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Rupali Jagga, one of India’s most vibrant musical talents, is captivating fans with her powerful voice and dynamic presence. Known for blending Bollywood playback with independent music, Rupali’s latest hit, ‘Love Chumma’ from Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Waala Video, features a lively collaboration with Bhojpuri…Read More
Catch up with Rupali Jagga as she talks about her journey from Saregamapa to her latest hit, ‘Love Chumma’.
Known for her electrifying performances and versatile vocal style, Rupali Jagga is a force in India’s music scene, effortlessly bridging the worlds of Bollywood playback and independent music. Her latest hit, ‘Love Chumma,’ from Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video has become an instant party anthem, featuring the lively sounds of Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh and crafted by the talented duo Sachin-Jigar. But beyond the glitz of Bollywood, Rupali’s journey—from winning over fans on reality shows like Saregamapa to collaborating with industry giants like Himesh Reshammiya and M.M. Keeravani—has been a testament to her dedication and infectious energy.
In this candid interview with News18 Showsha, Rupali dives into the world of film music, her love for the creative freedom of independent projects, and the thrill of connecting with fans through live shows worldwide. She also offers insights into the hard work behind the spotlight, encouraging aspiring artists to focus on the craft and patience required to build a lasting career. With exciting new releases on the horizon and dreams of international collaborations, Rupali is on a mission to bring her signature style to an ever-growing audience. This is one rising star whose story is just beginning, and she’s taking fans along for the ride.
Here are the excerpts:
Q: Your latest song ‘Love Chumma’ from Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video has been getting a lot of attention. How did this collaboration with Pawan Singh come about?
Rupali Jagga: ‘Love Chumma’ is definitely a milestone in my career! It’s such a big song, and being able to sing alongside Pawan Singh, who is a megastar in his state, is an incredible experience. Sachin-Jigar composed the song, and I’ve been thrilled with how it’s become a party anthem. It feels wonderful to be part of something that so many people are enjoying, and I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity.
Q: What was your experience like working on the song under Sachin-Jigar’s guidance? Did you have any specific inspirations or influences for the style and energy of the track?
Rupali Jagga: Sachin-Jigar are like friends to me, and we’ve had a history of performing and traveling together. One week before the release, Jigar sir called me while I was at the gym and said he had a song for me to try. I went straight to the studio in my gym clothes, listened to the track, and loved it instantly! Since it’s a peppy, dance number, I wanted to bring a party vibe to it. Jigar sir guided me on how to approach the vocals, and both Sachin and Jigar were really supportive. It’s amazing working with composers who not only trust you but also bring out the best in you.
Q: Rajkummar Rao and Tripti Dimri bring unique charisma to the screen. How does it feel to have your voice featured in a film with such a dynamic cast?
Rupali Jagga: Tripti Dimri is literally the national crush right now, and Rajkummar Rao is an actor we all admire. Being Tripti’s voice in the film is a big honor for me, especially with a cast that has so much talent. Seeing “Love Chumma” trending for over two weeks on YouTube and doing so well on streaming platforms has been surreal. I’m really grateful for the love the song is receiving and looking forward to seeing where else it goes.
Q: You’ve also released several independent tracks, such as “Story” and “Superstar.” What drives your passion for creating independent music, and how does it differ from Bollywood playback singing?
Rupali Jagga: Independent music gives me so much creative freedom. I get to sing what I want, write my own lyrics, and shape the song exactly as I envision it. There’s no waiting for a composer to give me a song; I can just create something and put it out there on YouTube or other platforms. But I also value playback music because it’s equally important for my growth as an artist. Singing for a composer requires me to adapt to their style and vision, which challenges my ability to interpret and perform. I’m grateful to be able to do both because each one teaches me something different and helps me grow as a singer.
Q: You’ve collaborated with Himesh Reshammiya on independent tracks as well. What have you learned from working with him?
Rupali Jagga: Himesh sir is truly a legend! His way of recording is next-level, and it’s an honor to have sung three or four songs for him. He’s incredibly cool and has a unique approach to guiding singers, which is very inspiring. He has this amazing ability to bring out the best in artists. Working with him has taught me so much about precision and expression, and I look forward to more collaborations with him.
Q: In Bollywood, you’ve recorded memorable songs like “Terebin” and “Jina Kya Jogan.” Could you share a bit about your experience working with composers like M.M. Keeravani?
Rupali Jagga: Working with M.M. Keeravani sir was like a dream come true. He’s such a legend, and being able to sing a duet with Vishal Mishra for his composition was surreal. The song was romantic and deeply emotional, and Keeravani sir guided me beautifully. Singing for him was a big moment in my career, and I hope to have the chance to work with him again.
Q: What are some of the challenges and rewards of singing playback for Bollywood films versus creating music for independent projects?
Rupali Jagga: Playback singing comes with its own set of challenges. You have to understand the script, the character, and sometimes even match your voice to the actor’s energy. It’s a learning experience that hones your skills. When the song does well, the exposure you get is huge. On the other hand, independent music gives me the freedom to express myself without any restrictions. Both are rewarding in their own ways, and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to explore both avenues.
Q: You’ve performed live around the world. What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had while touring, and how does the energy of a live audience influence your performance?
Rupali Jagga: Being on stage is like breathing for me—it’s my air, my water, my everything. I’ve had so many memorable experiences in both national and international shows that it’s hard to choose just one. Right now, I’m talking to you while traveling to another show! I’ve been performing for over a decade, and the love, fame, and connection I get from live performances are unmatched. I owe it all to my fans, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
Q: How do international audiences respond to your music, and do you tailor your set list for different countries?
Rupali Jagga: Mostly, we perform for the Indian community abroad, so the set list doesn’t change much. Sometimes, we do get specific song requests, and we tweak our performance slightly. But overall, the energy and vibe remain the same, whether we’re performing in India or overseas.
Q: You’ve been part of major reality shows like Saregamapa, Indian Idol, and IPML. How did these experiences shape your career, and what impact did they have on you as an artist?
Rupali Jagga: Reality shows have been pivotal in my career. Saregamapa in particular was a breakthrough for me—I was a finalist in 2016, and the love and recognition I received were incredible. Even after all these years, people remember me from that show. I went on to win IPML and later became a judge on Saregamapa in 2022, which was a full-circle moment. Reality shows gave me exposure, a fan base, and valuable experience.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring singers who are considering auditioning for reality shows?
Rupali Jagga: My advice is to focus on learning and building a strong foundation in music. With Instagram and quick fame, it’s easy to get caught up, but true musical knowledge is essential. There’s no shortcut to success in this field. Take the time to learn and grow before stepping onto the stage, and you’ll be much better prepared.
Q: You have a significant following on Instagram. How do you balance your online presence with your music career, and what role does social media play in connecting with your fans?
Rupali Jagga: I love social media! It’s a great way to stay connected with my fans, and I’ve been active since 2016. Being candid and sharing bits of my life has helped me build a strong relationship with my audience. Social media has played a big role in my success, and I enjoy every bit of it.
Q: If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would it be and why?
Rupali Jagga: In India, I’d love to work with Arijit Singh. I’m manifesting that it happens soon! On the international front, I’d love to collaborate with Charlie Puth. I find his music incredibly inspiring, and it would be amazing to work with him someday.
Q: What upcoming projects or genres are you excited to explore in the near future?
Rupali Jagga: There’s a lot in the pipeline! I have some exciting independent music projects coming up, starting from November, along with film songs I can’t reveal just yet. But there’s definitely a lot to look forward to, and I promise my fans some fantastic music is on the way.
