Karan Aujla, one of the most loved singers, got a boost in his popularity with the song ‘Tauba Tauba’ from Bad Newz this year. Now, the young singer-performer is all set to have a multi-city tour in India in December 2024 and early January 2025 named ‘It Was All A Dream’. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Karan Aujla spoke about ‘Tauba Tauba’, his tour and a lot more.
How do you look back at 2024 and how important was ‘Tauba Tauba’ for you?
‘Tauba Tauba’ was a game changer for me, surpassing all my expectations. The response we got was crazy! But honestly, I never make music thinking about numbers. It’s always about connecting with my people. Whether it’s shows in Canada or back home in Punjab, when I see people singing those lyrics word for word, that’s success for me. And you know what’s special about this track? It shows you can keep your roots and still make modern music. That’s always been my style – respecting our culture while pushing boundaries.
Why is your tour named ‘It Was All A Dream’?
Every name I choose has a deep meaning and connects with my journey. From writing songs in Ghurala to performing worldwide, sometimes it really feels like a dream, you know what I mean? When I look back at where I started and where God has brought me today – performing for massive crowds and collaborating with artists I grew up listening to – many times I have to pinch myself. I wanted this tour to be an inspiration to all the young kids and artists who have big dreams. I was a young boy with dreams but no means when I started out, look how far I’ve come! It all seems like one big dream!
You will be having three shows in Delhi. Any reason for that since in all other cities, you would have just 1 show?
We have multiple shows in Mumbai and New Delhi. Every city has its own vibe, but the love I’ve gotten from Delhi has been quite heartwarming. Mumbaiites and Delhiites know how to party like OGs! Punjabi music has such a strong following in these cities after Punjab.
You have said that there’ll be surprises in your performances? Is Vicky Kaushal joining you?
When I say surprises, I mean we’re planning something special for every show. My team and I always try to give fans something they’ve never seen before. It could be new versions of songs, special effects, or maybe some unexpected collaborations… who knows! I never want my performances to be just like regular shows. Every time you see me on stage, it should be a new experience. One thing’s for sure – whatever we’re planning, it’s going to be worth the wait!
Has there been a spike in offers from Bollywood filmmakers after ‘Tauba Tauba‘s success? Have you accepted any of them?
My first love is and will always be Punjabi music. That’s where my heart is, that’s what got me here. If something feels right, connects with my style and lets me stay true to my music, then why not? Right now, my focus is on giving my fans the best shows possible and creating more music that connects with them.
Are you and Vicky Kaushal in touch? When can we see you guys reuniting for a song?
Vicky paaji is such a lovely human being. The way he vibes with Punjabi music and culture, it’s so natural. If he and I have something planned, the fans will know when the time is right. I believe good things happen when they’re meant to happen. If we do something together, it has to be special, something that does justice to both our artistry.
It is often said, at least for Bollywood songs, that it’s not as good as it was until 10-12 years ago. Do you feel so? If yes, why has our music deteriorated?
Music has changed, not necessarily deteriorated. Earlier, artists had time to create. Nowadays, there’s pressure to release something new every few weeks. When you’re rushing, quality can suffer. Back then, composers like Pritam paaji, A R Rahman sir would spend months perfecting one song. They’d work with live musicians and proper orchestration – it was a different process entirely. The industry has changed because audience preferences have changed. Everything is faster now, more like instant gratification. Plus, there’s so much talent and technology available – it’s just being used differently. In the Punjabi industry, we still try to maintain that balance between modern sound and meaningful lyrics. That’s why I always focus on storytelling in my songs, whether the style is new or old. The solution isn’t going back to old ways completely, but finding a middle ground – using new technology while keeping the soul of music alive. Quality over quantity, that’s what we need.
It is said that musicians today are asked to make songs that will trend and be a hit on Reels. Is that true and how do you react when someone asks you to make a song as per Instagram demands?
I always tell people I make songs for hearts, not for Instagram. See, when someone comes to me saying “Add this hook, it’ll work on reels,” I’m very clear with them. My music has to tell stories and connect with people’s emotions. We can’t compromise our art just because some platform is trending. Yes, I agree this pressure exists in the industry. Labels sometimes push artists to make ‘reelable’ content. But look at songs like ‘Up & Down’ or ‘Players’ – they worked because they were authentic, not because we were chasing trends. I would say – make what feels right to you as an artist. If it’s good music, it will find its audience, whether it’s on Instagram or on stage. The moment you start creating just for social media, you lose your identity as an artist. Real music, real emotions – these never expire. That’s why I stick to my style, my storytelling.
Come January and you’ll celebrate your birthday. What plans?
I’ve received so much love from my fans, that every day feels like a celebration. I like to give back to my people on my birthday. Whether it’s through music or helping others, that’s the best celebration. Sometimes the best birthday gift is seeing your fans smile.
The post EXCLUSIVE: Karan Aujla talks about his EXCITING multi-city India tour and whether he’ll collaborate with Vicky Kaushal after ‘Tauba Tauba’: “It has to do justice to our artistry”; also adds, “I make songs for hearts, NOT for Instagram; if someone says ‘This hook will work on reels’, I’m clear…” appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
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