Here we honor 11 talented Punjabi singers who passed away at a young age, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry and the hearts of millions. Share your thoughts about these unforgettable artists in the comments below.
Punjabi Singers Who Passed Away at a Young Age:
1. Raj Brar
Raj Brar was a highly talented singer who also excelled as an actor, lyricist, and music director. Some of his well-known songs, such as “Sarpanchi,” “Nag Di Bachi,” and “Chandigarh Najaria Ne Pattiya,” remain popular today. Additionally, Raj Brar wrote songs for many renowned Punjabi singers, including Harbhajan Mann, Surjit Bindrakhia, Hans Raj Hans, Sardul Sikandar, Kuldeep Manak, and Amarinder Gill. Unfortunately, Raj Brar passed away on December 31, 2016. However, his legacy lives on through his daughter, Sweetaj Brar, who is following in her father’s footsteps.
2. Soni Pabla
Soni Pabla, whose real name was Tejpal Singh Pabla, made a significant impact with his song “Sohneo Narajgi Te Nai,” which outshined many contemporary hits. After moving to Canada in 1994, he honed his musical skills and released his first album, “Heere Ni Heere,” in 2002. However, his major breakthrough came with the release of his 2004 album “Gal Dil,” which included popular tracks like the title song and “Paran Cha Panjeb Yaar.” Tragically, in 2006, while performing a live show in Brampton, Canada, Soni Pabla suffered a heart attack shortly after stepping off stage to drink water, and he passed away at the age of 30.
3. Surjit Bindrakhia
Surjit Bindrakhia was a legendary superstar in Punjab, renowned for nationally and internationally popularizing Punjabi music. He set records that remain unbeaten by any Punjabi singer to this day. In addition to his music career, Surjit Bindrakhia worked as a playback singer in numerous hit films. Some of his most famous songs include “Dupatta Tera Sat Rang Da,” “Lakk Tunoo Tunoo,” “Mukhda,” “Jatt Di Pasand,” “Tere Tille Ton,” “Gali Sarkari,” and “Tera Yaar Bolda.” Sadly, Surjit Bindrakhia passed away on November 17, 2003.
4. Kulwinder Dhillon
Kulwinder Dhillon, known for hit albums like “Velli” and “College,” had a brief yet impactful career that placed him among the top artists in the Punjabi music industry. Tragically, on March 19, 2006, Kulwinder Dhillon’s life was cut short when he was involved in a fatal car accident while returning from a show.
5. Romi Gill
Romi Gill’s “Nehron Par Bangla” became a hit not only in India but also internationally, remaining a popular choice at weddings and parties even years later. Known for other hit songs such as “Gayi,” “Nakhra Chadi Jawani Da,” and “Dhru Tara,” Romi Gill’s promising career was tragically cut short when he passed away in 2009 at the age of 30.
6. Dharampreet
Dharampreet, often called the King of Punjabi sad songs, began his singing career in 1993 with the album “Khata Hai Sohanya.” Over his 22-year career, he released 12 solo albums and 6 duets, achieving significant success. Some of Dharampreet’s superhit songs include “Rona Chaditta,” “Tutt Gaya Dil,” “Gutt,” and “Zakhmi.” Despite his success, Dharampreet’s life ended tragically. On June 8, 2015, this top artist unexpectedly committed suicide, leaving his fans and the music world in shock.
7. Dilshad Akhtar
When discussing the best playback singers of Punjab, Dilshad Akhtar’s name stands out. Known for superhit songs like “Manna Main Vashadda” and “Ghund Nixal Le,” Dilshad Akhtar had an illustrious career. Tragically, during a live show in Gurdaspur in 1995, a DSP, who was intoxicated, requested Akhtar to sing “Nachchi Jo Saade Naal” by Hans Raj Hans. When Akhtar responded, the DSP shot and killed him. This tragic incident cut short Dilshad Akhtar’s life at the young age of 29.
8. Nachhatar Chhatta
Nachhatar Chhatta, gifted with a musical legacy, made a mark in his short career by releasing 16 albums. Some of his timeless songs, such as “Rutt Pyar Di,” with their soulful lyrics, remain beloved by audiences even today. Tragically, on May 7, 1992, Nachhatar Chhatta departed from this world at the tender age of 32, leaving behind a legacy of memorable music.
9. Maninder Manga
Maninder Manga, renowned for hit songs like “Gypsy,” “Chadaran,” and “Sirnawe Pariyan De,” which resonated through the yellow jets and trucks of his era, was a prominent figure in Punjabi music. He collaborated on numerous duet songs with Parveen Bharata and Sudesh Kumari, capturing the essence of Yamunanagar, Haryana. Sadly, Maninder Manga, a native of Haryana, passed away on February 19, 2019, at PGI Hospital in Chandigarh after battling a liver infection.
10. Chamkila & Amarjot Kaur
Amar Singh Chamkila and Amarjot Kaur were undoubtedly the most renowned singers of their era, yet their fame was accompanied by controversy. The duo, known as Chamkila and Biba, commanded significant attention. Amarjot Kaur, too, was highly sought-after, earning substantial amounts, sometimes up to 4 to 5 thousand rupees, for a single performance. However, tragedy struck one day while Chamkila and Amarjot Kaur were preparing for a show in Mahsampur. A group of men on motorcycles arrived and fatally shot them. To this day, the identity of the assailants remains unknown, shrouding the incident in mystery.
11. Sidhu Moosewala
Sidhu Moosewala is a One of the Best Punjabi Singer of Punjabi singers list, he renowned for providing his first written song to Ninja titled “License,” kickstarted his own career with the song “G Wagon” in 2017. He rapidly gained fame, delivering one hit song after another. However, tragedy struck on May 29, 2022, when Sidhu Moosewala was fatally shot by gangsters in Jawaharke village, Mansa.
Conclusion
the legacy of these 11 Punjabi singers serves as a testament to their immense talent and enduring impact on the music industry. Despite their untimely departures, their songs continue to evoke emotions and resonate with audiences worldwide. From Raj Brar’s versatile contributions to Surjit Binderakhia’s legendary status, each artist left an indelible mark on Punjabi music. As we remember their achievements and mourn their loss, let us cherish the timeless melodies they gifted us and celebrate the rich cultural heritage they helped to preserve. Though they may be gone, their music lives on, ensuring that their voices will echo through the hearts of generations to come.
