Sardool Sikander Dies At 60 From COVID-19 And Kidney Damage!

Sardool Sikander was under treatment for kidney damage, and had tested positive for COVID-19, according to hospital officials. 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.

CHANDIGARH - Punjabi music legend Sardool Sikander passed away at Fortis hospital at Mohali on Wednesday.

Duniya mein Sikander koi nahi... Haan, Waqt Sikandar hota hai... reads legendary singer Sardool Sikander’s bio on Instagram. 

He was 60. Sikander was under treatment for kidney damage and other ailments for the past few days.

"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 a 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.

Coming from a humble background, Sikander, who was born at Kheri Naudh Singh, Fatehgarh Sahib, rose to a professional high with ‘Roadways Di Laari’. He had a good command of classical, folk, religious and playback singing. Sikander enjoyed success on radio, television and live shows. ‘Ek Charkha Gali De Vich, Maula, Nanak Naam Chardi Kalah’ are some of his famous songs. One of his bestselling albums is ‘Husna De Malko’ (1991) that has sold 5.1 million copies worldwide and counting. He also acted in Punjabi films like ‘Police in Pollywood’ and ‘Jagga Daku’.

A melodious singer, Sikander was a humble soul. He revered his guru Charanjit Ahuja. “Happiest Birthday to the Maker of Sardool Sikander Mere Ustad — Janaab Charanjit Ahuja sahab (your birth day is the biggest blessing of my entire life)” was one of his last social media posts.

His demise sent artistes, politicians cutting across the parties and his fans in mourning.

Famous folk singer Pammi Bai, who also got trained under Ahuja, calls Sikander’s demise unfortunate and untimely. “He was a multitalented singer; his loss leaves a big void in the music world.”

 Bai shares how Sikander and his two brothers would go to do kirtan on one bicycle. 

“Sardool would ride the bike, one brother would sit on the cross bar, another behind him and between them they would carry harmonium and tabla – all on one cycle. And that he was to be such a hit, speaks volumes about his ability.” 

Bai recalls Sikander as a jovial man with characteristic ‘meethe mazak’, “Once we were sitting at Jalandhar Doordarshan studio and a singer sang out of tune, when I exclaimed, ‘what was it’, he goes, “Inha de suran naal matbhed ne’, he was kind, compassionate and outright funny.”

Sikander was married to actor-singer Amar Noorie. He is survived by his wife and sons - Sarang Sikander and Alaap Sikander – both of them are carrying forward their musical lineage. His musical legacy will live on forever in music lovers across generations.