From Backlash to Breakthrough: Jasleen Royal’s Journey as Coldplay’s Opening Act

Tanisha Sharma April 7, 2025 artist resilience, Coldplay opening act, Dare To Dream documentary, Indian musicians, Jasleen Royal, live performance challenges, Mumbai concerts 2025, music industry criticism, self-taught musicians, technical difficulties in concerts

In January 2025, Jasleen Royal made history as the first Indian artist to open for British rock band Coldplay during their highly anticipated Mumbai concerts. What should have been a career-defining triumph quickly became a challenging test of resilience as the self-taught musician faced intense public scrutiny. Her story of perseverance in the face of criticism offers a compelling look at the pressures faced by artists on international stages.

Table of Contents

A Historic Opportunity Meets Unexpected Challenges

When Jasleen Royal was announced as Coldplay’s opening act, it marked a significant milestone for Indian representation in global music events. The opportunity to perform before one of the world’s most popular bands placed her in a spotlight few Indian independent artists have experienced.

However, Royal’s Day 1 performance quickly became the subject of intense debate. Social media platforms buzzed with criticism, with many viewers describing her set as “offbeat,” “out of tune,” and even “unbearable.” What many audience members didn’t realize was that behind the scenes, Royal was battling significant technical difficulties, particularly with her in-ear monitors—essential equipment for any live performer.

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Technical Difficulties and Industry Criticism

The technical issues during her first performance created audible problems that contributed to the negative reception. While such challenges are not uncommon in live music settings, the high-profile nature of the event amplified the criticism.

Industry figures joined the conversation, with established artist Sona Mohapatra publicly questioning both Royal’s performance and the selection process that led to her securing the prestigious slot. This professional critique added weight to the already mounting public backlash.

Despite these setbacks, Royal’s team worked quickly to address the technical problems before her Day 2 performance. This professional response demonstrated the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into recovering from live performance difficulties.

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“Dare To Dream”: Documenting Vulnerability and Growth

In a bold move that few artists would consider after facing such criticism, Royal released a mini-documentary titled “Dare To Dream,” offering audiences a candid look at her experience. The documentary revealed the emotional toll the backlash took on her, including raw moments of tears and vulnerability.

“There’s a lot of pressure. I’ll die; I swear I’ll die,” Royal confesses in one particularly emotional scene, revealing the human impact of public criticism on performers.

The documentary addresses several key aspects of her journey:

Her identity as a self-taught musician who acknowledges her imperfections
The technical difficulties that impacted her first performance
The anxiety of feeling potentially undeserving of such a major opportunity
Her sincere desire to make India proud on an international stage

Finding Strength in Support Systems

Throughout the documentary, Royal highlights the importance of her support network. Family members and team members rallied around her during the difficult period following her first performance, providing both emotional support and practical assistance in preparing for Day 2.

This element of her story resonates beyond the music industry, speaking to the universal importance of support systems during professional challenges. Royal’s willingness to lean on her team while also taking responsibility for her performance demonstrates a balanced approach to professional growth.

A Lesson in Resilience for Emerging Artists

Royal’s experience offers valuable insights for aspiring musicians and performers. Her decision to return to the stage for Day 2 despite the criticism, and to later document her journey, exemplifies professional resilience.

As a self-taught artist who reached an international platform, Royal represents both the opportunities and challenges facing independent musicians in today’s industry. Her acknowledgment of areas for improvement, coupled with her determination to continue pursuing her craft, presents a nuanced portrait of artistic development.

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Looking Forward: The Impact of Transparency

By choosing to share her struggles through the “Dare To Dream” documentary, Royal has contributed to an important conversation about performance pressure, technical challenges, and the human cost of public criticism. Her transparency may help shift audience perspectives on what happens behind the scenes at major musical events.

For Royal herself, the experience appears to have strengthened her resolve. Her message to fans emphasizes her commitment to continued growth and improvement—a promise that suggests this challenging chapter is just one part of a longer artistic journey.

The story of Jasleen Royal’s Coldplay opening act experience ultimately transcends the specific performances, offering a window into the complexities of representation, technical execution, and personal resilience in the global music landscape.

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