The Spice Girls of Punjabi music!

Jasmine Singh

Punjabi singer Sunandha Sharma’s song Jaani has 36 millions views on Youtube and still counting, Kaur B’s Sunakhi gets more than 13 million views, Jasmine Sandlas’ Illegal Weapon has 23 million views and Nimrat Khaira gets another 23 million on her song Suit. Now, these millions, as compared to the lakhs of many male Punjabi singers, are indicative of the fact that women singers too are ruling the music charts, giving a tough competition to their male counterparts in this male dominated industry. So, what makes fans croon these numbers; is it the music, the lyrics, the presentation, the oomph factor or something else?

Punjabi mutiyaar rocks! 

Nimrat Khaira’s latest track Suit featuring Mankirat Aulakh with 24 million views is a hit with girls and boys alike. A winner of Voice of Punjab Season 3, Nimrat likes her song simple and traditional. “I think her songs are a hit because of her simple Punjabi mutiyaar girl image. She brings this out in her tracks as well; they are short in a traditional and modern way without hurting anybody’s sentiments,” says Anmol Gill, director of a leading Punjabi portal. Nimrat made her acting debut with Punjabi film Lahoriye, but it is her songs Ishaq Kacheri, Sp De Rank Wargi that have been a hit. Who can say that only male singers understand the pulse of Punjabi audience, I think, it is the other way out,”offers Amber .  

From a village belle to Barbie doll 

Jaani tera na ve, bad sohna ve, Sunanda Sharma’s track is played at all parties, weddings, birthdays, Friday and Saturday nights as well. Sunanda has the ability to switch from a traditional girl to a Barbie like dream girl, which is what fans like about her. Her songs are always foot-tapping and energetic. Her song Jaani has 36 million views and still counting. “Her track Patake had 63 million views last I saw, and is still counting. This is a song that has been played an umpteen parties and functions. 

The queen bee of Punjabi music 

For long, she has held the title of the reigning music queen, a title that she is now sharing with others in the industry. Whether it is Sunakhi or Mitran De Boot, music of Kaur B’s tracks has a good mix of folk and contemporary. Well-written lyrics are a strong point of her songs. “She has a different voice, some kind of shrillness that makes her stand apart from the crowd. 

The girl with several streaks

Whether it is her Illegal Weapon or Laddoo, Jasmine Sandlas with her peppy looks and free flow singing style has captured the hearts of many across the globe. Her music is upbeat and has a strong influence of rock. She is also known to infuse life into her collaborations.  “She has a rustic voice; in fact there is some extra zing in her singing that makes all the difference.” 

Old is gold, always 

With 14 million views on her track Pasand, Miss Pooja is still the most loved woman singer of Punjabi entertainment industry. She has also become the largest female- bhangra selling artist in India and overseas. So much so, she is one of few female singers of Punjab who has the credit of recording duets with more than 100 singers.

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