Bollywood playback singer Sukhwinder Singh is best known for his rendition of “Chaiya Chaiya” from the thriller ‘Dil Se’. Though he has lent his voice to several Bollywood stars in the span of his entire career, not many know that his venture into music began with the Punjabi music album ‘Munda Southhall Da’ with T. Singh. Unknown to many, Singh has built quite some fame in the Punjabi music industry as well. Here is a list of some his best-loved Punjabi songs for you –
“Marjaani/Lovely” On Mixtape (2017)
An eclectic mashup of two Bollywood songs by Sukhwinder Singh and Kanika Kapoor is something new to listen to. A perfect blend of grand piano, electric guitar, bass guitar, electronic drum, tahiti pedron with the Punjabi dhol, dholak and tumbi make the two completely different kind of songs come together flawlessly.
“Peer Manaawan Chaliya” – Coke Studio (2015)
A tribute to our Tiranga, this beautiful track is a collaboration between music composer-duo Salim-Sulaiman and Sukhwinder Singh. Flavored with Punjabi folk elements in the background, you can clearly see the beauty of Zen drums, guitars, bass, keyboards and the quintessential tumbi and dhol that take the song to a whole another level. There is energy, patriotism and pride in the song that will make you listen to the composition again and again.
“Bande Da” From Chaar Sahibzaade (2014)
This powerful track from the historical animation movie strongly resonates with the Punjabi heart, as the story is all about the sacrifices of the tenth Sikh guru Guru Gobind Singh. The music video depicts the battles of Anandpur and Chamkaur, and how we need to be determined and optimistic in times of despair.
“Challi Vangra Judaai” From ‘Jatt & Juliet 2’ (2013)
Otherwise a romantic comedy starring Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, this is a heartbreak song that had become the break-up song for the Punjabi youth. The melody by Sukhwinder Singh actually makes you feel the pain, desperation and loneliness perfectly complementing the video – asking the better half to not go away without reason.
“Naina” From ‘Jatt and Juliet 2” (2013)
A heartbreak song starring Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, the music video focuses on a break in the couple’s relationship and Bajwa’s marriage to Chris. This is a song that you will keep coming back to if you’re into Punjabi music.
“Layi Vi Na Gayi” From ‘Chalte Chalte’ (2003)
A painfully heartbreaking song centering on the relationship between Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukherjee in the movie, it had many wiping tears in the move hall. The music video concentrates on the separation between the characters and Mukherjee leaves for Greece, leaving her husband behind – and the heartbreak is expressed in this touching song.
“Maahi Ve” From ‘Kaante’ (2002)
We all love Punjabi songs in Bollywood movies, don’t we? This popular club song was a duet between Sukhwinder Singh and Richa Sharma. The music video stars Malaika Arora as she sizzles the dance floor with this sultry number. The song is about the conflict between the heart and mind as the two characters fall in the love with each other.
In short, Sukhwinder Singh is a versatile singer who has earned his name in both the Bollywood and Punjabi music industry. If you’re a true-blue Punjabi-music fan, these songs are something that you should certainly check out!
