Surinder Kaur, affectionately called “the Nightingale of Punjab,” was an iconic singer who is known for her songs like “Sadke sadke jandiya.” “Maavan ‘te dheean,” “Jutti kasuri,” “Madhaniyan,” “Ehna akhiyan ‘ch pavan kiven kajra’,” “Ghaman di raat,” and “Bajre da sitta.”
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Surinder Kaur was a musical luminary born on November 25, 1929, whose melodious voice left an everlasting impact on Indian music. Born in Lahore, Surinder Kaur had two sisters, Parkash Kaur and Narinder Kaur, both iconic singers. Parkash Kaur, 10 years her senior and already an established and acclaimed singer, took little Surinder under her wing. In 1943, Parkash Kaur took her thirteen-year-old sister, Surinder Kaur, along to the studios of All India Radio Lahore. The rest is history. Both sisters recorded several duets in each other’s company under the direction of music director Master Inayat Hussain.
Following the partition of India in 1947, Kaur and her parents moved to Ghaziabad, Delhi. In 1948, she married Professor Joginder Singh Sodhi, a Punjabi literature lecturer at Delhi University. Joginder ji greatly encouraged and supported her throughout her career.
She was introduced to the Hindi film industry by Master Ghulam Haider. He also gave her a break in Mehandi (1947), where she sang the song “Woh Dekho Chaand Raat Aayi.” She also sang for films like Lal Dupatta (1948), Shaheed (1948), Nadiya Ke Par (1948), Naao (1948), Pyar Ki Jeet (1948), Patjhad (1948), Shagan (1951), Kaneez (1949), Dada (1949), Singhaar (1949), Aandhiyan (1952), Buzdil (1951), Badi Bahu (1951), Mutiyar (1951), Sabak (1950), Khamosh Sipahi (1950), Balo (1950), and Madari (1950).
Some of her famous songs include “Badnam Na Ho Jaye Mohabbat Ka Fasaana” and “Aanaa Hai To Aajao.” “Taqdeer ki aandhi…hum kahaan aur thum kahaan,” in Shaheed, “Kitne Door Hain Huzoor” in Pyar Ki Jeet, O “Bedardi Yun Mujhko Sataana” and “Ae Darde Mohabbat Toone Mujhe” in Singar, “Chanchal Man Kaahe Dhadke” in Lal Dupatta, “Jhaank Jharokhe Se Tu Mehlon Wale” in Sabak, “Main Mubarakbaad Dene Aayi Hoon” in Aandhiyan, “Majhdhaar Mein Kashti Doob Gayi” in Buzdil, “Ankhiyan Mila Ke” in Nadiya ke Par, “Ab Tere Bina Mera Nahin Thikana” in Naao, “Tum Sang Ankhiyan Mila Ke” in Sunehre Din, and many more.
However, her interest was in stage performances and reviving Punjabi folk songs, and she eventually moved back to Delhi in 1952. Surinder Kaur and her elder sister, Parkash Kaur, played a pivotal role in pioneering and popularising this genre.
With a career spanning nearly six decades, Surinder Kaur earned the affectionate title of Nightingale of Punjab for her significant contributions to Punjabi music. Her musical journey was adorned with accolades, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1984 and the prestigious Padma Shri in 2006.
Surinder Kaur’s repertoire featured Punjabi Sufi Kafis by Bulleh Shah and verses from contemporary poets like Nand Lal Noorpuri, Amrita Pritam, Mohan Singh, and Shiv Kumar Batalvi. She gifted the world timeless songs such as “Sadke sadke jandiya,” “Maavan ‘te dheean,” “Jutti kasuri,” “Madhaniyan,” “Ehna akhiyan ‘ch pavan kiven kajra’,” “Ghaman di raat,” and “Bajre da sitta.” Her wedding songs, including “Lathe di chadar,” “Suhe ve cheere waleya,” and “Kaala doria,” have become integral to Punjabi culture, echoing through generations. Surinder Kaur’s musical legacy continues to resonate, enriching the culture of India.
Surinder Kaur passed away on June 14, 2006, in New Jersey, U.S., leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and enthral music lovers. Her songs remain a testament to the enduring spirit of Punjabi culture and its folk traditions.
