Introduction
The recent Coldplay concert in Mumbai was a grand musical event that brought together international music icons and Indian talents on one stage. While the energy, visuals, and performances left fans mesmerized, the event also triggered online criticism—specifically aimed at Indian singer-composer Jasleen Royal for her live vocals.
Following the social media backlash, Jasleen Royal addressed the criticism with honesty and humility, revealing that she has never been a formally trained singer. Her candid admission has since gone viral and sparked a wider discussion about raw talent versus technical training in the music industry.
What Sparked the Controversy?
Jasleen Royal joined Chris Martin and Coldplay on stage at the Lollapalooza India 2025 concert held in Mumbai. While fans were thrilled to see an Indian artist perform alongside the global band, a portion of the internet began scrutinizing her vocal performance, calling it “underwhelming” and “pitchy.”
Several social media users shared clips of the performance, questioning her singing skills and asking why she was chosen to share the stage with a band of Coldplay’s stature.
Jasleen Royal Breaks Her Silence
In response to the criticism, Jasleen took to her Instagram stories and later elaborated in an interview. She wrote:
“I’ve never claimed to be a trained singer. I make music with heart, not with technique. I know I’m not perfect, but I’m real.”
She further expressed gratitude to her supporters while acknowledging the critiques:
“There’s always room to grow. I’m constantly learning. The love I’ve received outweighs the hate, and I’m grateful I got to share a stage with Coldplay—something I never imagined in my wildest dreams.”
Fans Rally in Support
Despite the criticism, a large section of fans and fellow musicians came forward in support of Jasleen, praising her honesty and artistry. Many highlighted her unique voice, soulful compositions, and the emotional depth she brings to her songs.
Some of the fan comments included:
- “Her rawness is what makes her stand out!”
- “It’s sad how people are quick to tear someone down, especially a self-made artist.”
- “She doesn’t need a degree in music to touch hearts—her work speaks for itself.”
Hashtags like #IStandWithJasleen and #RealVoicesMatter began trending on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing the divide in public opinion but also the strong base of fans backing her.
Who is Jasleen Royal?
For those unfamiliar, Jasleen Royal is an independent artist-turned-Bollywood singer and composer known for her unique voice and minimalistic musical style. She broke onto the scene with viral hits like “Panchhi Hojavan”, and later delivered chart-toppers like:
- “Din Shagna Da” (used in Anushka Sharma’s wedding)
- “Ranjha” from Shershaah
- “Nachde Ne Saare” from Baar Baar Dekho
Despite having no formal training in classical music, her emotional connection with her audience has kept her relevant and successful in the competitive Indian music scene.
Training vs Talent: A Bigger Debate
Jasleen’s statement has once again ignited an ongoing debate in the Indian music industry:
- Do singers need formal training to be successful?
- Is emotional depth more valuable than vocal perfection?
Several musicians have weighed in on this, acknowledging that both trained and untrained voices have a place in the industry. Music today spans genres from classical to indie pop, and what works in one space may not in another.
“There’s room for all kinds of singers. Emotions can’t be taught in a music school.” – a noted Bollywood music producer.
Coldplay’s History of Collaborating with Diverse Artists
It’s worth noting that Coldplay has a long-standing tradition of embracing artists from different cultures and genres. In the past, they’ve collaborated with Beyoncé, BTS, Rihanna, and even Indian artists like AR Rahman.
Their Mumbai performance was not just about global stardom—it was a celebration of cultural unity through music. Jasleen Royal being part of that lineup highlights her recognition beyond just Bollywood.
The Pressure of Performing Live
Performing live on a global stage comes with immense pressure. Technical issues, adrenaline, and the sheer scale of the event can affect any artist. Fans who’ve attended the concert in person reported that the atmosphere and energy far outweighed any minor imperfections.
It’s also important to remember that live vocals differ significantly from studio recordings, where multiple takes, tuning, and production enhancements are used.
What’s Next for Jasleen Royal?
Despite the temporary backlash, Jasleen Royal’s career is far from slowing down. She is currently:
- Composing new original music for an upcoming independent album
- Collaborating with international artists (as per her recent posts)
- Planning a pan-India musical tour in late 2025
Fans are eagerly awaiting her next release, and industry insiders believe this moment will only push her further into the limelight.
Conclusion
Jasleen Royal’s response to the Coldplay concert criticism is a reminder that vulnerability, honesty, and staying grounded are powerful qualities in today’s entertainment world. While perfection may be expected on big stages, authenticity often resonates more deeply with audiences.
Her message, “I’m not a trained singer,” may have stirred debate, but it also speaks to many aspiring artists who follow passion over protocol. In the end, music is about emotion, and Jasleen Royal continues to deliver that in abundance.