Entertainment / NOT YOUR TYPICAL BILLO: How Simar Is Giving Punjabi Music A Powerful New Female Voice

NOT YOUR TYPICAL BILLO: How Simar Is Giving Punjabi Music A Powerful New Female Voice

Entertainment Jul 30, 2026

by Mehak Kapoor | Entertainment Editor

In this exclusive chat with ANOKHI, Simar shares the story behind Billo, her genre-defying debut album, inspirations, and how she is redefining the sound of Punjabi music.

Toronto-based Punjabi singer-songwriter and composer Simar is carving out a unique space in contemporary music. Blending Punjabi and English with elements of R&B, hip-hop, and pop, her sound is rooted in her culture while embracing a global perspective. As one of the few Punjabi women writing, singing, and composing her own music in both languages, Simar is bringing a fresh voice to an industry where women’s stories have often been told through others’ lenses.

Her debut album, Billo, marks a defining moment in that journey. Reclaiming a word long associated with women in Punjabi music, Simar transforms Billo into a celebration of female identity, confidence, and creative ownership. The independent project blends genres, languages, and lived experiences to reflect the realities of a modern South Asian woman navigating multiple identities, while staying true to her Punjabi roots.

With Billo, Simar isn’t just introducing listeners to her music; she’s challenging conventions and expanding the conversation around representation in Punjabi music. Ahead of the album’s release, I sat down with Simar to discuss the inspiration behind Billo, her journey as an independent artist, the importance of telling women’s stories, and what lies ahead.

Read on to see what Simar had to say!

NOT YOUR TYPICAL BILLO: How Simar Is Giving Punjabi Music A Powerful New Female Voice

Mehak Kapoor: Congratulations on your debut album, Billo! Tell us about the album. How many songs does it feature, and what can listeners expect from it?

Simar: Billo is a collection of all the different styles of music I love. It features 12 tracks, each with elements of hip-hop, R&B, pop, and even touches of folk. It’s Punjabi music like you’ve never heard before.

Billo is releasing on July 30. Fans are already excited; how can they pre-save the album, and where will it be available to stream once it’s out?

We hear the word Billo often in songs by men, where women are described and defined through their perspective. I wanted to reclaim that word and redefine what it means by referring to myself as Billo in my own music. It became my alter ego, the kind of woman who refuses to be defined by others and fully embraces who she is. Strong, bold, confident, feminine yet fierce, and a force of nature that cannot be stopped.

You’ve described Billo as a genre-defying project that centres women’s narratives. Why was it important for you to tell these stories from a woman’s perspective?

I grew up listening to many Punjabi folk songs sung by women. While they carried beautiful stories deeply rooted in culture and tradition, I felt there were certain stories missing, stories of modern women who are bold, unapologetically themselves, and navigating life in the diaspora while remaining deeply connected to their Punjabi roots. I’ve always wanted to bridge the gap between traditional Punjabi music and the sound of modern mainstream music.

When it comes to R&B, I grew up listening to artists like Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child, Christina Aguilera, Brandy, Monica, and Mariah Carey. In Punjabi music, I was inspired by legends like Surinder Kaur, Aman Noori, Jaspinder Narula, and Miss Pooja. I’m still inspired by many contemporary artists, including Kehlani, Raye, Jasmin Sandlas, and Rashmeet Kaur, who continue to push creative boundaries.

I think it’s the biggest blessing. I get to experience music in a way that feels completely unique to me. Growing up listening to English R&B has influenced the way I compose Punjabi songs, and similarly, when I hear mainstream sounds and beats, I naturally find ways to incorporate Punjabi melodies into them. It has allowed me to move effortlessly between two languages and explore different styles of composition while creating a sound that feels authentically my own.

Your music blends Punjabi, R&B, hip-hop, pop, and trap. Did you ever feel pressure to fit into one genre, or was creating your own lane always the goal?

I once had an uncle describe my music as an English and Punjabi mango lassi, and honestly, I couldn’t have said it better myself! Haha.

NOT YOUR TYPICAL BILLO: How Simar Is Giving Punjabi Music A Powerful New Female Voice

Haha! As an independent artist, you’ve built this project on your own terms. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned throughout this journey?

As much as I wanted to do things independently, I couldn’t have brought this vision to life without my team. Finding the right people who truly understand and support your creative vision has been the biggest challenge, and it’s something you can’t rush. It has taken me years, but I’m grateful for every step of the journey. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of having faith and patience.

If a young South Asian girl listens to Billo and sees herself reflected in your music, what do you hope she takes away from it?

She is seen! I hope she feels the freedom to exist as she is and knows that I see her and want to celebrate her!

What are your expectations from Billo? Are you chasing numbers, or is your definition of success something much bigger?

I want all the girls doing Gaddi Vich Gehre while playing Billo, the same way men have always had their own masculine anthems to celebrate and connect with.

After Billo, what’s next for Simar? Can fans look forward to live performances, a tour, collaborations, or new music already in the works?

I’d love to do more shows and go on tour! Performing for fans is such a rewarding experience and one of my favourite parts of being an artist.

When it comes to music, I love exploring and experimenting. While I’m incredibly proud of the sound I created with Billo, I’ll definitely continue exploring new styles and sounds because that’s what a true Billo does!

With Billo releasing on July 30, Simar is stepping into a new chapter, one that celebrates individuality, cultural roots, and the power of owning your story.

From reclaiming the meaning of Billo to bringing together Punjabi, English, R&B, hip-hop, pop, and folk influences, Simar is creating a project that is deeply personal and true to her vision. As she looks ahead, she hopes to continue performing for fans, exploring new sounds, and taking her music in exciting new directions.

With more performances, new music, and exciting creative explorations ahead, Simar is only getting started.

Mehak Kapoor | Entertainment Editor

Author

Mehak Kapoor (@makeba_93) is an entertainment and lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience in anchoring and content creation for TV and digital platforms. Passionate about storytelling and factual reporting, she enjoys engaging with diverse audiences. Outside of work, she finds solace i...

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