Hardy Singh is taking Bhangra to the world, and we’re here for it! In this chat, he shares his experiences performing for new audiences and how different cultures have influenced his art.
These days, it’s so easy to learn about and celebrate different cultures. People everywhere are curious about new traditions, music, and art forms, and with so many platforms connecting us, it feels like the world has become one big stage. But what really makes it all possible are the artists who put themselves out there, sharing their culture with global audiences. One such artist is Hardy Singh, a Bhangra influencer who’s been wowing audiences everywhere with his powerful and energetic performances. With his approach, he is taking a piece of his culture and spreading it far and wide, making people from all over fall in love with the colorful spirit of Bhangra. We had a chance to chat with Hardy about what it’s been like performing for new audiences, and how his art has been influenced by different cultures. It’s a conversation that sheds light on how Bhangra is breaking barriers and bringing people together in the most joyful way possible.
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Here is what he shared:
What does Bhangra mean to you personally? How has it impacted your life and career?
Bhangra has given me a sense of identity. It's incredible to know that so many people watch and enjoy what we do, and seeing others share our performances brings me immense happiness. It feels amazing to be connected to a dance form that I was essentially born into—a part of my culture that's given me so much in return. Bhangra has taught me invaluable life skills. Without it, I wouldn't have been part of a team, and without that team experience, I wouldn't have learned how to multitask or develop leadership qualities. All of these experiences have shaped me into a better person, equipping me with skills I might not have gained otherwise.
You've performed at prestigious venues like the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris and Untold in Dubai. How have these experiences shaped your understanding of Bhangra's global appeal?
There were times when I used to wonder how far Bhangra could really go—it’s just a folk dance, after all. But performing at venues like these, where Punjabi music and culture had rarely, if ever, been showcased, changed my perspective completely. The overwhelmingly positive response we received was both surprising and motivating. It pushed us to step outside our comfort zone and expand the boundaries of what we thought was possible. Now, we firmly believe that Bhangra as a dance form has the potential to be represented on global stages far beyond the Indian community. It’s no longer limited to its roots—it’s a celebration that resonates universally.
With Bhangra making appearances in various movies and music videos, which collaboration or feature do you think captured the spirit of Bhangra the best?
I feel like, so far, there have been efforts, but nothing truly stands out as a pure and authentic representation of good Bhangra. These days, Bhangra is often commercialized to match what the crowd wants, which takes away some of its essence. That said, artists like Diljit Dosanjh and Karan Aujla are doing a fantastic job of putting Punjabi music and culture on the map through their collaborations. However, this recognition is more about the music than the dance itself. While they’re paving the way, there’s still room to showcase the true spirit of Bhangra as a dance form on a global scale.
Can you share any memorable collaborations with artists or influencers from different cultural backgrounds? How did those experiences add to your appreciation for Bhangra?
One of the most memorable collaborations we did was with Quickstyle. Considering how big of a brand they are and their unique cultural background, it was an incredible experience working on a project together. The response we received was phenomenal, and what made it even more special was that we stayed true to the essence of Pure Bhangra while seamlessly integrating elements from both cultures. It was a perfect blend that showcased the best of both worlds, highlighting how Bhangra can connect and resonate with diverse audiences. This experience truly deepened my appreciation for the versatility and global appeal of Bhangra.
What has been your most memorable performance to date, and what made it so special? Any funny anecdotes from that experience?
My most memorable performance was at Untold. We weren’t sure how the crowd would react since Bhangra was something new for them. But as soon as the music started, the energy was incredible. The audience was so excited, cheering and hyping us up, which made the experience unforgettable. A funny moment was when I had to talk to the crowd during the performance. I started speaking in Punjabi without thinking, then quickly switched to English when I realized they might not understand me. But the surprising part was that even when I spoke in Punjabi, they responded and interacted with me. It was funny and also amazing to see how the vibe of Bhangra connects with everyone, no matter the language!
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for promoting Bhangra on a global level? Are there any exciting projects in the pipeline that you can share with us?
In 2022, I introduced the idea of a world tour for dance workshops—something no other dancer had done or even considered before. It became a huge trend, and now you see dancers from all styles organizing their own world tours. That tour didn’t just bring Bhangra to new audiences; it inspired the creation of major dance teams, including five in Europe. Some of these teams have since performed with artists like Diljit Dosanjh, which is something I’m incredibly proud of. Looking ahead, I’m planning another world tour in 2025. My goal is to cover all continents, starting in Europe and ending with workshops in every country I visit. Right now, I’m focusing on sponsorships and logistics, but I’m excited to push boundaries and take Bhangra to an even larger global audience.
Have you been following Hardy's work? Let us know in the comments below.
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