Surinder Shinda, affectionately known as the “Grandfather of Bhangra,” was a legendary Punjabi singer, lyricist, and actor from India. Having begun his career in the early 1970s, Shinda had established an unmatchable legacy in the world of Punjabi folk music. His contributions to the genre had been transformative and far-reaching, though his career and life had not been without controversy and interesting facets. He passed away on July 26, 2023 at the age of 70.
The following are 25 interesting and controversial facts about Surinder Shinda:
1. Surinder Shinda was born as Surinder Pal Dhammi. Shinda was a nickname given to him by his mother, which he later used as his stage name.
2. Shinda’s debut album, ‘Balbiro Bhabhi,’ was released in 1979. It broke several records in terms of album sales, which was a tremendous accomplishment for a debut album.
3. His song “Putt Jattan De” became an anthem for the Punjabi youth and is considered one of the most influential Punjabi songs of all time.
4. Despite his success, Shinda had a tumultuous personal life. He had to go through the pain of losing his first wife early in his career, a tragedy he often referenced in his songs.
5. Shinda was one of the first Punjabi singers to blend traditional Punjabi folk music with Western pop influences, thus creating a new genre – Bhangra pop.
6. In the early 2000s, he faced controversy when he began to incorporate religious and political themes into his music. Many criticized him for mixing entertainment with sensitive issues.
7. His 1982 album “Jeona Morh,” based on the story of a real-life outlaw, brought him criticism from some who felt he was glorifying crime.
8. He mentored and launched the career of renowned Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan. Their collaboration on the song “Apna Punjab” was a major hit.
9. Shinda also worked in several Punjabi films, including ‘Putt Jattan De,’ ‘Ucha Dar Babe Nanak Da,’ and ‘Anakh Jattan Di.’
10. Despite the fame and adoration, Shinda remained dedicated to promoting Punjabi culture. He was known for refusing several lucrative offers to produce music in other languages.
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11. He played a key role in creating the ‘Punjabi All Stars’ team, an initiative to bring together different artists from the Punjabi music industry.
12. Surinder Shinda was the first artist to perform Bhangra live at the BBC Asian Network in 1984, contributing to the international exposure of the genre.
13. His hit song “Jatt Risky After Whiskey” was the first Punjabi song to openly discuss the topic of alcohol consumption in the Punjabi community, causing a stir and sparking a wider conversation.
14. Despite his contributions to Bhangra, Shinda publicly expressed his disappointment with the direction the genre has taken in recent years, criticizing its move away from traditional sounds and themes.
15. In a controversial move, he publicly voiced his support for the creation of Khalistan, a proposed independent state for Sikhs, which drew both praise and criticism.
16. His songs are known for their storytelling aspect. They often narrate the life of ordinary Punjabis, their struggles, joys, and sorrows.
17. Surinder Shinda has faced copyright issues multiple times. His songs have been remixed and reproduced without his permission, leading to several legal battles.
18. Shinda’s work in Punjabi cinema wasn’t just limited to acting. He composed music for several Punjabi films as well.
19. He was reportedly almost bankrupt in the mid-1990s due to some bad investments and a dip in his music career.
20. Despite his age, Shinda continued to tour and perform, often selling out venues due to his immense popularity.
21. He was known for his unique ‘warbling’ voice, which has been both praised for its uniqueness and criticized for its departure from traditional singing styles.
22. Shinda had often been accused of promoting violence and gun culture through his songs, a charge he denied, stating that he merely reflected the reality of certain societal issues.
23. His album “Truck Billiya,” which was about the life of truck drivers in Punjab, was a major success and brought attention to the often-ignored community of truckers.
24. Even though he was known for his music, Shinda was also a recognized philanthropist. He contributed to various causes and charities throughout his life.
25. Despite having a successful career in music and film, Shinda insisted his first love has always been farming. He often spent his free time working in the fields.
Surinder Shinda’s life and career had been full of accomplishments, controversies, and interesting twists. His influence on Punjabi music is undeniable, and his contributions continue to resonate throughout the industry.
