Months after receiving widespread criticism for her performance as the opening act for Coldplay’s concert in Mumbai, singer-songwriter Jasleen Royal has broken her silence. In a deeply personal and emotional mini-documentary titled Dare To Dream, Jasleen offers a behind-the-scenes look at the mental and emotional toll the incident took on her.
A Glimpse Into the Struggle
The documentary begins with Jasleen backstage during Day 2 of the concert at DY Patil Stadium, visibly shaken but trying to stay composed. She is seen scrolling through her phone as her team attempts to cheer her up. Addressing the technical issues that marred her performance, she asks, “What was the problem yesterday? Why were my in-ears bursting?” A team member responds with an apology, acknowledging the failure on the technical front.
The Weight of Criticism
One of the most heartbreaking moments in the video is when Jasleen breaks down in front of her team, saying, “After a certain point, I can feel it like ‘it’s time to go home’. There’s a lot of pressure. I’ll die; I swear I’ll die,” as tears stream down her face.
She goes on to explain the deep self-doubt and anxiety triggered by social media trolling. “I don’t want people to think that she didn’t deserve to be here… I’m a self-taught musician. So, I know I am not perfect. I keep learning every day,” she confesses in a voice choked with emotion.
Facing Public Criticism
Following the performance, Jasleen faced intense backlash, not just from trolls but also from industry insiders. Music director Vishal Dadlani harshly criticized her on social media, stating, “When you put a basic-to-bad singer in front of a large crowd on a large stage, all you’re doing is showing more people that the individual can’t really sing… How embarrassing! For the country, the artiste, the public, and the scene.”
Singer Antara Mitra and filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri also joined in, amplifying the scrutiny.
Strength in Vulnerability
Despite the pain and negativity, Dare To Dream is ultimately a testament to Jasleen’s resilience. Rather than responding with anger or denial, she uses the documentary to be open about her imperfections, insecurities, and drive to grow as an artist.
By sharing her truth, Jasleen Royal not only reclaims her narrative but also sparks an important conversation about mental health, self-worth, and the unseen struggles that come with performing on the big stage.
As the film’s title suggests, Jasleen’s journey continues—not defined by setbacks, but by the courage to keep dreaming anyway.
