UK-born Punjabi vocalist, Khushi Kaur, has captured hearts with her melodious voice and commitment to promoting Punjabi culture. Born and raised in Nottingham, Khushi embarked on her musical journey at the age of 11, singing Kirtan at the Gurudwara. Her passion for Indian music grew stronger, leading her to take professional singing lessons from her Ustaad, Roben Gill, and train with the prestigious Shankar Mahadevan Academy, where she delved into the intricacies of Hindustani vocal music and the art of Raag.
At just 12 years old, Khushi made her first stage appearance at a Lohri event, where she used her talent to raise funds for underprivileged girls in India. In December 2021, she made her debut with the release of “Nainowale Ne,” a captivating cover of a popular song from the film Padmaavat. Following her debut’s success, she continued to impress with “Boohe Diyan Kundiyan,” a cover of Miss Pooja’s 2011 hit, released in 2022.
Khushi’s journey began with small performances at family gatherings and events. Recognizing her potential, her mother encouraged her to seek professional training to hone her musical skills. Under the guidance of Ustaad Roben Gill for five years, Khushi simultaneously shared her talent through cover tracks on YouTube. During the lockdown, she dedicated herself to practice and furthered her training with the Shankar Mahadevan Academy. She continues to receive lessons from her Ustaad Sarbjeet in Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
When asked about her inspirations, Khushi Kaur cites prominent Punjabi artists, including Diljit Dosanjh, Nimrat Khaira, and Karan Aujla, as her main sources of inspiration. “Their influence has played a significant role in shaping her musical journey.”
Khushi’s latest release, “Shartan,” marks a departure from her comfort zone of slow romantic songs. The idea for the upbeat track came after the success of her romantic song “Befikre” with Kay V Singh and a well-received cover of Nimrat Khaira’s “Lehnga.” These experiences inspired her to explore a more dynamic and lively musical style.
“Shartan” carries a powerful message aimed at inspiring and encouraging young Punjabi girls, especially the newer generation, to embrace their Punjabi heritage, particularly traditional Punjabi attire. Khushi’s recent visit to India highlighted a growing trend among the younger generation, favouring Westernized clothing over traditional Punjabi garments. As a British-born Punjabi, Khushi recognized the need to raise awareness about the beauty and significance of Punjabi culture.
“Shartan” serves as a medium to convey this message and reinforce the pride associated with traditional clothing. Khushi’s vibrant and energetic performance in the music video showcases the richness of Punjabi culture, encouraging others to follow suit.
Looking ahead, Khushi Kaur expresses her desire to collaborate with Navaan Sandhu, admiring his unique sound and vocal tone. Beyond his musical talents, she applauds his journey in the music industry and his commendable values, making him an ideal choice for future collaborations.
In conclusion, Khushi Kaur’s “Shartan” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a celebration of Punjabi culture and an inspiration for the younger generation to reconnect with their roots. With her deep-rooted passion for music and cultural pride, Khushi Kaur, who is only aged 19, is undoubtedly a rising star with a bright future ahead of her in the world of Punjabi music.
Singer: Khushi
Music: Backkbencherrs
Video Director: Ste Smith
Lyrics: Raanjha
Released by: by Envy Music Ltd
You can watch the Shartan music video here: