People

Poet, Lyricist, Singer, Filmmaker - Inderjit Singh Hassanpuri Passes Away

by SATINDER BAINS

Noted Punjabi poet, lyricist, singer and filmmaker, Sardar Inderjit Singh Hassanpuri, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2009, in Ludhiana Punjab, after a brief illness. He was 77 and is survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter.

Less than two weeks ago, he was honoured with the 2009 Paonta Award at the Opening Gala of The Seventh Annual Spinning Wheel Film Festival in Toronto, Canada. He had graciously attended the Festival to personally receive the award.

Inderjit Singh rendered outstanding contribution towards the promotion of Punjabi language and literature throughout his life. He became the most successful and most loved lyricist of the Punjabi singers and Punjabi movies. He has also written songs for Hindi films as well. Up till now, almost every singer in Bollywood has sung his songs. He was very happy when the renowned singer, Mohamad Rafi had given voice to one of his compositions for the first time several decades ago.

After living in Bombay and contributing to the world of Punjabi films, S. Inderjit Singh had come back to Ludhiana in retirement.

Inderjit Singh Hassanpuri was born to Sardarni Bhagwan Kaur and Sardar Jaswant Singh on August 20, 1932 in village Akalgarh, District Ludhiana. His father was a renowned contractor of Delhi; most of the buildings near Barakhambha Chowk, Cannaught Place, Lodhi Road were constructed by him. He was married to Sardarni Surinder Kaur in 1953. The couple was blessed with one daughter and three sons.

Inderjit Singh had his primary education in Delhi. In 1947, he too suffered during Partition when he lost his father and lost all his belongings in Delhi during the communial riots. It was a difficult time for the family.

He got his further education at his village, Hassanpur, District Ludhiana. He also started to paint sign boards to make both ends meet.

He had his first taste of the stage early in school when he was in the 4th class. With his very first performance, he became a favourite singer and lyricist of the teachers and students. Every weekend, he had to sing a new poem in the school. He had continued this for many years in his schools in Delhi as well as in Hassanpur.

His first book of poetry, "Aunsian", was released in 1959; then "Samey Di Awaaz" in 1962/65 and "Zindagi De Geet" in 1966. He hasn't looked back since, steadily climbing the ladder of success.

Inderjit Singh availed every opportunity which God had provided to him. He has written for film, television serials, tele-films, as well as beautiful songs capturing the full essence of Punjabi culture. He has never used any vulgar language in his songs and due to this quality he become the most popular lyricist among renowned singers in India and abroad.

His lyrics have been sung by all the top singers, including Mohamad Rafi, Asha Bhonsle, Jagjit Singh, Manna Dey, Surinder Shinda, Charanjit Chani (of Alaap fame), Malkeet Singh (Golden Star) Manjit Kundal (UK), etc.

Veteran actor Dharmendra, a close friend, released Inderjit Singh's book, "Dasam Granth", which was written to educate Sikh children on the lives of the Gurus. This book has been particularly appreciated by the Sikhs of the diaspora.

Inderjit Singh's contribution to Punjabi and Indian Cinema can never be overshadowed. He has written and produced feature films such as "Teri Meri Ek Jindri", "Daaj" ,"Sukhi Parivar" and "Dahej" (Hindi). He has written songs for a string of films including "Man Jeete Jagjeet", "Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam", "Pappi Tere Anek", " Fauji Chacha", "Choran Nu More", "Jai Mata Di", "Long da Lishkara", "Sangram", "Waqat ke Sehzade", etc.

He wrote famous songs like 'Kurti mulmul di, dhai din na jawani rehndi', sung by ghazal singer Jagjit Singh while the latter's wife, Chitra Singh, gave her voice to Inderjit's song, 'charkha mera rangla, vich sone dian mekhan, ne mein teno yaad karan, jad charkhe nu dekhan'.

He has made a number of documentaries concerning a variety of topics. For example, he made an educational documentary on the 'blue revolution', titled 'Machali te Paani' (Fish and Water). He made another one on the 'development of sugarcane'. His documentary on the Kandi Area and its development, received many accolades.

Inderjit Singh has travelled extensively. The Ramgarhia Council of U.K. has honoured his services to the diaspora. He has been decorated with many awards and honours in both India and around the world. the Punjabi Sahitya Akademi has
conferred S. Kartar Singh Dhaliwal Award on Inderjit Singh for his life work. The Professor Mohan Singh Foundation conferred the Puran Singh Award on him for "The Best Song Writer".

　

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