Jay Sean On What It Would Take To Bring Him Back to Bollywood: ‘The Right Story, The Right Team and A Song That Actually Moves People’

Jay Sean first popped into popular consciousness and playlists with a string of hits like “Dance With You,” “Eyes On You,” “Stolen” and “Ride It” in 2003-2004. Several solo hits and eye-catching collaborations later, his latest single “Pulling Me Back” featuring Véyah, comes courtesy of ‘Bait,’ a British series set in contemporary London, starring Riz Ahmed.

Deeply grateful for the opportunities to do what he loves, Jay Sean believes the secret to a long, fruitful career is staying curious and staying real.

You sing ‘Stolen’ in a car alongside Bipasha Basu. Years on, you’re ‘Bait’ing us with ‘Pulling Me Back’... in a car yet again. Map that long ride in one line (or two)? 
Incorporating South Asian sounds has been part of my signature style since the beginning of my career, since it marries my two biggest musical and cultural influences and represents who I am not only as an artist but as a person. Over the years, my journey has taken me across the globe, different sounds, cultures and audiences but my joy for incorporating South Asian elements in music never left me. Coming back to a South Asian-inspired record now feels more intentional. It’s about reconnecting with a part of my identity that’s always been there.
 
‘Stolen’ features an Asha Bhosle song sample (‘Chura Liya Hai Tumne’). That connection is there. Also the two of you met and dueted at the Asian Awards 2011. What are your thoughts on her passing? 
That was a spontaneous moment and such a huge honour to sing live with one of the world’s most respected and acclaimed musical legends. Asha ji wasn’t just a voice, she was a feeling that lived across generations. For many of us, she was part of the soundtrack of our childhood, our families, our culture. I think her legacy is less about what she achieved, and more about what she made possible for the rest of us. There’s a responsibility now to carry that spirit forward with the same grace and curiosity she had.

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What do you like most about ‘Bait’? 
What I liked straight away was the confidence. “Bait” doesn’t feel like it’s trying to explain us: it just is us. It didn't feel like it was asking for permission, it doesn’t over-explain who we are. It trusts the audience to come along for the ride. It is funny and deep at the same time.
 
If you could pick another track off this album to sing, which would you choose? 
There are a few I really love as a listener, but as an artist, I feel like those songs belong to the voices that brought them to life. I wouldn’t change that!
 
Songs are being recreated and reimagined for big-budget films. If your songs had to be licensed for a Bollywood song, which ones do you think would be ripe for the picking? 
As you know, I have a diverse range of emotions and rhythmic styles in my music; so it could be something melodic and hypnotic like “Ride It.” It would be interesting to see how it could be flipped while still maintaining its allure. Or the more up-tempo songs like “Dance With You,” which was a game changer since it fused Punjabi RnB and hip-hop decades ago, and so innovative in its space. “Nakhre” is also such a fun party track. For me, it wouldn’t be about the song as much as the feeling. If someone could take one of my records and translate that emotion into a cinematic moment, while still honouring what made it special, that’s what’s most important.

Also, it’s been a while since you did a Bollywood song. What will it take to pull you back? 
For me, it’s always about the music first. It would have to be something that feels honest – not just a placement, but a moment. The right story, the right team and a song that actually moves people.
I think audiences today can feel authenticity immediately. I’d want it to be for something timeless, something that doesn’t just live for a season but becomes part of people’s lives. I love Indian cinema, so I’m always open, plus it would win cool dad points with my daughter who is a super Bollywood fan!
 
Any upcoming collabs you’re excited about? 
I always stay quiet about my collabs because I like it to be a surprise for my fans.
 
Any dream collaborations you’d like to strike off your list?
I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredible people, so at this stage it’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about finding those moments where two worlds come together naturally and create something neither could’ve done alone.
 
The secret behind your career longevity?
Staying curious. I’ve never tried to chase trends too aggressively, but I’ve also never been afraid of evolving. You have to listen – to the world, to the culture, to your audience, but most importantly to yourself. There were moments where stepping back was just as important as pushing forward.
And I think gratitude plays a big part. When you’ve been able to travel the world, connect with people across cultures, and still do what you love after two decades, you don’t take that lightly. Longevity isn’t about staying relevant, it’s about staying real.