PUNJABI SWAG WITH ANGREZI TOUCH

Top Punjabi singers are using English titles and lyrics to draw in a much wider audience

Give a Punjabi song an English title, sprinkle the lyrics with some English words and brand mentions, and there you have the golden recipe for a “relatable” song! Recent examples include: High End and Big Scene (both by Diljit Dosanjh); Illegal Weapon (by Jasmine Sandlas, featuring Garry Sandhu); Yeah Baby (by Garry Sandhu); Backbone (by Harrdy Sandhu); Youth (by Mankirt Aulakh); Trending Nakhra (by Amrit Maan); One Million (by Jazzy B); and It’s All About You (by Sidhu Moosewala). According to the artistes, the idea is to reach out to non-Punjabi listeners, and if the lyrics reflect the everyday style of our conversations, it’s easier to strike a chord. Singer Jassi Gill says, “Lyrics come from conversations. Most people mix Hindi, Punjabi, and English while talking. Words that are used in daily life are catchy for listeners. Today, the songs that become hits are the ones that have simple lyrics. If there are only Punjabi lyrics, then only Punjabis will listen to us.”

Expressing a similar view, Rav Hanjra, the lyricist of all nine songs of Diljit’s latest album, Con.Fi.Den.Tial, says, “English words increase the range of listeners for us. There are non-Punjabi fans, too. English words make the lyrics easier for them to understand.”

Singer Guru Randhawa, who has delivered hits such as Outfit and High Rated, says, “I write my songs taking inspiration from everyday life, and add a touch of common English words [that the youth use]. That’s relatable for the audience.”

Emphasising on the importance of a “catchy” title, Jassi says, “The title is released first with the song’s poster, even before the song itself. If people find the title interesting, they’d be curious about the song. An English title generates more curiosity.”

Many songs’ lyrics are also laced with brand names of liquor, cars, apparel, and mobile phones, and occasionally, even matrimonial websites and mosquito-repellent coils. In Gaal Ni Kadni, Parmish Verma sings, “Saraane la k so jaawa Mortein de coil nu.” And in Mini Cooper, Ammy

Virk sings, “Mini Cooper lai dunga, vich baith k tu maari gediya.” A line from Diljit’s song High End goes, “Pairan wich Yeezy, munda rehnda baala busy.” Lyricist Rav explains Diljit’s song’s lyrics, “Diljit paaji often wears Yeezy (a luxe sneaker brand). That’s why I’ve used it in the song. Sometimes, a brand suits one’s personality.”

Jassi, whose song Chitti Lancer was a chart-topper in 2012, says, “I think it’s simply that whatever you do [or use] in your life, your songs’ lyrics revolve around it.” The singer feels that brands make these songs more relatable for listeners, but what about the brands getting free publicity? “See, it’s not like we’re so big that if we [indirectly] promote a brand, its sales would go up. It doesn’t work like that,” says a humble Jassi, whose songs have multimillion views.

The title is released first with the song’s poster, even before the song itself. If people find the title interesting, they’d be curious about the song. JASSI GILL SINGER

PHOTOS: SHIVAM SAXENA AND MANOJ VERMA/HT (From top) Singers Jassi Gill, Guru Randhawa, and Diljit Donsanjh all have used hip English lyrics in their songs