I reject Bollywood songs for their lyrics: Jasbir Jassi

Singer Jasbir Jassi, known for popular songs such as Dil Le Gayi Kudi Gujarat Di and Laung Da Lashkara, says he now rejects offers to sing Bollywood numbers due to their double meaning lyrics.

On his thoughts about today’s music, Jassi said, “I sometimes have a problem with some of the Punjabi songs and videos because they are representing Punjabi music in a wrong way. Today, it is difficult to sit with our family and enjoy new Punjabi songs. My problem is people try to copy the West, but I feel there is still more time for people to accept it.”

“That’s the only reason that I get so many offers from Bollywood but I have to reject many songs because of their abusive or double meaning lyrics. Of course I feel bad doing so, but I cannot help it,” he added.

He wants to sing for Bollywood, but would prefer a soulful song. “I would like to explore some Sufi music. I have only given party and dance numbers [till now]. I want to sing a Sufi song so that people know I can sing that genre too,” he said.

Jassi said he is proud of singers like Guru Randhawa, Diljit Dosanjh, and Harrdy Sandhu who are taking Punjabi music to new heights.

“I think they are amazing singers. It is only because of them that people have started enjoying traditional Punjabi songs,” said the singer, who collaborated with DJ Shaan for the latest single Bulleya. He also urged the government to develop a “culture policy”, without which our culture and “artists like us will die”.

My problem is that people try to copy the West, but there’s still time for people to accept it. That’s the only reason I have to reject many [Bollywood] songs, because of their abusive or double meaning lyrics. JASBIR JASSI SINGER