From composing ground-breaking scores and hit songs to delivering unforgettable live performances, Sumeet Chopra has spent over three decades helping to shape the sound of British South Asian music. His creative journey remains deeply rooted in culture, constantly evolving while staying connected to tradition.
Now, the acclaimed composer and producer returns to the stage in collaboration with chart-topping singer Jaz Dhami for a vibrant celebration of bhangra music at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on 16 May, as part of the South Asian Sounds Festival.
Ahead of this hotly anticipated concert, Eastern Eye caught up with the music maestro to reflect on 10 defining moments from his extraordinary career.
Sumeet Chopra With Jaz Dhami
The first spark
At the age of seven, I was captivated by the sound of Alaap playing on vinyl in my family home. Years later, I was invited to join the pioneering bhangra band, helping them evolve their sound, which led to performing on major stages worldwide for over a decade. It was a turning point that marked the beginning of my journey into the heart of the British Asian music scene.
Manak magic
Performing alongside the legendary Kuldeep Manak on stage at just 16 was a powerful early milestone for me. It offered a front-row seat to the intricacies of Punjabi music, live on stage, with one of the genre’s true icons. This opportunity was not just a gig – it was a rite of passage into the soul of Punjabi music.
Meeting the qawwali king
An intimate London mehfil offered me the rare opportunity to meet the late, great Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Saab. It was a moment of quiet observation and deep respect. Years later, I was fortunate enough to collaborate with Nusrat Saab’s nephew, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, on a project that reflected the enduring influence of that early encounter.
Sumeet Chopra With Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Breaking new ground
In my early 20s, I produced the world’s first Indian music sample CD – a creative tool that revolutionised East-West fusion. These beats have been used by major names, including A.R. Rahman and Panjabi MC. It is always special when I hear my samples in songs produced by artists today. It is especially humbling when my peers in the industry mention how it helped reshape and influence the sonic palette of South Asian music.
Diwali with Gurdas Maan
While working on a film project in Mumbai, I was invited to spend Diwali evening at Gurdas Maan Ji’s home. What followed was an extraordinary jam session with one of Punjab’s most celebrated voices, set against the backdrop of fireworks and shared stories. The spectacular evening ended with a warm Punjabi feast, including sarson ka saag, freshly made rotis, and other treats to mark the occasion.
Bollywood debut
My debut Bollywood composition was elevated by the unmistakable voices of Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan. Having two of Indian cinema’s most revered playback singers bring my melody to life was both a professional honour and a deeply personal highlight.
Britain’s Got Bhangra
A career highlight for me was composing the score for the UK’s first-ever award-winning bhangra musical, commissioned by Rifco Arts. As someone who has always been passionate about promoting Punjabi music and culture to new and diverse audiences, it was especially meaningful to see the show resonate so widely. The production received universal acclaim, and it was humbling to have my music nominated for Best Sound Design at the Off West End Awards (Offies).
The Guardian wrote: “Sumeet Chopra’s score is a delight that brings the audience to its feet and introduces a new sound into the stale world of the British musical.”
Poster of Laila: The Musical
Classics Reimagined: A Slice of Desi
This specially commissioned project enabled me to remix iconic voices in South Asian music and bring a fresh perspective to timeless classics. My rework of Challa by the legendary Reshma, as well as tracks featuring the unmistakable voice of Mahendra Kapoor, allowed me to honour the soul of great songs while introducing them to new audiences. Remixing A.R. Rahman’s Bombay Theme was a standout moment – it was an honour to rework such an iconic piece by one of the most influential composers of our time. I enjoyed the challenge of staying true to the original spirit while breathing new life into these cherished songs.
Celebrating the Sufi soundscape
For Laila: The Musical, my goal was to craft a distinctive sonic palette that blended the expressive depth of Sufi music with modern music production. Fusing qawwali-inspired melodies with electronic textures and cinematic arrangements, I was keen to push creative boundaries while staying rooted in cultural authenticity. In 2023, compositions from Laila and some of my other musical works were performed at the iconic V&A Museum as part of Rifco Theatre Company’s Billion Colour Musical showcase. It was a proud moment to hear my work come to life in one of the world’s most celebrated cultural institutions.
Childhood wish realised
As a child, I walked past the Royal Albert Hall with my parents and saw a poster announcing an Asha Bhosle concert. I remember quietly thinking to myself, “One day, I’d love to perform there.” Years later, that wish became a reality when I took to the stage with my band Alaap, marking a full-circle moment in my career. I will never forget the magical feeling of performing on that very special stage.
BAM! presents Jaz Dhami x Sumeet Chopra
Date: 16 May
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
And ,with her husband Rick Ram
And ,with Olatunji Yearwood
And ,with Arjun
