Jashn-e-sangeet with Jashan Singh

Jashan Singh of MTV Coke Studio fame performs live in Auckland, and talks about his journey and more

Last year during Indian Independence Day, MTV Coke studio came up with three tracks featuring some of the best and famous Punjabi artists, including Gurdas Mann, Diljit Dosanjh and Sukhwinder Singh.

But there was a new face amongst them- Jashan Singh. Jashan rose to fame with Coke studio’s Allah Ve that also featured Manj Musik (Sunny Brown) and rapper Raftaar. The track was a hit and has had nearly 2 million views to date.

Last weekend, Jashan blew Aucklanders away with his maiden performance and Indian Weekender caught up with this rising star to talk about his journey and upcoming projects.

Swati: Tell us about your childhood and early days.

Jashan: I was born in Chandigarh, Punjab and did my schooling from YPS Mohali. My father S. Hardeep Singh ji is a living legend in the Punjabi music industry and has given about thirty hit music albums. I have got my musical genes from him and he has been my greatest inspiration. My mother is a house-wife and for me is the source of strength.

I completed my higher studies from Victoria University, Melbourne.

Swati: How did your musical journey start?

Jashan: My interest in music started almost since birth. Being a son of a renowned singer, I grew up in a musical environment. I got my musical training from my father and my professor S. Harwinder Singh ji. I have always aspired to make a career in the entertainment industry. There was a force that always kept pushing me. While I was studying, my friends also motivated me, as I used to sing all the time. After finishing my studies, I came back to India and started working towards fulfilling my dream, and that’s when I recorded my first song. Later, I went on to record four video songs, the most recent of which was the Allah Ve from Coke Studio.

Swati: How did you get the first break?

Jashan: My first song was Dil de kutte for the Punjabi movie Rangeelay, featuring Jimmy Shergill and Neha Dhupia. I was in Mumbai with the music director Jaidev Kumar ji those days and he knew that I was willing to work with him. The song was supposed to be recorded and sent to Eros in two days and I was in the studio with him that day. I was just looking for one chance to showcase my talent. So in that situation of urgency Jaidev ji gave me the chance and that’s how it all happened.

Swati: Tell us about your coke studio experience and how you got the opportunity.

Jashan: Coke Studio is such a big and unique platform that I think every artist wants to perform there. It is an out of the world experience, one of its kind. I love that concept, how it is designed, how it is presented and promoted- everything about this concept is brilliant.

I strongly believe that whatever I have been able to achieve today is all because of ‘sai ji di kirpa’ (blessings of my god/guru) and how I got this opportunity, is one of the many examples of that fact. Initially, a legendary singer I wouldn’t name, was doing Allah Ve. But the day it was to be recorded, he got stuck in Delhi and couldn’t come.

Manj is a good friend of mine. He called me and asked me if I will be willing to take up this project. It was a no-brainer and I readily agreed. For me, it was a dream come true and I still pinch myself sometimes. It was great working with Manj and Raftaar and share the same season with legends like Gurdas Mann saab, Diljit and Sukhwinder ji.

Swati: Now you are all set for your acting debut. How was the transformation from a singer to an actor?

Jashan: The transformation was pretty smooth. Whether it is singing or acting, the purpose of both is to entertain people, which every artist wants. Acting was always a dream and working with a big banner as Mahesh Bhatt is an honour for me.

I am a person who loves challenges. I think any artist should try and do different things that entertain their audience. There’s a lot to learn, working with Mahesh Bhatt. He’s a legend and working with him is a new learning experience every day.

Swati: Tell us something about your film.

Jashan: The movie’s name is Dushman and I am playing the lead role. At this point, I can’t reveal much about the movie yet. It is a suspense thriller with romance and action and is releasing worldwide on August 14-15, 2016. I am also singing a couple of songs in the film.

Swati: How was your New Zealand experience? What would you like to say to your fans here?

Jashan: New Zealand was fantastic. I have performed in Dubai and Canada also before this, but this was my first trip to down-under. I enjoyed performing here and I hope Aucklanders also enjoyed watching and listening to me. Just want to say that keep loving my music.

I have more coming up for New Zealand. Stay tuned and keep supporting.

TRIVIA:

Favourite actor: Aamir Khan

Favourite actress: Deepika Padukone

Favourite movie: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Favourite Punjabi singer: my father

Favourite Bollywood singer: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Hobbies: travelling, swimming, sports.

Role model: my father

Favourite song: I love singing Heer

Favourite genre: I love all types of music and covering all types of listeners

Favourite food: Simple daal-roti

Favourite place: Melbourne, always

Favourite car: Range Rover

Favourite bike: Yamaha

Favourite sport: soccer

Jashan Singh was invited to perform in Auckland for Valentine's weekend by Old Fort- a restaurant known for its 'dining with a difference'. He, along with his accompanying musicians- Dharmesh, Araad and Shamal, brightened many a hearts over two days.