Money Aujla on a Roll: Focus on Connection Over Controversy in New Songs
Punjabi singer-songwriter Money Aujla is currently riding a wave of success with back-to-back song releases. His latest track, Name Money, which dropped in early March, has been receiving widespread acclaim from fans. Following closely, another song titled Kanniyan is set for release on March 23. Both tracks were filmed in Dubai, just about twenty days before the region faced significant turmoil, a timing that Money considers fortunate as he managed to leave just in time.
A Positive Outlook and Hard Work Ethic
Money Aujla, born Manpreet, has adopted a stage name that reflects his identity, and his new song Name Money carries this forward. He describes the track as very close to his heart, having written it himself to mirror his life's motto. "Name Money is very close to my heart. I have written the song, and it reflects my life's motto," he explains. His overall outlook on life remains positive, emphasizing a head-down, hard-work approach to his craft.
Reflecting on the shoot for Kanniyan, Money notes that March brought heavy rain, which also occurred during the filming in Dubai. "We see it as good luck. Before this song's shoot, I hadn't really seen it rain in Dubai," he says. The song delves into universal emotions, exploring feelings about what to hold onto and what to let go of in life, making it relatable to listeners.
Journey from Chorus Artiste to Hitmaker
Money Aujla's music career began humbly as a chorus artiste and background vocalist, working alongside legendary Punjabi musicians such as Harbhajan Mann, Malkit Singh, and Amrinder Gill. "From them, I learned not just singing, but discipline, lifestyle and the process behind making music," he recalls. These early experiences shaped his understanding of the industry, instilling values of effort and consistency over fame or recognition.
He doesn't think in terms of highs and lows, instead focusing on creating good content that resonates with audiences. "For me, it's about working hard, creating good content, and ensuring listeners connect with it. If the audience appreciates your work, that itself is success," Money states.
Collaborative Growth and Avoiding Controversy
His association with collaborative music collectives, including Mafia Mundeer, played a crucial role in his growth. "It was a different experience altogether. Being part of a group with such strong talent gave me a lot of insight and confidence," he notes, adding that the relationships formed during that time remain intact. In an era where controversies often surround public figures, Money prefers to steer clear of unnecessary attention. He believes that clarity of intent is key to avoiding distractions. "You should know what kind of content you want to deliver," he says. "If your focus is clear and your intention is to reach every listener — families, youngsters, everyone — then controversy doesn't become part of your work."
Roots in Chandigarh and Promoting Positivity
Money reflects on his roots in Chandigarh, where he spent his formative years studying and building his foundation. Even though he now spends more time in Canada, the city remains a place of comfort and routine for him. "Whenever I need peace, I go to Sukhna Lake for a walk or meet friends at Fragrance Garden," he shares. "These simple moments help me stay grounded."
Commenting on recent concerns with back-to-back firing incidents in Chandigarh, Money stresses the importance of maintaining harmony. "An artiste should set an example," he says. "Music should promote positivity, not glorify negativity. We need to live together peacefully and focus on constructive paths."
Travel, Creativity, and Future Projects
Travel serves as another source of learning for Money, offering perspective rather than mere exploration. "Travel teaches one perspective. If you stay positive, every place has something to offer," he remarks. When not recording or performing, he stays creatively engaged by writing, composing, or working on productive tasks. "I don't like being idle. Even in free time, I prefer doing something that adds value," he adds.
Looking ahead, Money has multiple projects in the pipeline, including a couple of albums. While Punjabi singers often transition into acting, he is taking it slow. He did a cameo in Madhaniyan and promises fans that he's working on a movie set to release soon. However, music remains his primary focus, and he intends to continue building his discography with meaningful content. "If you are good at it, you must do it. Look at Diljit (Dosanjh) bai — he's not just a leading actor in the Punjabi industry but also in Bollywood today," he says, acknowledging the potential for cross-industry success.
Humble and Appreciative Outlook
As he sums up his outlook, Money Aujla remains humble and appreciative of the support he has received. "I am grateful for the love from listeners," he says. "I always try to ensure that my work doesn't hurt anyone. If it ever does unintentionally, I apologise and will continue striving to create better content." In an industry often driven by trends and visibility, his approach stands out for its simplicity — stay consistent, stay genuine, and let the work speak for itself.
