Sumeet Tappoo: The soulful voice bringing harmony to hearts and hope to humanity

In this exclusive interview to Q&A India, Soulful Voice Sumeet Tappoo shares his journey from business to music and his mission to blend his art with humanitarian work. Known for his music album Dil Pareshan Karta Hai with Gulzar, Sumeet discusses his dedication to causes like the One World One Family initiative and his efforts in establishing a children’s heart hospital in Fiji. Through music and service, Sumeet embodies the belief that true success lies in making a difference.

Gulzar and Sumeet Tappoo during the launch of their music album Dil Pareshan Karta Hai in Mumbai.

Sumeet, your recent music album Dil Pareshan Karta Hai with the legendary Gulzar has been a huge success. Can you tell us what this collaboration meant to you and how it came about?

Sumeet Tappoo: Collaborating with Gulzar Sahab was an absolute honour and truly a dream come true. His words have an incredible ability to touch the soul, and working with him felt like pure magic. Dil Pareshan Karta Hai is an album that delves into the complexities of the heart, and Gulzar Sahab’s poetry captured those emotions so perfectly. For me, this collaboration was a significant milestone in my career, but it was also a deeply personal journey. It was like attending a one-year masterclass in poetry and literature, witnessing a legend at work firsthand. One of the most rewarding aspects of this project is how it has allowed me to connect with listeners on a much deeper level. In today’s world, albums like this — ones that take listeners on a real emotional journey — are rare. Each song in Dil Pareshan Karta Hai evokes distinct feelings, yet they all share a common thread of aesthetic beauty. The magic of Gulzar Sahab’s lyrics and Bhavdeep Ji’s compositions create a unique experience that resonates differently with each listener based on their own life journey. This connection is something every singer cherishes, and it’s what makes this music album so special.

L to R: Ajay Jain, Pt. Bhavdeep Jaipurwale, Gulzar, Sumeet Tappoo and Dr. Krupali Tappoo at the launch of Dil Pareshan Karta Hai in Mumbai.

You started with a business background to a successful music career. What inspired this change, and how was the journey for you?

Sumeet Tappoo: I was born into a family where music was always revered. My father sings as a hobby, and my mother is a true connoisseur of music. Growing up, the voices of Lata Mangeshkar Ji, Mukesh Ji, Mohammed Rafi Sahab, Kishore Kumar Da, Mehdi Hassan Sahab, Jagjit Singh Ji, and Anup Jalota Ji filled our home, creating an environment where music was more than just sound — it was a way of life. Though I always felt music was my first love, being born in Fiji, the idea of turning it into a career and moving to Mumbai seemed like a distant dream. I’ve always been a dreamer, though, and I knew deep down that my goal was to become a professional singer, even if the path to that dream was unclear. I pursued my education seriously, earning a Bachelor of Business and an MBA from the prestigious University of Technology Sydney, before returning to Fiji to work in the family business. But with the blessings of the Divine, my parents, and my Guru Sri Anup Jalota Ji, I finally took the leap and moved to Mumbai to pursue music. To this day, I’m the only person from Fiji who has made this journey. It hasn’t been easy, but following my passion was essential for my soul. Music allows me to express myself in ways that the corporate world never could. Every album, every performance feels like a step closer to fulfilling my true purpose.

L to R: Mahendra Tappoo (Chairman of Sai Prema Foundation Fiji), Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai (global humanitarian leader), Sumeet Tappoo and Dr. C Sreenivas (Chairman of Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital, India), outside the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, Fiji.

Beyond your music, your humanitarian work has touched many lives. Could you tell us about your role in establishing the children’s heart hospital in Fiji?

Sumeet Tappoo: My family and I have been followers of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, whose divine teachings emphasize “Love All, Serve All.” It is through His inspiration and the guidance of the global humanitarian leader, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, that we became deeply committed to making a meaningful impact on the world and serving the underprivileged. Together with my wife, Dr. Krupali, my parents, Mahendra and Maya, and a group of like-minded individuals, we founded the Sai Prema Foundation Fiji. This NGO runs various initiatives in healthcare, education, and nutrition, focused on uplifting the people of Fiji and the Pacific Islands. Our flagship project is the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, founded by Sri Madhusudan Sai. This is the South Pacific’s first state-of-the-art children’s specialty hospital, offering heart surgeries and treatments completely free of charge. There is no billing counter at the hospital — our slogan says it all: “Sirf dil, no bill!” The mission is simple: no family should ever have to face the financial burden of saving their child’s life. I am incredibly fortunate to be part of the “One World, One Family” mission, led by Sri Madhusudan Sai, which aims to provide healthcare, education, and nutrition to those who need it most. This hospital is a reflection of that vision, embodying service and compassion in action.

Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai and Sumeet Tappoo in Fiji.

You are the global ambassador for the One World One Family initiative. What responsibilities does this role entail, and what does it mean to you personally?

Sumeet Tappoo: I feel incredibly blessed to serve under the guidance of Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, who has entrusted me with the role of global ambassador for the One World One Family Foundation. This global humanitarian mission spans over 60 countries, and the scale of the work being done is truly remarkable. Sri Madhusudan Sai is one of the few individuals in the world making such a profound impact on millions of lives. As the global ambassador, my responsibility is to spread the mission’s message of love, unity, and selfless service, using music as a powerful tool to reach hearts across the globe. The One World One Family mission transcends nationalities and backgrounds, focusing on bringing people together to uplift those in need. On a personal level, this role has added immense meaning to my life. I’m surrounded by incredible individuals, from icons like Sunil Gavaskar to countless volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to making a difference. Being part of such a transformative movement is both a privilege and a constant reminder of the profound power of love, compassion, and selfless service.

