Mum of three’s musical talent earns her the title of Best International Artist

KUALA LUMPUR: With her lilting voice and impeccable onstage showmanship, Malaysian lawyer-turned-singer Kamal Chopra emerged as the Best International Artist in the UK Bhangra Awards 2019.

The 55-year-old mother of three represented Malaysia and performed at the luxurious Regency Banqueting Suite in Birmingham on Nov 30.“I sang two Bhangra songs and the memory of how the crowd went wild when the pulsating tunes started playing is still vivid and overwhelming.

“It was an exciting and unforgettable experience, ” she told a press conference yesterday.

The UK Bhangra Awards has been the largest and most prestigious annual Bhangra event in the United Kingdom since 2014 and is aimed at promoting Punjabi culture and unity.

Although singers from the United States, Canada, Sweden, India and the United Arab Emirates were nominated, Kamal was the only one who performed.

She was chosen by a panel of judges based on work done, performances and endorsements of the Punjabi culture over the course of a year.

Of the six nominees, she garnered the most public votes polled through email and SMS until Nov 27.Kamal, who was trained under the UK’s Rockschool International Music and Performance Arts in vocal performance, said she was working on an album of original songs to be released early next year.

Her youngest son Vishal Chopra, 17, who can play several musical instruments, will be involved with some of the songs.Kamal said she gave up law practice 10 years ago to focus on taking care of her three sons, before her husband encouraged her to pursue her interest in singing later on.

“I have my husband to thank for this chance to pursue singing as he has been my rock.

“I believe singing is my calling and I’m happy doing something I really love, ” she added.