A gem lost with Pyarelal Wadali’s demise

AMRITSAR: Friday morning came with a sad news of the demise of one of the finest in Indian music industry

Updated At : 07:07 AM Mar 10, 2018 IST

Ustad Puran Chand Wadali (second from right) along with MLA Rajkumar Verka (right) and singer Lakhwinder Wadali (second from left) at the cremation of Ustad Pyarelal Wadali in Amritsar on Friday. Photo: Sunil Kumar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 9

Friday morning came with a sad news of the demise of one of the finest in Indian music industry. Ustad Pyarelal Wadali of the famous Wadali brothers passed away after suffering cardiac arrest post a prolonged illness at Fortis Hospital. The iconic singer’s death was mourned by fans and fraternity as tributes followed throughout the day.

“This is a great loss not just for the legendary jodi (pair), but also for the fans and lovers of sufi music. Chite Ustad, as he was fondly called, was an expert in ragas and classical folk. Apart from being an amazing singer, he was a humble and beautiful soul, who always remained attached to his roots despite the critical and commercial acclaim,” said Kewal Dhaliwal, a theatre personality, who attended the Wadali’s cremation in his native village, Guru Ki Wadali.

Jatinder Brar, patron, Punjab Naatshala, and playwright, remembers Pyarelal Wadali as an inspiring artist. “His singing complimented Ustad Puran Chand’s flawlessly. Together, they gave some memorable and soulful performances. His immense contribution not just in popularising sufi music along with his brother, but also to incorporate sufi poetry and philosophy is laudable. Coming from a humble background, rise is nothing short of an inspiration,” said Brar.

Aarti Kumar, a sufi music lover from the city, shared, “I used to watch their every performance when it happened in the city and had a chance to interact with Chhote Ustadji. He was very humble and always spoke from his heart. Their jodi was one from the legends and his demise will leave a void in our hearts.”

Sudesh Lahiri, a comedy artiste from the city, also lauded the artist for his divine voice. “His singing was not about getting praise, but striking a spiritual chord with the listeners. This is a great loss.”

MLA Rajkumar Verka hailed him as a true gem of Punjab and a extraordinary personality. “He was the pride of Punjab and his singing popularised sufi music along with Ustad Puran Chand wadali among al generations.