Otaal is a rising 17-year-old Punjabi rap sensation making waves with his bold debut EP, “No Remorse.” Blending traditional Punjabi elements with modern rap and trap, he’s carving a unique space in the music scene. Influenced by legends like KS Makhan, Sidhu Moosewala, and Central Cee, Otaal started dropping tracks at just 14 and hasn’t looked back since. With raw lyrics, fearless energy, and an unshakable belief in his craft, he represents the next wave of Punjabi hip-hop, determined to leave a lasting impact.
Pooja Kashyap: “No Remorse” is a bold title for a debut EP. What’s the story behind the name?
Otaal: The name “No Remorse” comes from my mindset—no regrets, no holding back. I put everything into this music, and this EP is a way to express how I truly feel. It’s my way of saying I’m here to stay, and I’m not looking back.
Pooja Kashyap: At just 17, you’re already carving a unique space in Punjabi rap. What first sparked your passion for music?
Otaal: I grew up listening to legends like KS Makhan, Sidhu Moosewala, and Central Cee. Freestyling came naturally to me by the time I was 11 years old. By 14, I was already dropping music, and I haven’t stopped since. What I’m thinking, what I’m feeling—it’s easier to let people know through a song. Everything you hear is exactly how I felt at the moment I made that song.
Pooja Kashyap: Your sound blends traditional Punjabi elements with modern rap and trap. How do you strike the perfect balance between old-school and new-school?
Otaal: I’m just relaying the music that I love to the world. Sometimes I feel like listening to Punjabi music, and other times I like listening to trap music from the UK. What I write about is just my life and the lifestyle that I’ve been living.
Pooja Kashyap: You’ve collaborated with incredible producers and artists on this EP. Was there a particular moment in the studio that defined the project for you?
Otaal: I think the dopest moment was seeing the reactions of people who heard the songs on my EP for the first time. When I played songs like “1 of 1,” I would get this look from people around me, and their expression would be like, “There’s no way you just said that.”
Pooja Kashyap: Many young artists struggle with self-doubt. What drives you to push forward despite challenges?
Otaal: I have no doubt in my abilities; I know I’m destined for greatness. Life is hard for people, and I’m blessed to do what I do. That’s why I do it with no fear.
Pooja Kashyap: If “No Remorse” had a visual theme, what would it look like? Dark and gritty? Vibrant and high-energy?
Otaal: I think the best way for you to see the visual theme is to check out the videos I dropped from the EP. You’ll see exactly how I feel.
Pooja Kashyap: What’s the most unexpected feedback you’ve received about your music so far?
Otaal: Someone told me that I sound like a Punjabi Central Cee. I thought it was funny, but it’s also dope to get a comparison to somebody I respect and listen to.
Pooja Kashyap: Name one artist—Indian or international—you dream of collaborating with in the future.
Otaal: Speaking of sounding like the Punjabi Central Cee, I’m looking forward to that collab going down one day.
Pooja Kashyap: What’s one misconception people have about Punjabi rap?
Otaal: I’m not sure about specific misconceptions, but one thing is for sure—Punjabi music is the next wave in the world. I’m looking forward to being the face of the young generation in this movement.
Pooja Kashyap: If you could send a message to your 14-year-old self, what would it be?
Otaal: Everything is going how you thought it would. Stick with your instincts, stay loyal to the people who are loyal to you, and trust that God is still guiding you the right way.
Pooja Kashyap: Every artist on this EP brings something different to the table. How did you ensure that all these styles blended seamlessly?
Otaal: Everyone involved understood the vision. Instead of forcing a sound, we let it flow naturally. The energy and everyone’s hard work made it happen.
Pooja Kashyap: What was the most experimental production technique or instrument you used on “No Remorse”?
Otaal: It has to be the track “Demise.” I produced the entire beat on my phone. It was the beginning of a journey I’m embarking on to learn how to produce my own music.
Pooja Kashyap: Punjabi hip-hop is evolving rapidly. Where do you see the genre heading in the next five years?
Otaal: It’s a young world out there. You’ll see more young faces like me. I see the genre actually blending into a global audience.
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