Rupi is celebrating 25 years as a dhol player in Australia. He leads Platinum Dholis, the nation’s longest running and most successful dhol company.
Rupi’s musical journey began at 14 when he started learning the guitar. At 19, he discovered the dhol and knew in his heart it was his true passion. Growing up in England in the 1980s, he was inspired by live bands like Alaap and Apna Sangeet. A trip back to England became pivotal in his journey when he met musicians Aman Hayer and Sukshinder Shinda from his hometown. After jamming with them, Rupi was determined to bring the vibrant music culture to Australia.
In 2000, Rupi performed at the Sydney Olympics, a career milestone that established his reputation as the go-to dhol player. He quickly made waves in the wedding industry and became a sought-after performer for club events, international artist tours, corporate functions, and destination weddings overseas.
In 2007, Rupi joined Lehmber Hussainpuri’s Australian tour alongside a UK live band, marking another highlight in his career. By 2008, he partnered with Kish to take over Tantra Nights, promoting youth events and introducing international artists to Australian audiences.
As a dhol player and promoter, Rupi brought numerous global stars to Australia, including Jassi Sidhu, Aman Hayer, Imran Khan, DJ Sanj, and RDB. His unique, crowd-pleasing dhol skills led to frequent monthly performances in Melbourne over three years, reflecting his growing demand.
For Rupi, performing with some of the biggest names in music was a dream come true. From listening to these artists as a teenager to sharing the stage with them, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
However, Rupi’s path hasn’t been without challenges. In 2017, he underwent urgent heart surgery due to complications. A surgical error left him hospitalized for 40 days, facing a rare and life-threatening condition. With the support of six specialists, he battled through uncertain times. What kept his spirits alive was his unwavering passion for the dhol. His love for performing and bringing joy to others motivated him to stay positive. A year later, he was diagnosed with heart failure. Despite this, Rupi continues to do what he loves most: getting on stage and performing.
Today, Platinum Dholis stands as Australia’s most accomplished dhol ensemble. The team, comprising Rupi, Krish, Ekam, and Rajee, boasts 25 years of experience in delivering unforgettable performances with professionalism, meticulous planning, and flair. They’ve collaborated with DJs and Bhangra teams across Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, while also touring internationally to the USA, Fiji, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.
Rupi has performed at over 7,000 events and has been featured on Australia’s top radio stations, TV shows, newspapers, and Foxtel, as well as in Bollywood commercials. Platinum Dholis have shared the stage with renowned artists such as Imran Khan, RDB, Bally Sagoo, Sukhbir, Lehmber Hussainpuri, Hard Kaur, PBN, Zeus, Zora Randhawa, DJ Aqeel, Jassi Sidhu, Panjabi MC, TigerStyle, DJ Sanj, Jazzy B and DJ Shadow. They’ve also collaborated with corporate giants like Commonwealth Bank, Optus, Uber, Cricket NSW, Sydney Thunder Westfield, Mardi Gras, TPG, Google, 2 Day FM, SBS, Channel 10.
Rupi and Platinum Dholis have revolutionized dhol performance in Australia, setting a new standard of excellence in the industry. Their dedication, passion, and unmatched talent continue to inspire audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the music and entertainment industry.
You can follow Platinum Dholis on Instagram Platinum.Dholis and visit their website www.PlatinumDholis.com.au 