Shahat Gill On Her Rise, Punjabi Pop’s Evolution & The Power Of Collaboration

India’s vibrant music scene is constantly evolving, and at its forefront is a new generation of fearless voices. Among them is Shahat Gill — a Chandigarh-born pop firecracker whose sound is as smooth as desi makkhan and as bold as her lyrics

Gill burst onto the scene with her breakout track “Pagal Ay,” instantly capturing hearts and headlines. With infectious energy and genre-bending charm, she’s quickly becoming a name to watch.

In an exclusive interview with Loudest.in, rising star Shahat Gill opens up about her musical journey, the evolution of Punjabi pop, and her exciting collaborations.

Q1.Your previous tracks like Hulaare and OG have been massive crowd-pullers. What’s the vibe of Bamb, and how does it elevate your sound or storytelling?

Bamb has its own unique vibe. Where Hulaare had that laid-back energy and OG carried a kind of quiet confidence, Bamb taps into something a little deeper—it’s bold, but still soft around the edges. There’s this mix of strength and vulnerability that I really leaned into. Sonically, I played more with layers and textures, trying to bring out the raw emotion. It’s a step forward for me, not just vocally but in how I tell stories through music. Hopefully, people can feel that growth when they listen.

Q2.You’ve carved out a unique space in the Punjabi music scene as a strong female voice. What inspires your confidence, both in performance and persona?

I think my confidence comes from staying true to who I am and trusting what I bring. I’m not chasing trends or trying to fit a mold—I’m just trying to make honest music that reflects me. Being a woman in the Punjabi scene does come with its challenges, but it also pushes me to keep showing up and doing my thing. And honestly, the love I get from people—the ones who’ve been listening from day one and still show up for me—that’s the real fuel. They remind me why I do this.

Q3.Coming from Chandigarh and now gaining national attention, how has your environment shaped your sound and ambition as an artist?

Chandigarh will always be a huge part of me. There’s something about the energy there—the way people talk, the rhythm of the city—that’s naturally in my sound. Growing up, music wasn’t just something I liked; it was woven into everyday life. That kind of environment gives you roots. But even back then, I felt this urge to push beyond the local scene. I’ve always wanted my voice to carry a little further. Chandigarh gave me that foundation, and from there, I’ve just kept building.

Q4.Which past collaboration has been your favorite so far, and why did it click creatively or personally?

Pagal Ay with Panther which was actually my debut track, holds a really special place in my journey. Collaborating with Panther on it wasn’t just exciting—it was foundational. That track kind of set the tone for what my sound would become: raw, energetic, a little unpredictable, but always real. Panther and I clicked creatively from the start, and we didn’t overthink it—we just let the madness flow. I think that freedom, that sense of fun, is what made the track resonate. It was the beginning of me figuring out what kind of artist I wanted to be, and I’m grateful that it started with that kind of synergy.

Q5.If you could pick any artist—Indian or international—to collaborate with next, who would top your list and why?

If we’re talking dream collaborations, Drake would be right up there. I’ve always admired how he can move through genres and emotions so effortlessly and still stay true to himself. I think there’s something powerful about blending sounds and cultures, and I’d love to bring that Punjabi soul into a space like that. I’ve even joked about hearing him on a Punjabi verse—it’s fun to imagine.

Q6.Your tracks are known for their high energy and unapologetic attitude. What message or mood are you hoping listeners take away from Bamb?

With Bamb, I just wanted to create a track that made people feel like they were the main character in their own story. It’s confident, it’s got attitude, but there’s also a heartbeat underneath it all. I wasn’t trying to make some deep statement—I just wanted it to resonate, to be that song people play when they need to walk a little taller. Rony & Gill have captured this perfectly in the writing of this track and brought their signature touch to the production and helped shape the sound in a way that still felt true to me but also elevated. I learned a lot from that collaboration—it really felt like a step forward.

Q7.As someone who’s quickly rising through the ranks, what’s one thing you’re fiercely holding on to—and one thing you're excited to let go of—as your journey evolves?

If there’s one thing I hold onto, it’s my vision. From the start, I’ve known what I wanted to say through my music, and that clarity keeps me grounded. But what I’ve definitely let go of is playing it too safe. I used to second-guess myself a lot, try to tone things down to make everyone comfortable. But now? I’m more about leaning into who I really am—even if it’s a little loud, a little messy sometimes. Growth has meant learning to take up space without apology.