Jasmine Sandlas, a seasoned singer-songwriter, has carved her own unique path in the music industry over the past decade. With upcoming projects like the Bollywood track “Poison Baby” for the film Thamma, a collaboration with Hanumankind for the title track of Dhurandhar, and her latest album Illegal Robbery, Sandlas emphasizes that her work is always driven by purpose. “Every song I create has to have a purpose behind it — whether it makes people dance, heal, or feel powerful,” she shares.
At 40, Sandlas acknowledges the frequent criticism leveled at the Punjabi music industry regarding its depiction of women. However, she defines empowerment as a woman’s agency and self-possession. “A woman can be sexy and powerful as long as she’s in control. If she’s dancing to her own rhythm, expressing herself freely, that’s empowerment — not objectification,” she states. Her recent item number in Thamma exemplifies this philosophy, centering on choice and self-expression. The Dhurandhar collaboration skillfully blends traditional Punjabi melodies with modern vibrancy, a reflection of her belief in women’s multifaceted expressive capabilities. “The director loved the classic and wanted to glorify it, but also needed something fresh,” she explains, detailing how she incorporated Hindi and Punjabi lyrics, fine-tuning the track until it felt just right. She describes the collaboration with Hanumankind as an “epic, amazing” experience that resulted in a universally loved sound.
Sandlas views this current phase as a “rebirth” in her career. After writing over 130 songs and releasing four albums, she admits to having previously overthought her creative process. “Now, I want to think less and do more. I’m following intuition, trying new things, dancing more, taking creative risks,” she reveals. With more than ten million monthly listeners across streaming platforms, Sandlas recognizes the significant responsibility she holds, particularly towards her female fanbase. “I know how deeply my songs resonate with women. They tell me how important it is to hear music that empowers them — and that keeps me grounded,” she concludes.