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AP Dhillon opens up about his decision to stay away from Bollywood film music, emphasizing the importance of staying true to his art.
AP Dhillon explains why he avoids Bollywood music, opting to stay independent.
While many artists like Diljit Dosanjh, Kanika Kapoor, and Karan Aujla have contributed their music to Bollywood, AP Dhillon has chosen a different path. The rapper-singer prefers releasing his own independent albums rather than creating music for films. In a podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia, Dhillon shared his perspective, explaining why he avoids “selling his music” and the principles guiding his decision.
Dhillon revealed that although he is currently working on a Hindi song, it’s not tied to any Bollywood film. He explained, “Currently, I am away from films. Just because, I don’t want to sell my music. Let people do whatever they are doing, I will maybe set an example for the new budding artists. Unless and until the business improves, I am not going to do songs for movies.”
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He further elaborated on why Bollywood music doesn’t align with his identity as an independent artist, despite its marketing benefits. “However, from a business perspective, it is good for marketing, because the budgets are higher, they push you so much better, and your listeners and streams will go up, but I don’t want to leave that as a legacy. It shouldn’t be like I could have brought a change, but I didn’t,” Dhillon explained.
The Dil Nu hitmaker emphasized his desire to inspire upcoming artists by staying true to his art. “It was hard to say no to some people, it wasn’t even their fault, it’s only about how all this works. My end vision isn’t getting sold. Already 10 people are doing it, if I also do it, what example will I set for people who are coming behind me? What will I tell them? That I got a movie, they gave me a budget, and I made a song?” Dhillon questioned. He added, “They do everything for you and when that particular song of that film grows, your whole catalogue grows. From a business point of view, that makes complete sense. But, as an artist who is on the forefront of change, then no. Sometimes, you have to eat less to bring change.”
Dhillon also shared that he has turned down numerous film offers, including acting roles, to preserve his authenticity. “I was offered movies, even to be in them, and to do records two years ago. I have been rejecting them for two years and burning my bridges. From one to another, just because I don’t want to be like the other sheep,” he revealed. He added, “We have done so much that at one point, the top 10 songs were Punjabi. That’s an example in itself that you don’t need anybody or their promotional push. You can stay true to your art. I am not saying working with films is a bad idea. The actors and directors of a film are getting paid, but the business side is being taken care of by someone else. What they want sometimes just doesn’t fit with you.”
AP Dhillon, a trailblazing Punjabi-Canadian singer, rapper, and music producer, has revolutionized the independent music scene with his genre-blending style and global appeal. Born Amritpal Singh Dhillon, he gained widespread recognition with his chart-topping track Brown Munde, which became an anthem for the Punjabi diaspora worldwide. Known for seamlessly fusing Punjabi folk elements with contemporary hip-hop, trap, and R&B influences, Dhillon’s music resonates with both traditional and modern audiences. His albums, such as Not by Chance and Hidden Gems, showcase his ability to push creative boundaries while maintaining his cultural roots.
