City-based Simma Dhaliwal, a young composer and singer, is set to contribute the musical score to the upcoming Hindi stage play Sallery Creditd while simultaneously preparing the release of his Punjabi single Nishani. Both projects mark a continued effort by Dhaliwal to bridge the emotional depth of theatre with the mainstream appeal of regional music.
Born on 14 August 2001, Dhaliwal began his creative journey through theatre, composing background scores for several productions while still in his teens. His early work includes contributions to plays such as Loona, Nil Darpan, Odakalu Bimba, Ashadh Ka Ek Din, and Don Special. These experiences, he says, shaped his sensitivity toward emotional tone and narrative rhythm. “Theatre taught me how to listen to characters, to silence, and to subtext,†he said in a conversation about his creative influences.
In 2022, Dhaliwal released his first independent Punjabi single Canada Wali, which he both composed and performed. He also appeared in the accompanying music video, introducing a visual style influenced by his background in editing and filmmaking. The track was followed by a series of self-produced releases including Gangster, Yaad, Surma, Sip Sip, Heer Ranjha, and Akhan Vich Kajal. Rather than focusing on formulaic or commercial themes, his music has often incorporated personal experiences and emotional storytelling.
Discussing the evolving dynamics of the Punjabi music industry, Dhaliwal noted the increasing importance of authenticity in audience engagement. “There’s been a shift,†he said. “Listeners are looking for songs that say something real. Earlier, there was a lot of repetition around certain themes. Now, emotion and sincerity resonate more—especially through platforms like Instagram Reels, where unexpected tracks can find wide reach overnight.â€
His upcoming single Nishani reflects this direction. Slated for release later this year, the track explores themes of memory and personal loss through a stripped-down, melodic arrangement. Dhaliwal describes it as “a musical letter,†aiming to highlight the lyrical weight of the song rather than relying on layered production.
Parallel to this, Sallery Creditd the Hindi play for which he is composing the full score deals with issues of financial precarity, gender roles, and social silence in rural Indian households. Scheduled to premiere in Madhya Pradesh, the production is expected to use music not as background, but as a narrative layer that intensifies emotional moments and transitions. “It’s a challenging project,†Dhaliwal acknowledged. “The subject matter is sensitive, and the music needs to support that without overwhelming it.â€
