When Shin Hayer announced he planned to leave the family business to become a Bhangra star he didn't get much support from his family.
Eventually his father said "do what you want to do", no doubt expecting his prodigal son to be back in the family firm after a few months struggling in the music industry.
But Shin was determined there would be no failures, and now he's one of the biggest selling Bhangra singers in the UK, with gold and platinum albums and a host of awards.
Shin - with his band DCS - has stretched the boundaries of Punjabi Bhangra music, mixing traditional instruments with synthesizers and bass beats. He has recorded in Punjabi, Hindi and English, widening the appeal of Bhangra beyond its conventional boundaries.
He began his Bhangra career more modestly. He played the Dhol (a Punjabi double-sided barrel drum) in a band supporting the Jugnu Dancers, a Bhangra dance group based in Gravesend, and then the Gabhru Panjab De dance group in Birmingham.
Through this he developed a fascination for Punjabi traditions, culture and music. He studied music technology and got involved in production. Meanwhile his wife, who was then a teacher in India, helped him write songs.
In 2001 he produced an album for Indian singer Amar Arshi. The album was a huge success around the world and Shin was getting noticed. He started to perform himself and was snapped up by a major record label. His album Groove Control was a major worldwide hit with tracks entering the German mainstream chart and selling in huge numbers all over India.
Since then he has performed to worldwide audiences including the prestigious Jerash Festival in Jordan, Istanbul, Holland and the World Cup Village in France.
He has been described as having a peerless vocal ability and the most versatile Punjabi singer on the Bhangra scene.
