Early Life and Background
Jasmin Walia was born into a Sikh family of Indian descent in Chigwell, Essex, a suburban town in England. Her parents, originally from India, instilled in her a deep appreciation for her cultural roots, which later influenced her music and career choices. Jasmin’s father, Paul Walia, and her mother (whose name remains undisclosed) supported her artistic ambitions from a young age. She grew up alongside her younger brother, Danny Walia, who later appeared with her on the reality TV show The Only Way Is Essex. Danny, born on October 6, 1993, is a Chigwell-based businessman who has also dabbled in the entertainment world.
From the tender age of seven or eight, Jasmin displayed a passion for singing. She was the first in her family to pursue music professionally, often performing songs like "Over the Rainbow" for her father on Saturday nights. Recognizing her talent, her parents enrolled her in singing classes, laying the foundation for her future career. By age 10, Jasmin expanded her interests to acting, attending theatre school to hone her performance skills. Her early exposure to Bollywood films and Indian music also played a pivotal role in shaping her artistic identity.
After completing her A-levels, Jasmin applied to study philosophy at the University of Cambridge but was not accepted. Undeterred, she briefly worked as a customer adviser at Natwest Bank before fully committing to her entertainment career. This blend of determination and resilience would become a hallmark of her journey.
Rise to Fame: The Only Way Is Essex
Jasmin Walia’s entry into the spotlight began in 2010 when she joined the cast of the British reality TV series The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE). Initially appearing as an extra, her charm and personality quickly earned her a promotion to a full-time cast member in 2012. She featured in seasons 7 through 14 (September 2012 to April 2015), becoming a fan favorite for her vibrant energy and relatable persona. The show, aired on ITV2 and later ITVBe, provided Jasmin with a platform to showcase her talents and build a loyal following.
During her time on TOWIE, Jasmin also participated in The Only Way Is Las Vegas, a special filmed in September 2013, further boosting her visibility. Her stint on the show wasn’t without drama—she was involved in a minor altercation with co-stars Jessica Wright and Lucy Mecklenburgh in June 2013, suffering minor injuries. Despite such challenges, Jasmin’s time on TOWIE solidified her status as a rising star in British television.
Transition to Music: YouTube and Song Covers
In February 2014, while still on TOWIE, Jasmin launched her YouTube channel, marking the beginning of her music career. She began uploading covers of popular songs, collaborating with artists like Zack Knight, Intens-ti, and Ollie Green Music. Her renditions of tracks like "Rather Be," "Dark Horse," and "All of Me" showcased her vocal talent and versatility, earning her a growing online audience.
However, her aspirations faced a setback in September 2014 when she auditioned for the eleventh series of The X Factor. Despite her passion and preparation, all four judges rejected her, leaving Jasmin devastated. In an interview, she reflected, "I was completely shattered. You’re waiting around, getting more and more nervous watching everyone around you." This rejection, though painful, fueled her determination to succeed in music on her own terms.
Breakthrough Singles: "Dum Dee Dee Dum" and "Bom Diggy"
Jasmin Walia’s music career took off in April 2016 with the release of her debut single, "Dum Dee Dee Dum," a collaboration with Zack Knight. Released under T-Series, the English-Punjabi track became an instant hit, amassing over 1 million views on YouTube within three days. Its catchy beats and bilingual appeal resonated with audiences worldwide, marking Jasmin’s arrival as a serious contender in the music industry.
Her momentum continued with the release of "Girl Like Me" in November 2016, which she independently released on her YouTube channel and made available for digital download on platforms like iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Music. However, it was her 2017 single "Bom Diggy," again with Zack Knight, that catapulted her to international fame. Released in August 2017, the song topped the BBC Asian Network’s Official Asian Music Chart and has since garnered over 424 million combined streams. Filmed at London’s Café de Paris and directed by Knight and Luke Biggins, the music video added to its appeal.
"Bom Diggy" earned Jasmin nominations for the Mirchi Music Award for Upcoming Female Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year at the 11th Mirchi Music Awards. The song’s success also led to a Bollywood remix, "Bom Diggy Diggy," featured in the 2018 film Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, starring Kartik Aaryan and Nushrat Bharucha. This marked Jasmin’s debut in Bollywood, further expanding her reach.
