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Jassie Gill is the cool and charismatic voice of Punjab, seamlessly blending heartfelt lyrics with that irresistible Punjabi beat. Hailing from the scenic village of Jandali, he’s gone from singing in fields to becoming the go-to name for feel-good hits like Lancer, Bapu Zimidar, Nikle Currant, and Guitar Sikhda. His secret? Mixing the old-school charm of Punjab’s rustic roots with modern vibes, creating tracks that get everyone grooving, whether you’re on a road trip or just need a musical pick-me-up. Jassie doesn’t just stop at singing, though—he’s got the acting chops too, stealing scenes in Punjabi and Bollywood films with his easygoing charm and genuine screen presence. Always down-to-earth, Jassie Gill is not just making music—he’s shaping trends and turning heads in the Punjabi entertainment world.
Babbal Rai is the Punjabi scene’s laid-back charmer, known for penning lyrics that hit you right in the feels and melodies that make your feet move. Straight outta Samrala, Babbal’s journey from social media star to Punjabi sensation is a story as catchy as his tracks. With viral hits like Tera Naam, Yaar Jatt De, and One Dream, he’s all about bringing real life into his songs—think relatable lyrics that make you laugh, cry, and sing along, all in one go. His style? Effortlessly smooth, like a summer breeze with a Punjabi twist. When he’s not making waves with his music, Babbal Rai is lighting up the big screen, adding his down-to-earth charm to every role. With his knack for storytelling, whether through lyrics or dialogue, he’s a favorite among fans who appreciate both his soulful tunes and his on-screen charisma.
In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Jassie Gill and Babbal Rai got real about the 10th anniversary of EYP, the launch of Longitude 77, and the ever-evolving world of Punjabi music. They spilled the beans on everything from their creative process and love for Punjab’s vibrant music culture to the highs and lows of their dynamic journeys in the entertainment industry, offering fans a glimpse into their world beyond the spotlight.
Q1: How do you feel today at the 10th anniversary of EYP and the launch of Longitude 77?
Jassie Gill: Definitely, I’m feeling great because nine out of ten years I have been with EYP. And this journey will go on and definitely, my best wishes for Longitude 77’s launch in Punjab.
Q2: Punjab is known for its music, food, and celebrations. Does your music have the influence of these things as well?
Jassie Gill: I feel that no matter where Punjabi music has reached, even when you listen to it globally, the lyrics are still very local, deeply rooted in Punjab. Take Diljit Paaji, Karan Aujhla—you’ll notice they even shoot their videos in villages. The connection that Punjabi people share with their music is unique; it’s present when they work in the fields, playing on their tractors. My love for singing came from this. My father, who worked in the fields, had a passion for writing. That environment of open fields where you can stand and sing, that’s where many Punjabi artists get their strong, powerful voices. It comes from our fields, from our roots.
When you think about remixes going viral, remember that these lyrics were written 25-30 years ago, reflecting the essence of Punjabi villages. My biggest hit, Bapu Zimidar, is based on my own story from the village. I made that song for Punjab and the Punjabi audience, but we’ve performed it all over India—Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, everywhere. It’s about a common farmer’s story, a theme that resonates with people across North India. Staying connected to my roots has helped me immensely, especially in my journey from Punjab to Mumbai.
Babbal Rai: The lifestyle of Punjabis is usually loud and full of life, more so than even other North Indians. They live life to the fullest, laugh openly, and music plays a crucial role in their lives. We have songs for every occasion, from birth to death. As Jassie mentioned, when farmers work, they hum songs. Growing up in that environment, all those songs, folk music, giddha, and boliyan are in our subconscious minds. It’s natural that when we sit down to write or compose, that same spirit comes through in our music.
Q3: You’ve had a remarkable journey from local youth festivals in Punjab to becoming a well-known name in the music and film industry. What motivated you to pursue music and acting, and how has the journey been so far?
Jassie Gill: As I mentioned earlier, my father had a passion for writing, which influenced me. There’s an interesting story behind it—my father had stopped writing due to the pressures of work and life. But when he moved to Canada and felt low, he met a man in a park who encouraged him to start writing again. That advice made a huge difference, and I had never seen my father so happy. He began sharing his poems and songs with me. That’s when my journey started. I never planned to become a singer, but the interest grew from there. When you are dedicated, the universe helps make things happen. And whenever I feel demotivated, I remind myself of where I started and how far I’ve come. That’s my way of staying motivated—by making more music and reflecting on the journey.
