Chandigarh, Oct 8: Rajvir Jawanda’s death is the latest in a string of tragic losses in Punjabi music — talented voices silenced in their prime through accidents, violence, or unforeseen health crises.
The 35-year-old singer passed away after a motorcycle accident near Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, on September 27. He fought for 11 days on a ventilator, but severe head and spinal injuries proved fatal.
Born in 1990 in Pona village, Ludhiana, to Sikh parents, Rajvir began his career in the Punjab Police before committing fully to music. He debuted in 2014 with the album Munda Like Me and quickly became known for blending traditional folk tunes with contemporary beats. His hits — Sardari, Tu Dis Penda, Kali Camaro, Shaandaar, and Dheeyan — made him a favourite at weddings and parties, with his YouTube channel amassing over 424 million views. A bike enthusiast, he crashed into stray cattle while riding his BMW towards Shimla.
Sidhu Moose Wala
Born Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu on June 11, 1993, in Moosa village, Mansa, Sidhu graduated in electrical engineering before moving to Canada. He debuted by writing Licence for Ninja and went viral with So High. Albums like PBX 1 and hits such as 47, 295, GOAT, and Legend intertwined politics, pride, and gun culture. He acted in Yes I Am Student and joined the Congress in 2022. At 28, Sidhu was assassinated on May 29, 2022, in Jawaharke, Mansa, when his Mahindra Thar was ambushed; 19–30 bullets killed him. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility. Posthumous albums MOOSATAPE and 410 topped charts, and in 2024, his parents welcomed a son via IVF.
Amar Singh Chamkila
Born Dhani Ram on July 21, 1960, in Dugri near Ludhiana, Chamkila worked in a cloth mill before being discovered by Surinder Shinda. He debuted solo with Surinder Sonia and peaked with Amarjot Kaur. His cheeky, high-pitched songs about village life drew massive crowds — 366 shows in 365 days. At 27, on March 8, 1988, he, his pregnant wife Amarjot, and a band member were gunned down in Mehsampur, Jalandhar. Theories ranged from provocative lyrics to jealousy and extortion. He left behind two daughters and over 200 unreleased songs. Chamkila’s legacy continues through a Netflix biopic and the annual Dugri fair.
Ishmeet Singh
Born September 2, 1989, in Ludhiana, Ishmeet was a shy, soft-spoken boy who idolised Shaan and A R Rahman. A student at Mumbai’s MNC College, he won Amul Star Voice of India in 2007 at 17. His devotional album Satgur Tumre Kaaj Savaare hinted at a bright future. He toured internationally and was set to release an album with Lalit Pandit.
At 19, Ishmeet died on July 29, 2008, in a Maldives resort pool during a promotional event. While ruled a drowning, injuries raised suspicions, and his family demanded a CBI probe. Tributes poured in, and the Ishmeet Singh Foundation was established to promote music in his memory.
Diljaan
Born Parmar Diljaan Singh on March 31, 1984, in Patiala, Diljaan trained in Sufi-classical styles under Ustad Purna Shahkoti. He shone in shows like Awaaz Punjab Di and became first runner-up in 2012’s India-Pakistan contest Sur Kshetra. Hits like Adha Pind, Yaaran Di Gal, First Love, Sai Ke Diwane, and Tere Wargey 2 captured youth’s carefree vibe. A devotional singer as well, his tracks like Baba Nanak showcased versatility.
At 31, he died on March 30, 2021, in a car crash near Jandiala Guru, Amritsar. Driving alone from Amritsar to Kartarpur, his car hit a parked truck at 2:30 a.m. Tributes flowed from Master Saleem, Roshan Prince, and Punjab CM Amarinder Singh. He is survived by his wife and daughter in Canada.
Soni Pabla
Born Tejpal Singh Pabla on June 29, 1976, near Bilaspur, Hoshiarpur, Soni moved to Toronto in the mid-1990s. After a factory accident cost him a finger, he drove trucks before breaking into music. His debut album Heeray and collaboration with Sukshinder Shinda on Gal Dil Di brought fame. Other hits included Panjaeb Yaar Di, Jatt Di Dushmani, and Boli Paani.
At 30, Soni died mid-performance on October 14, 2006, in Brampton, Ontario, from a heart attack. He left behind a wife and young son. Tributes included albums Eternity (Naseebo), She is the One, and Unfinished Project.
Kaka Bhaniawala
Born Santokh Singh Rataurh on April 5, 1970, in Doaba Bhaini near Kohara, Ludhiana, Kaka gained fame with hits like Mashooq Teri Challi, Sahnevaal Chowk, and Daru Pi Ke Jatt Bukk De. At 38, he died on April 12, 2009, from jaundice and liver failure, worsened by heavy drinking and a transfusion infection, while working on a solo album. Tributes included a Birmingham concert, and he left behind a wife and children.
These singers — Rajvir Jawanda, Diljaan, Ishmeet Singh, Soni Pabla, Chamkila, Sidhu Moose Wala, and Kaka Bhaniawala — gave Punjabi music its heartbeat. Yet, accidents, violence, and health struggles took them too early, leaving legacies that still echo in every note, beat, and lyric across Punjab and the diaspora.
