCLEYA are totally planets apart. And at the same time having sung melodies like Kaise Mujhe from Ghajni to Jai Shiv Shankar from War and Locha E Ulfat from 2 States, I’ve not stuck to one type of any music if observed.

What have been some of your most memorable performances?
Most memorable performances are too many to count. But of course, I had the opportunity to perform for 2,50,000 people in Colombo, Sri Lanka for the World Cup Cricket Initiation show 2011. And again in 2010 for 1,50,000 people in Paramatta Park in Sydney with the one and only AR Rahman.

How do you maintain your vocal health and do you take out time for your personal interest in music?
I try and take power naps and sleep as much as possible and eat well and clean.

What are your other passions and hobbies?
I listen to LP records at home to cool my mind and listen to other artistes besides streaming platforms. It keeps you sane and away from the usage of phones.

How do you maintain a work-life balance?
It’s a tough one. All our lives are a mix of madness and calm. It’s very hard to strike perfection on that front. I try and spend more time at home with my wife without having to step out. Conversations help a lot.

What are the many languages you have sung in? How does India’s cultural diversity influence your music?
I have sung in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, little bit in Marathi and Bengali. I write my songs in English. India’s culture is diverse because it has so many flavours and smells and heart beats but has one soul.

What are your upcoming projects?
Quite a few, not many. But that also depends on the release dates. My main focus now is on Funktuation, the band I make music with and have been since 2011. We are excited about our second album. It’s a Tamil Funk album. We are keeping our fingers crossed.

Fav Top 10 songs
Human Nature – Mj
Kehna hai kya – ARR
Dil se rey- ARR
Tere bin – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Mirrors – Justin Timberlake
24k Magic – Bruno Mars
What was I made for – Billie Eilish
God is a woman – Ariana Grande
Save Your Tears – The WEEKND
Something about us – DAFT PUNK.