Remembering Labh

Jasmine Singh

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In 2010, singer Labh Janjua was promoting 92.7 Big FM’s Big Punjabi movie awards, joking around, greeting his fans with folded hands. The singer mentioned about his love for acting on screen, and how he wanted to be an actor. He was candid to the tee, words coming straight from his heart as he did touch the subject of singers from Punjab having to work according to the whims and fancies of Bollywood music directors. He was raring to go then. Five years later, on Thursday, the online news sites flashed the news of his death under mysterious circumstances in Mumbai. His fellow singers from Punjab, friends first thought it was some kind of a prank, only to later accept the sad and shocking news. 

The singer, who made his song Mundeyan Ton Bach Ke Rahin a world phenomenon, is now gone from the face of earth. The singer who gave his voice for London Thumkda in Hindi movie Queen,  has now left a huge void, something his friends and co-singers talk about.

A friend in deed

Hardeep Singh, Punjabi singer 

Labh was a member of my extended family. In 80s and 90s, he would come cycling down to whichever place I would be singing to listen to me. And then one day, he made a pleasant entry with his song Mundeyan Ton Bach Ke Rahin. Labh was doston ka dost, someone who was there whenever anyone in need would call for him. He came for my daughter’s wedding in 2011, and it was always a pleasure to see him.

I am shocked

Jaidev Kumar, music composer lyricist 

I have known Labh from our struggling days, having met him when Ahuja ji recorded his song. I was Ahuja ji’s assistant then. He was a man who would grow on you. I don’t think he ever felt that he was a celebrity. The other week, he came for dinner and was chatting about music and things. I am still in shock and I don’t even know how to react. I couldn’t actually believe it when I heard the news. 

Mesmerizing persona

Jashan Singh, Punjabi singer 

When I was studying in Melbourne, the only song that would be playing at discotheques was Mundeyan Ton Bach Ke Rahin. I was asked by Jaidev ji to try singing the song Chu Chan in Singh is Bling, but my voice didn’t suit Akshay Kumar. But Labh nailed the song aptly. I would call him whenever I would go to Mumbai and he would without fail mention my father’s name, as to how he was a big singer. 

Humble to the core

Preet Harpal, singer 

I haven’t known a more humble and down-to-earth singer than Labh Janjua. The singer had no airs about himself despite his popularity. The sad part is that Punjabi music industry didn’t take to him that warmly like the Bollywood music industry did. He was so humble that he didn’t even own a car!

Plain and simple

Sachin Ahuja, music director

My father, Charanjit Ahuja has actually launched Labh Janjua. He is the most gentle, humble and warm-hearted person we have ever met. He always made sure to keep in touch, discussing about his work, asking about our well-being. I don’t think stardom had touched him at all. I haven’t seen him acquiring any starry tantrums. And what an amazing singer he was, it is shocking to even believe he is no more.      

Honest soul 

Gurdas Maan, singer-actor

Indeed the music world has lost a gem, a person who would have undoubtedly given many more hits. I was elated when I heard his voice in London Thumkda for Queen. If his professional side was good, on the personal front he was humble and completely honest. He would say what he would feel, not a word extra, no frills.