Danisher singer Anita releases Punjabi album

Jalandhar, Nov 26 (UNI) Renowned Danish Singer Anita Lerche's trip to India for a two-week trekking expedition eventually landed her into releasing her debut Punjabi album-- ''Heer from Denmark''-- which earned her many accolades.

Talking to UNI here, Ms Lerche said that while returning from Parvati valley in Himachal Pradesh, she heard some fantiastic music in Hoshiarpur.

''The music was so inspiring that I immediately made my mind to learn the art. This was first encounter with Punjabi music, which ultimately brought me to Punjab to learn the language and culture for singing effectively.'' The singer said she came to India about one-and-a-half-year ago on a two-week trekking expedition joined by her Indian friend Anurag Sood, who finally became her teacher.

She expressed her willingness to learn Punjabi music to Anurag, who in turn, introduced her to Satvinder Singh and Rattan Singh paving way for her mission in Punjabi music. Staying with families of Anurag and Satvinder, she started learning Punjabi language, culture and music to polish her skills. It took her 18 months to learn the basics and gear herself up to come up with a Punjabi album.

''In the process, I also discovered my second home in Punjab where people are brave, open, positive and communicative. Now I can say that I have two homes, one in Denmark and second here in India,'' she said.

Lerche said she wanted to do concerts in different parts and work on one more Punjabi album with Hindi flavour.

A child prodigy, Lerche began singing at the age of seven and at 13, she was singing for Danish Radio. A graduate from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London (UK), she was also trained in Western classic singing and folk music.

A versatile singer, who has proven her mettle in Jazz and Pop too, she also has a distinction of singing in 16 languages including, Danish, English, Italian, German, Latin, Chinese, Hindi, Hinachali and Punjabi.

Her first Punjabi album ''Heer from Denmark'' was released here on November 21.

UNI SS KD HT1115