I.S. Saluja

NEW YORK (TIP): The sad demise of popular Punjabi singer Sardool Sikandar on February 24 in India has shocked and saddened millions of his fans across the world.  One of the first to reach out to The Indian Panorama with his tribute to the legendary singer was Tirlok Malik, a New York based film maker. Paying rich tribute to Sardool, Malik disclosed that Sardool had not only sung a beautiful Lohri song in his celebrated film “KHUSHIAN” but had also performed in the Lohri celebration scene. He recalled that Sardool was full of energy and dressed up in colorful costume for the scene filmed in the evening. Watch the scene here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqujLbJMB30

Balwinder Singh Bajwa, an entertainment industry promoter, organized a condolence meeting on Feb 25 at which artists and mediapersons paid rich tributes to the popular Punjabi singer. Speaking on the occasion. Bajwa recalled his long association with the singer and described him as a very lovable person who, with his rich and mellifluous voice became the heartthrob of Punjabis of all ages across the world. The gathering also mourned those who died of COVID-19, and the farmers in the Farmers Movement in India who died fighting for their just rights. Sardool Sikander passed away at Fortis hospital at Mohali on Wednesday, February 24. He was 60. “Sikander, who was diabetic, was recently treated for COVID-19. He had undergone renal transplant in 2016 and Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in 2003,” the hospital said in statement. He was admitted to Fortis Mohali on January 19 in a very serious condition with complaints of low oxygen levels, it added. He is known for his songs, ‘Ek charkha gali de wich dha laya’ and ‘Sanu ishq brandi char gayi’. As word spread, celebrities and fans expressed condolences on social media. Sikander had made his first appearances on radio and television in the early 1980s with his album, ‘Roadways di Laari’. He also acted in Punjabi films like ‘Jagga Daku’. His father, late Sagar Mastana, was a noted tabla player. Sikander was married to Amar Noorie, also an accomplished singer and actress. Born at Kheri Naudh Singh in Fatehgarh Sahib, Sikander belonged to the Patiala gharana of music and had 27 albums to his credit. His album ‘Husna de Malko’ released in 1991 sold more than 5 million copies worldwide. Sikander leaves behind wife and sons Sarang and Alaap. We, at The Indian Panorama, pray for eternal peace to the departed soul, and strength enough to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.