Sikander of Punjabi music passes away, celebs pay tributes

Sheetal

“Cheekh Cheekh Maula Assi Kittiyan Duavan
Suniya Kise Na Rooh Diyan Haavan…Khandara De Vich Geet Birhon De Gaavan
Band Khushiyan De Boohe, Mukk Chaliyan Ne Chaavan”

That was the verse which renowned singer Sardool Sikander had given his voice to before bidding adieu to this world. Only now we understand the deeper meaning of the chorus,

Mukk Ge Ne Chaah Hoiyan Teriyan Vidaiyan
Maula Mera Jaane Tu Vi Jaan Ja Ni
Ankhiyan Ne Neera Diyan Nadiyan Bahaiyan
Maula Mera Jaane Tu Vi Jaan Ja Ni…that follows his vocals, from his last song, Maula, which resonates with grieving fans, friends and family members.

Born in the village, Kheri Naudh Singh of Fatehgarh Sahib district, the news of his death comes as a shock for his fans and fellow artistes. Twitter is flooded with condolence messages paying tributes to the legendary singer.

Admitted to a hospital for some health complications for more than one-and-a-half-month, Sardool had undergone kidney transplant few years ago. He had contacted the coronavirus and while he was trying to recover, multiple organ failure led to his demise at the young age of 60.

Although his acting stint was limited to a few Punjabi movies, he will be remembered for the cult Punjabi fiction Jagga Daku for playing the role of a police inspector. His songs will live on in the hearts of his fans. His influence on young singers was not limited to Punjab alone, Pakistani singer Bohemia was a big fan of his voice and even sang his songs in Sardool’s presence years ago. Songs like Ek Charkha, Ek Kuri Dil Utte Cha Gayi, Mere Guddiyan Patole and Nazran Ton Gir Gayee, are a proof that his voice was not just suited for sad songs but also pop and bhangra. In association with T Series, he has also sung devotional songs. From his first album itself, Roadways Di Laari, he was able to carve out a niche in the music industry.

Son of tabla maestro, Sagar Mastana, Sikander lived his life entirely for music and belonged to Patiala Gharana. He is survived by his wife Amar Noorie and two sons, Alaap and Sarang Sikander.

Last but not the least…

His last song, Maula, was a collaboration with young Indo-Canadian singer The PropheC for his album Solace which released on January 14. Hearing the news late at night in Canada, PropheC shared the late singer’s video while recording that song and also a video message that Sikander had send him on his birthday. He writes, “At a loss of words. You’ve inspired me, taught me and gave me one of the greatest gifts anyone could ask for. Though it was only for a short time, I’m incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to connect with you Ustaad ji. You gave this world the joy and privilege of witnessing one of the greatest voices to ever exist. May your legacy live forever. Rest in peace #SardoolSikander ji.”

It’s so upsetting

Harbhajan Mann says, “Sikander ji was a very talented artiste. When I started my career, he was already a superstar. During any function in our family, he was always there like a family member. It was my heartiest wish to do a movie with him. And he had granted that wish by becoming a part of my latest film, PR . He has acted so well in the movie that we used to talk after watching the rushes that he now has to quit singing and become a full-time actor. I am really sad that he will not be present when the movie will be released. Amar Noorie ji too acted in that movie. He has gone too soon and it is really upsetting news.”

Tweets

#RIP SardoolSikander

Celebrities took to Twitter to pay tributes to renowned Punjabi singer Sardool Sikander.

Mika Singh

When we talk about Punjabi singing or voice only one name comes to mind.. the legendary #SardoolSikander. Sadly he has left for his heavenly abode. This is the most upsetting news that I have heard, I truly wish I could have met him just once more.

Daler Mehndi

Bade dukh Di khabar Sardool Sikandar-saheb nahi rahe big loss to our family and music Industry.

Vishal Dadlani

I can’t believe #SardoolSikander -Saab has left us. This is heartbreaking and far too personal. :( A true pioneer, he was the soul of humility & a wellspring of music. My condolences to the family, esp. to my brothers @AlaapSikander& @SarangSikander1

DiljitDosanjh

Oh WAHEGURU… RIP #SardoolSikanderBhaji. PUNJABI MUSIC DI SHAAN

GurdasMaan

Utth gaye gwandho yaar-rabba hun ki kariye. Bulleh, Shah Inayat bajo rahe uraar na paar,

Rabba hun ki kariye. Punjabi Maaboli da sureela gayak, mehfil di Jaan, yaaran da yaar, Sardool Sikander punjab diyan paak fizawan vich Geet banke goonjda rahega!

Harshdeep Kaur

Bahut hi dukhad khabar…

Saddened to hear about the demise of legendary Punjabi singer SardoolSikander Ji. Huge loss to the music Industry. Prayers for his family #SardoolSikander #RestInPeace

Kapil Sharma (Hindi tweet translated in English)

It is a very sad news… I am lucky that Paji came to our house for the first time on my daughter’s first Lohri, we were all very happy, but did not know that it would be our last meeting… You will be missed a lot Paji.