From Abha Anindita
BHOIRYMBONG, Nov 17: Known for her soulful melodies and ability to infuse traditional Punjabi folklore into contemporary music, Jasleen Royal made her debut in the Northeast at the Cherry Blossom Festival 2024. Ahead of her performance, she spoke to The Shillong Times, sharing her excitement about performing in the “music capital” of India and hinted at the possibility of a collaboration with local artists.
“I’ve always heard about how musically gifted Shillong is. There’s something about this place, its people grow up breathing music. Back in college, I met a few people from here who sang so effortlessly, and their voices have stayed with me,” Jasleen said. “I would love to collaborate with an artist from Shillong. Who knows? Maybe I’ll discover someone today while performing. That’s how my song Kho Gaye Hum Kahan with Prateek Kuhad happened.”
Jasleen also opened up about her latest song, Sahiba, which was released on the day of the festival. Inspired by the legendary Punjabi love stories she grew up with, the song is her most ambitious project to date. “I’ve done Ranjha, Heer, and now Sahiba. These tales are so deeply rooted in our culture that they find me, not the other way around. This song has been two years in the making, and it’s the most expensive and challenging project I’ve ever taken on as a producer,” she added.
“It’s my first time here, and one day isn’t enough to explore this gorgeous place. I’ve always heard it’s one of the most beautiful parts of India, and now that I’m here, I can see why. The people are so warm and civilised; it’s refreshing,” she added.
When asked about food and sightseeing recommendations, she smiled. “I need a list! I’m flying back tomorrow, but I’ll definitely return.” Sharing the stage with iconic acts like Boney M at the Cherry Blossom Festival is a moment of pride for Jasleen. “It’s surreal to be performing alongside legends. This festival isn’t just about music; it’s about people who genuinely love and listen to music. That’s a rare and special audience for any artist.”
For Jasleen, performing in Shillong feels like a full-circle moment. Recalling an anecdote, she said, “A year ago, a friend sent me a video of someone in Shillong singing my song Kho Gaye Hum Kahan at a café. It was heartwarming to know my music had reached this part of the country. And now, here I am, performing for the same audience. It feels cosmic.”
She closed the first day of Cherry Blossom, and was a breath of fresh air, after the heavy weights Akon and Boney M kept the thousands tapping their feet, her mellow melodies just kept the ones grooving, as people prepared to be stuck in the traffic snarl for hours before reaching home.
