Jassi Sidhu, UK Punjabi pop singer promoting his latest album 'Ki Kehne' in India

NRI singers taking Punjabi music to greater heights: Jassi Sidhu
Ludhiana, March 27, 2008
expressindia
Sameer Kumar Sharma

There was a time when Punjabi music was looked down upon by everyone including Punjabis. Thanks to Punjabi singers, who have taken the music to giddy heights by making it global” Jassi Sidhu, former lead singer of British Asian Bhangra Band B21, describes NRI voice in Punjabi music.

Jassi is currently in India to promote his latest album 'Ki Kehne'. Speaking about NRI artistes defining Punjabi music to the global audience, he said the NRI artistes are getting more publicity worldwide.

With honours like Best International NRI Singer at ETC Punjabi Music, this UK-based Punjabi pop singer's list of recognition includes songs like 'Chandigarh Kare Ashiki' and also 'Tere Hoye Savere Darshan' in Gurinder Chadha's Bend It Like Beckham.

While replying to a question on whether he was looking forward to try his fortune in Bollywood, he said, "I don't look at Bollywood as a better destination. Punjabi music for me is the pinnacle and will remain so. And I am happy with what I am doing. People were under the impression that NRIs have a bad pronunciation. Thanks to Malkit Singh, Surinder Chhinda and Rishi Rich, NRI artistes have proved their mettle."

After Jassi Sidhu, who enjoys good publicity on BBC Asian Netweork radio channel, split from the group, he released two solo albums, Reality Check in 2004 and No Strings Attached in 2006. His latest album Ki Kehne also features Malkit Singh. It has 10 compositions.

"Punjabi music is now going mainstream but it is still a novelty in the NRI market. But here is a catch: When anything becomes popular in the NRI market, it attracts the attention of folks in India also," he beamed.

On the possibility of associating with Gurinder Chadha again, he said that he had talked to Chadha about her latest project. "Since she is a big fan of bhangra, I hope she includes something like this in her next venture," he smiles.

While Jassi has reservations on holding too many public performances which he thinks spoils the reputation of a singer. He feels concerts are sure shot ways to get closer to audience.

"I have held concerts at Chandigarh — my favourite destination. But I have plans to move to other cities of Punjab," he concludes.

Jassi Sidhu UK-based Punjabi pop singer

His popular songs:

• Tere Hoye Savere Darshan' in Gurinder Chadha's Bend It Like Beckham.
• 'Chandigarh Kare Ashiki'
• 'Puth Sardara Da'