Mika Singh’s bodyguard once refused to work for him, told him: ‘You are struggling….’

Stories about employers refusing job candidates are common, but it is rare to hear of the opposite situation where a potential employee declines an offer. Singer Mika Singh once experienced exactly that kind of unexpected rejection, and the person who turned him down eventually became the very bodyguard who protects him today. The amusing episode came up during a conversation with filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan, when Mika introduced the man who now works closely with him.

While speaking about his security guard Kartar, Mika revealed that their association goes back nearly three decades. When Kartar respectfully greeted Farah, Mika playfully recalled their first meeting many years earlier. At that time, the singer had noticed Kartar’s imposing physique and height and believed he would make a perfect bodyguard. Confident about the idea, Mika approached him with the suggestion of joining his team as personal security.

However, Kartar was not convinced at that time. According to Mika’s recollection, Kartar had bluntly suggested that the young singer should first establish himself in his career before thinking about hiring a bodyguard. The response left a lasting impression because it reflected how early in his journey Mika was back then, still striving to build a name in the music industry.


Farah appeared surprised by the story and looked toward Kartar to confirm whether such a response had really been given years ago. Kartar acknowledged the memory, validating Mika’s humorous recollection. The singer joked that most people push themselves to succeed in order to impress romantic interests, but his motivation was quite different. He claimed that he worked relentlessly and achieved success partly so that one day he could finally appoint Kartar as his bodyguard.

The conversation also moved toward Mika’s early life and the musical environment in which he was raised. Music surrounded him from childhood because his father was deeply devoted to devotional singing and regularly performed kirtans in Gurudwaras. Growing up amid spiritual music strongly shaped Mika’s connection with singing.

His elder brother, celebrated Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi, was also closely involved in devotional performances. Mika frequently accompanied both his father and brother during these gatherings, which gradually nurtured his musical instincts. Today, he considers it meaningful that his farmhouse in Delhi includes a Gurudwara where prayers continue throughout the day, alongside a temple within the same property.

Mika eventually stepped into the independent music scene in the late 1990s. His breakthrough arrived with the hugely popular track Saawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag, which propelled him into the spotlight. Over time, he became widely recognized for energetic Bollywood songs such as Aaj Ki Party, Subha Hone Na De, Mauja Hi Mauja, and Dhanno, cementing his reputation as one of the most distinctive voices behind India’s celebratory party hits.