EntertainmentPosted at: May 19 2026 3:53PM


Jalandhar factory worker attains fame, singing offers after viral reel

Neeraj Bali
Chandigarh, May 19 (UNI) The life of 50-year-old Jalandhar-based singer Ashok Maskeen has changed dramatically after a year-old social media reel caught the attention of music producers in Mumbai, eventually leading him to perform the popular Coke Studio track “Bulleya Ve Te Lagda Ni Dil Marjana”, which has now garnered over 18 million views online.
Maskeen, who once worked at a factory, operating lathe machines and manufacturing taps to support his family, is now receiving offers for Hindi film playback singing and live performances across cities, including Delhi and Mumbai.
Speaking about his journey, Maskeen said his path to recognition was filled with hardship and years of struggle. Born into a financially weak family in Jalandhar’s Maksudan area, he said he developed a passion for music since childhood as his father used to sing devotional songs at religious gatherings.
Maskeen said poverty forced him to discontinue studies after Class 6 and begin working in factories at a young age.
Despite his financial condition, he remained deeply interested in music and often sang songs in school and local programmes.
Recalling his training days, he said he was inspired after watching noted Punjabi singer Sabar Koti perform on television and decided to learn from him. With no money even to buy a bicycle, Maskeen said he walked nearly 15 kilometres from Maksudan to Jalandhar Cantonment for almost a year to attend music lessons.
“I kept visiting my ustad for four days continuously even after he initially refused to teach me. Later, he agreed and asked me to come on weekly holidays as I was also working in a factory,” Maskeen said, adding that whatever success he has achieved today is because of his late mentor.
He said Sabar Koti had helped him record two devotional tracks during the 1990s, but he failed to gain recognition at the time due to financial limitations. However, the recordings helped him secure performances at local jagratas and small events.
Maskeen married Monica, a resident of Gurdaspur, around 13 years ago and continued factory work to manage household responsibilities while pursuing music as a passion. He said he never stopped practising despite difficult circumstances.
The turning point came about a year ago when his brother persuaded him to record a reel featuring a song originally sung by Sabar Koti. The clip was uploaded online and unexpectedly reached music professionals in Mumbai.
Maskeen said a music composer from Mumbai contacted him and invited him to sing for Coke Studio . Initially, he refused after asking about payment. “I told them I work in a factory and survive on daily wages. Why should I skip work if there is no money?” he recalled.
Later, music producer Tanish convinced him to take up the opportunity and reportedly ensured he was paid for the recording. The song eventually became a major success, pushing Maskeen into the spotlight overnight.
Maskeen said the Mumbai-based composer also encouraged him to leave factory job and focus entirely on music. According to him, the composer now supports him financially with a monthly amount higher than his factory salary.
Sharing an emotional moment from his personal life, Maskeen revealed that the same composer also helped bear
the medical expenses for his daughter’s surgery after she was diagnosed with a nasal bone issue and a cleft lip condition.
Currently residing in a modest two-room house in Mahasha Colony near Maksudan Chowk in Jalandhar with his wife and daughter, Maskeen said he is now receiving multiple offers from the entertainment industry. He confirmed signing a duet project with a Delhi-based singer and said he has already recorded songs for an upcoming Hindi film, along with two additional tracks.
UNI NB RKM
Please log in to get detailed story.
Tags: #Jalandhar factory worker attains fame# singing offers after viral reel
More News

'Funny AF With Kevin Hart' season 2 to renew

17 Jun 2026 | 12:58 AM

Los Angeles, July 16 (UNI) The makers have greenlit a second season of "Funny AF With Kevin Hart', extending the run of its comedy competition series after a successful debut earlier this year.

see more..

There Is No Formula’: Laapataa Ladies Writer Biplab Goswami Inspires Aspiring Storytellers at MIFF

17 Jun 2026 | 12:30 AM

New Delhi, June 16 (UNI) Acclaimed screenwriter and filmmaker Biplab Goswami on Tuesday offered aspiring storytellers a rare glimpse into the creative, emotional and often uncertain journey of screenwriting, stressing that there is no fixed formula for crafting compelling stories.

see more..

'Meher' is like Geet from 'Jab We Met', Anjana Sukhani shares interesting aspects of her character

16 Jun 2026 | 7:31 PM

Mumbai, June 16 (UNI) Actress Anjana Sukhani says her character 'Meher' in the film 'Main Wapas Aaunga' is very much like 'Geet' from Imtiaz Ali's popular 2007 film 'Jab We Met'.

see more..

Hollywood star Arnold Vosloo makes Indian cinema debut with 'Ranabaali'

16 Jun 2026 | 7:26 PM

Mumbai, June 16 (UNI) Hollywood actor Arnold Vosloo, who is celebrating his 65th birthday on Tuesday, is all set to make his Indian cinema debut with the film "Ranabaali".

see more..

Micro drama an evolution of storytelling, not ‘fast fashion’ of Cinema: Experts at MIFF 2026

16 Jun 2026 | 4:39 PM

New Delhi, June 16 (UNI) Micro drama is emerging as a legitimate and evolving storytelling format rather than the "fast fashion" of cinema, industry experts said during a panel discussion at the 19th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), highlighting how changing audience habits and mobile-first content consumption are reshaping the cinematic landscape.

see more..