He is also doing an international album in New York with artistes from there. Another project sees him recreating old hits like Kajaraa mohabbatwala and Ude jab jab zulfein teri. “I have chosen film songs that had a Punjabi folk base,” he says.
Considered the king of Bhangra-pop and best known for his album Dil Le Gayi, Jassi has learnt under various gurus and also has a poetic and theatrical background. Beginning with Punjabi films Passport and Zakhmi along with some remixes he released several hit albums over the last 15 years and has performed in over 5000 shows in over 70 countries.
Why does he not sing in Hindi films - the only exception was Dobara in 2004?
Replies the singer, “Pyar mere nu lag gayaa nazraa is one of my all-tme favourites. Shashi Ranjanji approached me with a clear situation and I wrote, composed and rendered the song. I am not too enamoured by films. It is meant only for those who are completely willing to compromise on quality and aesthetics! But I am willing if the people who want me are good people. I am in discussion with Bobby Bedi and A.R. Rahman and some others. I will do films if the atmosphere is congenial to good music.”
Jassi admits that the Punjabi element in today’s music is not a completely happy state of affairs. “Yeh acchi baat hai ki Punjab ka music har jagah hai. But here again most people are using Punjabi words and phrases only because it is a trend. They do not do any research and develop any knowledge of our language and culture. Words are pronounced or even used wrongly.”
He cites the example of a very famous 1990s song for the wrong use of the word Kudi meri. “The context meant is that of a beloved, but when you use the words in that order it actually means ‘My daughter’!” There are so many more examples!”
But once again, Jassi says that Punjabi music is rich and “unmatched” because it has astounding variety and is rich in beats. “Our music and life in Punjab are virtually like synonyms. Our culture is huge because over the centuries, Punjab has been like India’s transit lounge, a phrase he insists is justified. “Whoever invaded India landed up here in Punjab,” says Jassi. “Each invader left his stamp and his culture integrated into ours. Punjab is a melting-pot because kitni baar Punjab ujadtaa gayaa aur bantaa gayaa (Punjab was destroyed and reborn so many times)!”
