For singer-songwriter Jasleen Royal, opening for Coldplay was a dream come true — but the moment didn’t unfold the way she had imagined. In a new mini-documentary titled Dare to Dream, Royal reflects on one of the most emotionally intense experiences of her career: being booed during her performance as the opening act for the legendary British band.
The film, which premiered on YouTube on Sunday, April 6, offers an intimate look into Royal’s journey as she became the first Indian artist to open for Coldplay during their Music of the Spheres world tour.
“There’s a lot of pressure. There’s a lot to prove,” she says in a voiceover at the beginning of the documentary — setting the stage for what would become a story of both struggle and triumph.
A Technical Malfunction and a Tough Crowd
The incident took place on the massive stage of DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai this past January, as Coldplay returned to India for the first time in nine years. Tickets for the highly anticipated shows — held on January 18, 19, and 21 — sold out in just 13 minutes.
For Jasleen Royal, it was a historic moment. She was about to stand in front of over 45,000 people — the largest audience of her life — and perform as the sole Indian act on the Coldplay stage. But from the very beginning of her set, things started to unravel.
According to Royal, her in-ear monitors malfunctioned, making it impossible for her to hear herself while performing. The result? A shaky start that led to a wave of boos from the crowd.
“I couldn’t hear myself at all,” she recalled. “When you’re on a stage that size, with thousands of people in front of you, and your only connection to your own voice is gone — it’s terrifying.”
The sound glitch, combined with nerves, made it one of the most difficult performances of her life. “It was emotionally overwhelming,” she admitted. “You go from the highest of hopes to a moment where you just want to disappear.”
A Powerful Comeback
But Jasleen Royal didn’t walk away in defeat. Instead, she channeled the hurt into resilience. She returned for her next performances in the same stadium — and won the crowd over.
Her story is not just about failure — it’s about rising after a fall, facing public humiliation, and still finding the courage to go back on stage. In later shows, she received cheers, not jeers.
“I think the universe was preparing me,” she says in the documentary. “It gave me what I asked for — the dream — but I had to be ready for all parts of it, not just the glamorous side.”
A Career Built on Authenticity
At 33, Jasleen Royal has carved a niche for herself in India’s music scene, known for her heartfelt compositions and soulful voice. But her experience with Coldplay has pushed her into a new global spotlight — not just as an artist, but as a symbol of perseverance.
While she could have chosen to hide the difficult experience, she instead decided to document it honestly — a move that has resonated with fans and aspiring artists alike.
“I want people to see the real story. Not just the photos or the applause, but what it really takes,” she said.
The Message of Dare to Dream
Dare to Dream isn’t just a documentary about music — it’s about ambition, disappointment, and the courage to keep going when the spotlight turns harsh. It’s a powerful reminder that even dreams come with shadows — and it’s how we step back into the light that defines us.
With millions now watching her journey, Jasleen Royal has done more than just make history on stage. She’s showing the world what it means to be vulnerable, brave, and truly unstoppable
.