Babbal Rai: My father was my reason too. He was a theatre artist, and he dreamt that I would become a singer. But I didn’t share that dream initially. After he passed away when I was in 10th grade, I stopped singing. Later, when I moved to Australia, a video of mine went viral. It was just something I posted for fun. But as I started pursuing music more seriously, I realized it was my path. Initially, I did it just to avoid doing a regular job, but now it’s my passion, almost like a second life.
Q4: How do you approach creating tracks that resonate with a wider audience?
Jassie Gill: A song can start with a specific audience in mind. Bapu Zimidar is a perfect example. It was meant for village boys, reflecting their struggles, where a father is mostly a farmer and they often have to ask him for money. Despite being so local, it resonated with people everywhere, even in places like Goa and Mumbai where people don’t know what Zimidar means. They couldn’t even pronounce it correctly, but they loved the song. Good music has no boundaries. Today, you see songs in languages you don’t understand, but if the melody is good, you’ll listen to it. You don’t need to create a song for a specific audience; just make something you believe in, and if it’s good, it will find its listeners.
Babbal Rai: If you make music thinking about the results, it becomes mechanical. It turns into a formula. There’s no formula for a hit song or a film. If a song comes from the heart and is relatable, it will connect with people. We’ve tried creating songs specifically for a certain audience before, but it never works out as expected. Good songs become hits, no matter how rustic or Punjabi they are. With experience, artists learn which words or sounds connect better, but it’s never about following a strict plan.
Q5: Your song ‘Lancer’ became a massive hit and is still beloved by fans. Can you recall something about creating that track? And how did you take it to such soaring heights?
Jassie Gill: I remember every single day from that time, especially when I was looking for my first big hit. Lancer was that song for me. It introduced me to the people of Punjab. I used to get goosebumps when I listened to it. It’s rare to feel that way about your own work, but Lancer was special—it felt like I had created something that would outlast me. It was my first hit, and it made me a household name. Back then, music was made differently, and fewer songs were released. A song that was a hit then might seem average today because of the sheer volume of music available.
During that time, TV played a huge role in spreading music. We were fortunate to come into the industry when TV was at its peak, helping us reach into every home. That’s why, wherever we go, people recognize us. Today, songs are often judged on the basis of short clips on social media. Back then, if a song became popular, it meant people knew every line, not just the part that went viral on reels. Songs like Bapu Zimidar and Lancer are remembered line by line, because they connected with people deeply during a time when they had to rely on TV for their music.
Q6: What’s one piece of advice you received early on in your career that still resonates with you today?
Jassie Gill: One piece of advice that has stuck with me is that your inner soul should be happy with your work. Even if the response isn’t what you expected, it’s important that you are satisfied with what you’ve created. When I started making music, I never imagined my songs would be heard around the world. I made music because I liked it. So, whenever I feel low, I remind myself that my initial goal was to make music that I enjoy. And it’s still the same today.
Babbal Rai: I believe that those who work sincerely, write from the heart, and create with honesty connect with their audience. If you enjoy your work and stay true to your passion, success will follow. But if you chase numbers or money, you’ll end up compromising. Our industry is glamorous, and it can be very tempting for newcomers. But I want to tell them that it’s not easy. You have to work very hard and be prepared to make sacrifices if you want to succeed.
Q7: How do you feel about the rise of independent music in India? Do you think this trend will continue, or do you see it balancing with film music in the long term?
Jassie Gill: I think that gradually, independent music will continue to grow and could even overshadow film music. The sheer number of releases from independent artists is much higher compared to films. Even today, more independent songs are being uploaded directly by artists than by labels. As the audience becomes more aware, independent music will continue to carve its own space, potentially balancing or even outpacing film music in the long run.
Q8: Can you share a memorable moment from your live performances that stands out for you?
Jassie Gill: Performing on stage is always a highlight for me, and that feeling will never change. When we started, we performed covers of other artists’ songs, and I used to dream that one day the audience would sing along with my own songs. Today, I have 6-7 songs that I can perform anywhere in India, and the crowd sings them with me. That’s the most rewarding experience—when the energy on stage matches what you’ve always dreamed of. It’s a different kind of joy that can’t be replicated.
Babbal Rai: I agree with Jassie. There’s something magical about performing live. For me, seeing the audience connect with our music, especially songs like Lancer or Tera Naam, is a feeling like no other. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do.
Q9: You’ve hinted at more projects with Jhankar Music. Can you give us a sneak peek into what’s coming next for you?
Jassie Gill: Right now, my focus is on releasing music through my own channels, but collaborations with labels like Jhankar Music are definitely in the plans. They have supported my work a lot, and our partnership has been great. I enjoy the freedom of releasing independently, but I also value the reach and professional support that a label can provide. So, yes, you can expect some new projects with Jhankar Music in the future, but for now, my immediate focus is on the next 4-5 songs I’ve planned to release myself.
