#Women’sDay2024 Jyotica Tangri: Every rejection made me stronger - Exclusive

In a candid and empowering conversation with ETimes, Jasmine Sandlas, the trailblazing music sensation, shares pivotal moments that defined her journey as a woman in the music industry. From burning homemade CDs to her first song, Jasmine reflects on her humble beginnings, challenging gender-based expectations, and breaking stereotypes in the entertainment realm.

Jasmine's story is not just a musical journey; it's a narrative of resilience, authenticity, and the relentless pursuit of breaking barriers. And here are the excerpts from our special International Women’s Day conversation with Jasmine Sandlas.

The conversation started by discussing the moment Jasmine is most proud of as a woman and how it has shaped her journey. Discussing the same, she shared, “When I was a teenager, I used to burn CDs on my home computer and hand them to outside clubs in California. I was hoping to be discovered by a music producer. The CDs had my Capella vocals recorded on them, and my contact information was written with a permanent marker. I am so proud of this moment because it led to my very first song. A producer did contact me. We recorded a song called ‘Muskan.’ This was 15 years ago.”

Reflecting on the stereotypes or gender-based expectations in the industry, Jasmine spoke about how she actively worked to challenge them. “I stood up for myself and my dreams at all times. I have had confrontations with people who have tried to belittle, disrespect, and derail my vision. Men and women alike. This used to happen much more, like 10 years ago. Since I’ve become famous and successful in the worldview, everyone seems to have a good opinion about me.”

She further added, “However, when I started years ago, I met various artists, record label executives, event promoters, and more who have shared their opinions with me in the past. Usually, men in power have told me that I should just be sexy and say gentle things so I can gain a bigger fanbase. And usually, I have gently told them that my purpose is beyond fame and hype. I don’t want to be just looked at and admired. I want to be heard, understood, and felt after I’m gone.”

As a woman in the entertainment industry, Jasmine came across a project that empowered women and contributed to societal change. “MTV Angels of Rock was a cool concept. I wish it was more popular. I was a part of it, as were some other brilliant and beautiful women. I explored India through this show and met so many powerful women with great stories that we shared with the audience through this show. Maybe shows like this don’t become popular because they’re not sexy or scandalous. It was one of the happiest times of my life and a project I’m so proud of personally,” she shared.

“It’s most important as an artist or as a person in power to empower women, children, and men. It’s our duty as artists to inspire, heal, and unite cultures. The end goal is to use our art to introduce people to parts of themselves that they lost due to their painful experiences. The goal of art should be to make the world a better place,” she concludes.

Further, during the conversation, we asked Jasmine about a female artist who inspired her throughout her career, and she said, “I hear Norah Jones songs in California cafes all the time. That’s the kind of album I’ll release after I’m satisfied with the level of fame and hype I want to achieve. I’ve been dropping hints of who I truly am through some sporadic songs over the last decade. Baddal is one of them. What’s in a name? The album is another glimpse into my truth. I also deeply honor and love Surinder Kaur, who is a legend in our Punjabi history. I love women who write their own songs and share their own thoughts through music. We are all a little hesitant to be our bold, courageous selves. I love a woman who is afraid and still doing it," she expressed.

Last but not least, sharing a piece of advice for the upcoming female artists, Jasmine mentioned, “Speak the truth through your lyrics. Write your own songs. Use the fame. Don’t let fame use you. In the beginning, it’s ok to play small for a while. If you’re too powerful and too different, the audience can reject you because you’re not like them. The audience needs to see a part of you in them. It’s okay to use social media to become famous. Fame, however, is never the end goal. You must have a goal after you’re famous. Fame alone doesn’t feel like victory.”

“The world likes a woman they can put in a box. Society needs women in a specific category. A woman who doesn’t fit into a category is a dangerous one. Be a dangerous baby girl. When you’re famous and rich, step into your full potential. Speak the truth. Inspire and empower other female artists. Make the world a little uncomfortable with your greatness. I love you. I’ll see you at the top,” she concluded.