Rupi, the iconic dhol player from Australia, is celebrating an incredible 25-year journey in the music world. As the founder and leader of Platinum Dholis, Australia’s longest-running and most successful dhol ensemble, Rupi has transformed the Australian music scene with his dynamic performances and passion for the dhol.
Rupi’s musical journey began at the age of 14 when he started learning the guitar, but it wasn’t until he was 19 that he discovered the dhol, an Indian percussion instrument that would change the course of his life. Growing up in England during the 1980s, Rupi was heavily influenced by live bands like Alaap and Apna Sangeet. His musical path took a defining turn when he traveled back to England and met renowned musicians Aman Hayer and Sukshinder Shinda, who would become key influences in his career. After jamming with these musicians, Rupi knew he had found his true calling—he was determined to bring the vibrant and energetic sound of the dhol to Australia.
Milestones and Achievements
In 2000, Rupi achieved a major career milestone when he performed at the Sydney Olympics. This performance cemented his reputation as one of the leading dhol players in the country. From there, he quickly made waves in the wedding industry and became a sought-after performer at club events, corporate functions, international artist tours, and destination weddings.
Rupi’s career reached new heights in 2007 when he joined Lehmber Hussainpuri’s Australian tour, performing alongside a UK live band. This marked another major highlight in his career. In 2008, Rupi took on a new role as a promoter, partnering with Kish to bring Tantra Nights to life, an event that introduced international artists to Australian audiences. Over the years, Rupi has brought global stars like Jassi Sidhu, Aman Hayer, Imran Khan, DJ Sanj, and RDB to Australia, enhancing the country’s music scene and fostering a deeper appreciation for the dhol and Bhangra music.
As a dhol player and promoter, Rupi’s impact has been far-reaching. His electrifying performances became a fixture at events across Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, and he even took his talents abroad, performing in the USA, Fiji, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. Rupi’s unparalleled skill on the dhol, along with his unique ability to engage and energize audiences, led to frequent performances in Melbourne, where he performed monthly for three years. His popularity continued to grow, as did his reputation for delivering exceptional performances.
A Life of Challenges and Triumphs
However, Rupi’s journey has not been without its challenges. In 2017, he underwent urgent heart surgery after complications arose, leaving him hospitalized for over 40 days with a rare and life-threatening condition. Despite the setbacks, Rupi’s unwavering love for music and the dhol kept him going. Supported by a team of six specialists, he battled through a difficult recovery process. Just a year later, Rupi was diagnosed with heart failure, but he never let this stop him from doing what he loves. His passion for performing and bringing joy to others continued to fuel his resilience, and he remains one of the most celebrated dhol players in Australia.
Platinum Dholis: A Legacy of Excellence
Today, Rupi’s group, Platinum Dholis, stands as one of the most accomplished and respected dhol ensembles in Australia. The team consists of Rupi, Krish, Ekam, and Rajee, all of whom bring decades of experience, dedication, and precision to every performance. Together, they have set the gold standard for dhol performances in the country, collaborating with top DJs, Bhangra teams, and global artists. Platinum Dholis have performed at over 7,000 events and have been featured on Australia’s top radio stations, TV shows, and newspapers. They’ve also appeared in Bollywood commercials and worked with major corporations such as Commonwealth Bank, Optus, Uber, Google, and Westfield.
Rupi and his team have performed alongside some of the most iconic names in the music industry, including Imran Khan, RDB, Bally Sagoo, Sukhbir, Lehmber Hussainpuri, Hard Kaur, and Jazzy B. They have also been a part of major cultural events such as Mardi Gras and collaborated with media outlets like 2 Day FM, SBS, and Channel 10.
A Lasting Impact
Rupi and Platinum Dholis have revolutionized the dhol scene in Australia, pushing boundaries and creating a new standard of excellence. Through their dedication and unmatched talent, they have become synonymous with high-energy, crowd-pleasing performances that continue to captivate audiences around the world.
As Rupi celebrates 25 years in the industry, his legacy is one of resilience, passion, and innovation. From a young boy discovering the dhol to becoming an iconic figure in the music world, Rupi’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. His story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring musicians and performers, proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.
