EXCLUSIVE: Jassa Dhillon on casteism in Punjabi music industry

Punjabi singer Jassa Dhillon who is known for his songs Raule, Talja Talja had a candid conversation about caseteism in Punjabi music industry.

Talking to Connect Cine, Jassa Dhillon was quick to add that he does not believe in giving interviews, but he has a strong fondness for Connect FM Canada because it was at this media house that he gave his very first interview which went viral on YouTube.

“My fans know a lot about me, and I do not know what more to tell them,”said Jassa Dhillon talking about how he would rather let his music talk instead of sharing mundane details about his life or interests. “I love talking to Connect FM...,” he added with a puckish grin.

When it came to the question of Punjabi singers spending that extra buck on song promotion and hiring influencers to promote their music, Jassa did not shy away from accepting that some songs need to be promoted and even pushed. At the same time, he was quick to add that good songs do not need promotions. “If social media influencers decide to make reels on a song, why not. This is good for them and for the singer too,” Jassa left the question open ended.

Jassa who hails from Assand in Haryana is currently settled in Toronto and makes regular visits to Punjab. “I don’t miss any opportunity of going back to my village and spending time with my family,” he offered a generous smile.

However, it was the topic of casteism in Punjabi music industry that got Jassa to ponder why are people even talking about it. “Do you hear a song thinking whether it is sung by a Jatt, a Hindu or Muslim. Music, or let us say art has nothing to do with caste, it transcends all barriers.

It is a form of art and nothing beyond this,” Jassa could be seen stressing on his last bit. Adding further he shared that Punjabis are used to listening to songs revolving around jatt. “To me jatt is not a caste instead it defines the attribute. Jatts are fearless, hard- working, helpful and people with positive attitude, which is why the mention of Jatt in songs does not bother me at all,” he concluded.