Three like-minded musicians got together and decided to make music just by ittefaaq (coincidence), and hence, decided to call themselves Just Ittefaaq. Releasing their debut album — Polly’s Diary — on Monday, singer, songwriter and composer Jasleen Aulakh makes sure we know the album wasn’t an ittefaaq; it was the daring passion to come up with an album in a time when physical album releases are on the verge of extinction.
The album comprises eight songs, out of which Supna, Paisa Paisa, Jo Beet Gayi So Baat Gayi, Soye Nahi and Shadow have already seen online releases. The rest of them — Tujh Se Door, Chidiya and Dreamer — are sparkling fresh.
For those who are still trying to figure out what ‘Polly’s Diary’ stands for, Aulakh says, “Except Chidiya, all the songs have been written by my mother, Polly Saghera. I would call it a project born out of the collaboration of a mother and a daughter who inspire each other to create meaningful music.”
But, launching an album was a task that she had been working on since October 2012. “When you are single- handedly doing everything, things aren’t easy. After all, it’s a man’s world. Everyone takes you for a ride,” says she.
{{/usCountry}}But, launching an album was a task that she had been working on since October 2012. “When you are single- handedly doing everything, things aren’t easy. After all, it’s a man’s world. Everyone takes you for a ride,” says she.
{{/usCountry}}Jasleen, however, doesn’t let the trend of piracy affect her plans, as she says, “People do download illegally, but there’s always need for an album. Those who want to buy, would eventually end up buying it anyway. Day before yesterday, I had a show at Nagpur and sold around 15 albums, which is a good number. So, wherever I go for shows, people do ask for albums.”
Though she’s on cloud nine for the release, she’s still figuring out ways to be a part of Bollywood and Pollywood. Aulakh says, “I had sung for a Bollywood film, Kabir Sadanand’s Project 36, but the movie has not been released yet. About the Punjabi film industry, which is growing by leaps and bounds, I’m still trying to figure out my way.” The launch that took place at Purple Rice, Sector 35, was followed by a musical evening. Jasleen would also be performing at Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, on September 27, at an event organised by the Sangeet Academy.