Q10: You’ve both had experience working in the film industry. How do you balance your careers between acting and music?
Jassie Gill: Acting and music are both very close to my heart, but music will always be my first love. It’s what brought me here. Acting is a different challenge, and I enjoy it because it allows me to express myself in new ways. But whenever I need to recharge or feel like myself again, I go back to music. It’s all about finding a balance and ensuring that neither takes away from the other. I try to manage my time so that I can give my best to both.
Babbal Rai: For me, music came first too, but acting has its own appeal. It’s a chance to reach out to audiences in a different way, to show them another side of myself. But music is where I feel at home. I think that’s why even when I act, I make sure I stay connected to my music roots. It’s not always easy, but if you are passionate about both, you find a way to balance them.
Q11: What has been the most challenging part of your journey so far, and how did you overcome it?
Jassie Gill: The biggest challenge has always been staying true to myself while adapting to changes in the industry. When I started, things were different—fewer songs, more focus on quality over quantity. Now, with social media, the game has changed completely. Songs come and go very quickly. The challenge is to keep creating music that is true to my style while also fitting into the new way people consume music. But I’ve learned to adapt without losing the essence of what I do.
Babbal Rai: For me, the challenge was moving from a place where I made music just for fun to seeing it as a serious career. Initially, I didn’t think much about where it could take me. But as more opportunities came, I had to learn how to navigate the industry, make the right choices, and balance creativity with professionalism. There were times when I doubted myself, but I learned that staying focused and not being afraid to take risks is the key.
Q12: The music scene in Punjab has produced many global stars. What do you think sets Punjabi music apart?
Jassie Gill: I think it’s the authenticity. Punjabi music comes from a place of genuine emotion. Our songs talk about real experiences, whether it’s love, friendship, or the struggles of everyday life. That’s why they resonate with so many people. The energy in Punjabi music is also unique—it’s the kind of music that makes you want to get up and dance, no matter where you are in the world. And I think that’s why it has such a universal appeal.
Babbal Rai: Absolutely, it’s the energy and the rawness. Punjabi music is bold, it doesn’t hold back. It celebrates life in a way that’s very real and unfiltered. That’s why it connects not just with Punjabis but with people all over the world. When we make music, we’re not thinking about trends—we’re thinking about what feels right, what makes people move, what makes them feel. That’s what makes it special.
Q13: You’ve both been in the industry for a while. How do you stay inspired and keep evolving as artists?
Jassie Gill: For me, it’s all about keeping an open mind and staying connected with the audience. I love to experiment with different styles and sounds, and I’m always listening to what people are saying about music, what they like, what they want more of. But I also stay true to my roots, which means that no matter how much I experiment, there’s always a bit of that Punjabi flavor in my songs. The combination of staying grounded while also being open to change keeps me inspired.
Babbal Rai: I stay inspired by learning from everyone around me. Every artist I work with has something unique, and I try to pick up new things from them. The key to evolving is to never feel like you know everything—there’s always something new to learn. And I think the love from fans is the biggest motivator. When you see people enjoying your music, it drives you to keep pushing yourself, to try new things, to create something fresh that will surprise them.
Q14: What advice would you give to aspiring artists who want to make it in the music industry?
Jassie Gill: My advice would be to stay true to your art. Make music that you believe in, not just what you think will be popular. It’s important to enjoy what you’re doing because that joy will come through in your work. And don’t be afraid of setbacks. Every artist faces ups and downs, but it’s all part of the journey. Keep working hard, keep believing in yourself, and the rest will follow.
Babbal Rai: I’d say don’t get caught up in the glamour. It’s a tough industry, and there are no shortcuts. Focus on your craft, and don’t be afraid to start small. Make the music that you love, and let your passion guide you. There will be challenges, but if you keep going and stay dedicated, you’ll find your place. And most importantly, stay humble and keep learning—that’s the key to lasting success.
Q15: What do you hope to achieve in the next few years with your music?
Jassie Gill: I want to keep making music that resonates with people, both in India and around the world. I want to keep challenging myself, trying new things, and seeing where my music can go. And I hope that as I grow as an artist, I can continue to bring a little bit of Punjab with me wherever I go.
Babbal Rai: I just want to keep making music that makes people happy. I want to explore new sounds and collaborate with artists from different parts of the world. And I hope that in doing so, I can contribute to taking Punjabi music to even greater heights. It’s all about making people feel something, and I hope to keep doing that for as long as I can.