Expanding Horizons: Acting and Other Ventures
Beyond music, Jasmin Walia continued to explore acting. She appeared in British TV shows like Casualty (2005, as Jessica Farquer), The Bill (2009, as Aisha Khatri), and Doctors (2010, as Sunita Desai). In 2015, she starred in Sky One’s Desi Rascals, a structured reality series that explored the lives of West London’s diverse community. The show, which aired from July to September 2015, featured her then-boyfriend Ross Worswick and allowed her to reconnect with her Indian heritage.
In December 2016, Jasmin took to the stage as Princess Jasmine in the theatre production Aladdin at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, alongside Michelle Collins. Her performance was well-received, showcasing her versatility as a performer. She also ventured into business, launching her fashion and beauty line, Pop by Jasmin, which includes lipsticks and accessories.
Personal Life and Relationships
Jasmin Walia’s personal life has often been in the spotlight, thanks to her high-profile relationships. She dated several TV personalities, including James Argent (2012), Charlie King (2012, rumored), Dan Osborne (2013), and Gaz Beadle (2013, rumored). Her most notable relationship was with Ross Worswick, a reality star from Ex on the Beach, from April 2014 to June 2016. The couple parted ways amicably, with Jasmin citing her focus on her music career as a key factor.
In 2024, rumors surfaced linking Jasmin with Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya after they were spotted together at events. Neither has confirmed the relationship, keeping fans and media speculating. Jasmin remains private about her personal life, focusing instead on her career and creative pursuits.
Achievements and Legacy
Jasmin Walia’s achievements extend beyond music and TV. In July 2020, she became the first British-Indian female singer to be featured on the Times Square Billboard in New York City for her single "Want Some." In November 2017, she joined the Women of the Future Ambassadors Programme, mentoring young women and inspiring the next generation of talent.
With an estimated net worth ranging from $1.5 million to $17.5 million (depending on sources), Jasmin has built a successful career through hard work and perseverance. Her ability to blend cultures, languages, and mediums has made her a trailblazer in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Jasmin Walia’s journey from a small-town girl in Essex to an international star is a testament to her talent, resilience, and ambition. Whether through her chart-topping music, reality TV appearances, or acting roles, she continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Jasmin Walia
1. Who is Jasmin Walia?
Jasmin Walia is a British-Indian singer, actress, and television personality known for her hit songs "Bom Diggy" and "Dum Dee Dee Dum," as well as her appearances on reality TV shows like The Only Way Is Essex and Desi Rascals.
2. When and where was Jasmin Walia born?
Jasmin Walia was born on May 23, 1992, in Chigwell, Essex, United Kingdom.
3. What is Jasmin Walia’s ethnicity?
Jasmin Walia is of Indian descent, born to parents who migrated from India to the UK. She identifies with her Sikh heritage.
4. What are Jasmin Walia’s most famous songs?
Her most famous songs include "Bom Diggy" (2017) with Zack Knight, "Dum Dee Dee Dum" (2016), "Girl Like Me" (2016), "Temple" (2017), and "Want Some" (2020).
5. Has Jasmin Walia acted in any TV shows or movies?
Yes, Jasmin has appeared in TV shows like The Only Way Is Essex, Desi Rascals, Casualty, The Bill, and Doctors. She also featured in the Bollywood film Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety with the song "Bom Diggy Diggy."
6. What is Jasmin Walia’s net worth?
Estimates of Jasmin Walia’s net worth vary widely, ranging from $1.5 million to $17.5 million, depending on the source.
7. Is Jasmin Walia married?
As of March 11, 2025, Jasmin Walia is not married. She has been linked to various personalities, including Ross Worswick and, more recently, Hardik Pandya (rumored), but she remains single.
8. What is Jasmin Walia’s height and weight?
Jasmin Walia stands at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters) and weighs around 50 kg (110 lbs).
9. Does Jasmin Walia have any siblings?
Yes, Jasmin has a younger brother named Danny Walia, who appeared with her on The Only Way Is Essex and is a businessman based in Chigwell.
10. What inspired Jasmin Walia to pursue music?
Jasmin’s love for singing began at age seven or eight, inspired by Bollywood films and Indian music. Her parents supported her by enrolling her in singing classes, and she later pursued music professionally after her reality TV career.
Comments
Post a Comment