Using vulgar and abusive lyrics in songs is a Cultural Crime: Jasbir Jassi
Jasbir Jassi, who is known for his hit single ‘Dil Le Gayi Kudi Gujrat Di’ is back again with another peppy song ‘Koka’. The Punjabi Singer got into an exclusive conversation with Apeksha News Network to discuss his recently released song ‘Koka’ with Badshah and Sonakshi Sinha in the upcoming film, Khandaani Shafakhana, changes in the music industry, his upcoming projects and a lot more.
Koka is a melody with the perfect beats that will make anyone dance to its tunes, said Jasbir Jassi. “It is a T-series production starring Badshah and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead, what else would one want! But, the journey started sometime back during CCL (Celebrity Cricket League) when I sang the song live and it went viral the very next day. In the film, Badshah has recreated the song, but the experience has been fantastic. Koka has reached the chartbusters today and there is nothing more I can ask for because after a span of almost 20 years, people have again recognized me for my talent.”
Sharing his views on hardcore Punjabi music and Bollywood Commercial Music, he said, “Punjabi music has always captured its audience in a parallel space with Bollywood. There was a time when 60% of the revenue came from the Punjabi industry only. Even today, Punjabi singers have their own fan base and do not require the support from Bollywood to reach heights. However, while many singers made a way for Punjabi music in Bollywood, some caused harm to its reputation. However, known faces like Daler Mehndi, Gurdas Maan, Hansraj, Sukhwinder Singh and Sonu Nigam have given Punjabi music its due in Bollywood.”
“The difference in pure Punjabi music and Bollywood is that the former is more folk and personal, while Bollywood music turns folk into commercial. Bollywood helps increases the reach of songs, and today if we see Bollywood has all types of music under its own umbrella,” he added.
Stressing on the Punjabi Folk music, Jasbir said, “Lyrics of the songs are the differentiating factor of Punjabi and Bollywood music. When a Bombay based music director creates lyrics, he makes sure that the words used are easy going and simple. On the other hand, when Punjabi Singers create music, they do not give a thought about the acceptance from audience or their understanding caliber, and rather focus on the feelings of the song. The natural authenticity of the song makes it loved by people.”
Talking about the low times in his career, Jassi shared, “For the last 5 to 7 years, I was confused as to what is going wrong with my career, should I also include vulgarity in my songs to get people’s attention. I could not find a path for soul music to work and be people’s favorite, but Koka has finally made that happen and I’m very happy and excited about it.”
“Using vulgar and abusive lyrics in songs is a Cultural Crime. It has polluted the country’s atmosphere, especially the youth. We claim to get inspired or rather copy the western culture, but we are not even close to what the west is doing. Indian society is different from the West. It is narrow-minded, has its principles intact and not so enduring to bold steps. We believe in doing things in private and not showcase them in the open. Some modern rappers have brought the bedroom secrets out in the open, which has not gone well with the audience. While many feel it is being bold, it is rather utter shamelessness. There is a thin line between being bold and being shameless, some rappers have crossed it,” pronounced Jasbir on the Vulgarity used in modern songs.
Khandaani Shafakhana, a comedy-drama is slated to hit the screens on 2nd August, 2019.