Sumeet Tappoo performs to a sold-out crowd in the USA.

Your recent U.S. tour was a major success with sold-out performances in five cities. How do you balance such a thriving music career with your humanitarian commitments?

Sumeet Tappoo: For me, music and humanitarian work are deeply intertwined — they aren’t separate pursuits, but rather a part of who I am. I don’t see either as “work” in the traditional sense; they’re both my role and my dharma. Every concert I perform is not just an opportunity to share my music, but also to spread the message of the One World One Family mission. I view music as a powerful tool to bring people together, inspire them, and raise awareness for the causes I hold dear. I find immense fulfillment in knowing that my music serves a greater purpose — one that goes beyond personal recognition or commercial success. It has a divine purpose, one that connects people and helps create positive change, both spiritually and in the world around us.

Sumeet Tappoo during the post-cyclone recovery efforts in Fiji.

The One World One Family foundation has numerous projects, from healthcare to education and nutrition. Which of these initiatives resonates with you most, and why?

Sumeet Tappoo: What resonates most with me is seeing the smile on the face of someone who has been served. Sri Madhusudan Sai’s initiatives are vast and deeply transformative. From providing breakfast to 10 million rural children every morning, to offering free heart surgeries to over 33,000 children, the impact is immeasurable. Millions now have access to free healthcare, while the world’s first free medical university is producing world-class medical professionals. Rural children, especially girls, are receiving values-based education, and human values are being taught across the globe. The real transformation happens not only in the lives of those who receive help, but also in the hearts of those who give. This global mission is ushering in a new era of humanity, where love, compassion, kindness, and care are the guiding principles.

Sumeet Tappoo presented with the US Presidential Medallion in the United States of America.

You’ve received several prestigious awards for your humanitarian work, including Presidential Medals from Fiji and the United States. What do these recognitions mean to you?

Sumeet Tappoo: To be honest, I don’t seek recognition for my humanitarian work — serving and giving is simply a part of who we are as human beings, our dharma. However, receiving these prestigious awards, including the Presidential Medals from Fiji and the United States, is deeply humbling. They inspire me to continue working even harder and strive to be worthy of such recognition. I also see these honours as a way to motivate others to get involved and make a difference. The recognition across multiple nations is a reflection of how the global mission of Sri Madhusudan Sai is creating a profound impact worldwide, and I’m grateful to be part of that transformative work.

Sumeet Tappoo helping underprivileged children and their families with food ration supplies.

You’ve been quoted as saying that true success is not measured by fame but by the difference we make. Can you share what drives this philosophy for you?

Sumeet Tappoo: I believe that we are all born with a purpose. Life is not simply about seeking pleasure or personal gain — it is far more profound. Our true fulfillment comes from how we use our time and resources to uplift others. Fame and recognition are fleeting, but the impact we make by helping those in need endures. When we serve the underprivileged, we connect with humanity on a deeper level, and that, to me, is the essence of a meaningful life. There is a beautiful couplet by Sant Kabir Das Ji that perfectly encapsulates my belief:
“Kabira jab hum paida huye, to jag hase hum roye, Aysi karni kar chalo ki, hum hase jag roye.” Kabir speaks of how, at birth, the world smiles and celebrates while the newborn cries. But we should live our lives in such a way that when we depart, we leave behind a legacy of love and service, and the world mourns the loss of a soul who gave so much to others. This is the legacy I aspire to leave behind.

Sumeet Tappoo and Dr. Krupali Tappoo lead the free heart surgeries mission in Fiji for the underprivileged and needy children.

Despite all your achievements, you tend to keep your humanitarian efforts private. Why is that?

Sumeet Tappoo: True service is about humility, and as the saying goes, “The left hand should not know what the right hand is doing.” I believe that the essence of giving is in its quietness, without the need for recognition. However, I also recognize the power of sharing our efforts to inspire others. Social media is a powerful tool, and if my posts can motivate someone to take action or contribute to a cause, then it’s worth it. Inspiring change is just as important as the work itself. I want to be an inspiration to the world, which is why I strive every day to ensure that my thoughts, words, and actions are pure, selfless, and aligned with the divine purpose.

Gulzar and Pt. Bhavdeep Jaipurwale with Sumeet Tappoo during the recording of their music album Dil Pareshan Karta Hai at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future — both in music and in your mission of service?

Sumeet Tappoo: Every morning, I wake up with a renewed sense of zeal and enthusiasm to make today better than yesterday. My first prayer to the Divine is always, “What more can I do for you today?” I am highly driven, and, whether fortunate or unfortunate, I am a perfectionist who sets very high standards for myself. Musically, I want to continue growing and improving each day. My talent is a gift from the Divine, and I want to use it to bring joy to others. Through the One World One Family mission, led by Sri Madhusudan Sai, I strive to do all that I can to serve more people. No one should ever be left behind. As a human race, we must lift each other up and look beyond the superficial divides of race, religion, colour, caste, or creed. Every being is equal, and we truly are one world, one family.