The Punjabi music industry found itself at the crossroads following the tragic death of Sidhu Moosewala, which left a void in its creative and cultural landscape. With the era of glorifying violence and gun culture through music beginning to fade, we are witnessing a new wave of romantic tracks resonating with today’s audiences. As the industry evolves, a fresh generation of artists is stepping forward.
Hailing from Firozpur, Punjab, Simma Dhaliwal is carving a niche for himself in the Punjabi music industry. With hit tracks like ‘Canada Wali,’ ‘Yaad,’ ‘Surma,’ ‘Follow,’ and ‘Sip Sip,’ Dhaliwal has already become a prominent emerging figure, celebrated for his unique sound and captivating performances. Beyond his music, Dhaliwal’s talents extend into the realm of theatre, where he has composed music for several notable productions, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of the arts.
His versatile portfolio includes composing music for notable productions like ‘Loona,’ ‘Nil Darpan,’ ‘Odakalu Bimba,’ ‘Ashadh Ka Ek Din,’ and ‘Don Special.’ These contributions highlight his range and deep understanding of the arts.
Reflecting on his journey, Dhaliwal recollects, “Joining the theatre scene in my hometown was a transformative experience. Composing music for Shiv Batalvi’s play ‘Loona’ was one of the most memorable moments of my life.” His early experiences in theatre laid a strong foundation for his future successes, providing him with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the music industry.
During that period, he collaborated with several renowned play directors, honing his craft in the vibrant theatre scene and expanding his artistic vision. His dedication to the performing arts led him to pursue acting and editing courses at the prestigious MAD Arts Film School, where he further refined his skills. In recognition of his growing contributions to theatre and music, he also received an award from the Ministry of Culture in 2020.
In recent years, the Punjabi music industry has undergone significant changes. “After the death of Sidhu Moosewala, the whole scene of the Punjabi music industry changed,” Dhaliwal observes. “Earlier, artists usually used to sing mafia gangster songs that glorified gun culture, but now the theme has shifted to romantic songs. It’s a romantic era of AP Dhillon, Karan Aujla, Shubh, Garry Sandhu, and Jass Manak. The taste of the public is currently unpredictable, with songs heavily relying on Instagram reels.”
This shift in musical trends aligns with Dhaliwal’s own journey as an artist. He debuted as a singer in 2022 with his first music video, ‘Canada Wali,’ where he also appeared as a lead actor. The song received widespread acclaim, marking the beginning of a successful musical journey. Following this, Dhaliwal released additional hits like ‘Gangster,’ ‘Yaad,’ ‘Surma,’ and ‘Sip Sip,’ further establishing his presence in the industry.
Like many artists, Dhaliwal faced challenges in the early stages of his career. “The biggest struggle in the industry is finding the right team who understands you, gives you the right respect, and knows what suits you,” he explains. “It took me three years to find the right team. I am currently working with Snipr, Gagan from team Hopee Digital, and Meer. Together, we have created a lot of songs. Earlier, I struggled with lyrics and vocal treatment, but with their help, I overcame these challenges.”
Transitioning from theatre to music was a significant step in Dhaliwal’s career, but he approached it with a fearless mindset. “I never think about failure,” he said. “Life is not always about winning and losing; it’s about knowing what your heart says. Ups and downs come in every phase of life for everyone. What I have is more than enough; God has blessed me with good already. I am satisfied with what I have. The journey from theatre to the music industry was quite simple. While rehearsing, I met Snipr, who suggested I try singing. One day we planned to record something, and that’s how I entered the music scene. My advice to newcomers is to believe in yourself, work on your skills, be brave enough to taste failure, and don’t give up. Life is all about fun.”
As Dhaliwal continues to evolve as an artist, he remains focused on honing his skills and exploring new creative avenues. “As an artist, I feel like I need to work a lot on my skills,” he admits. “I feel like I have just started. It’s just the beginning of the big drama movie of myself. I feel like I’m good in the romantic genre a lot because I have made almost 15-20 romantic tracks. This has made it easier for me to catch and record.”
Looking ahead, Dhaliwal is excited about his upcoming collaboration with Guri, which has already generated considerable buzz. “It’s a romantic song that we thought of creating while in the UK in 2023,” he reveals. “While in the studio with Snipr and Meer, we created the track. Even before its release, it created a buzz. It’s a story of a boy sharing his one-sided love with his lover, expressing his feelings.”
Dhaliwal’s journey from the theatre stages of Firozpur to the heights of the Punjabi music industry is a testament to his talent, dedication, and ability to adapt to changing trends. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and a reminder that with the right mindset, hard work, and a bit of fate, success is within reach.