Noted Punjabi singer and actor Sardool Sikander died on Wednesday at a Mohali hospital where was undergoing treatment for Covid-19. He was 60.
Sikander, regarded as an icon in the Punjabi music industry, is survived by his singer-wife Amar Noorie, and music composer sons Sarang and Alaap Sikander.
The untimely death of the singer led to condolences from various quarters, including fellow musicians, actors and politicians.
The Punjab Cabinet, which had a scheduled meeting here on Wednesday, also condoled Sikander’s demise, with Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh announcing that his government will clear the deceased’s hospital dues of Rs 10 lakh. He announced the decision after Cabinet Minister Charanjit Singh Channi informed him that the deceased’s family had no money to pay the bills, a Punjab Government statement said.
In a condolence resolution, the cabinet noted that with the demise of the legendary singer, the nation had lost one of its best-known Punjabi singers and the void left behind by him will be impossible to fill.
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal also expressed his shock. “Saddened to learn about the demise of legendary Punjabi playback singer Sardool Sikander. A huge loss to Punjabi movie & music industry. Prayers for his family, friends & fans. May his soul rest in peace!†Badal said in a tweet.
Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan remembered the singer as a melodious voice, life of the party and a friend like no other. Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana shared Mann’s post on his Instagram Story and wrote “Rest in Peace Sardool sahab.â€
Singer-composer Daler Mehendi said Sikander’s death was a “big loss to our family and music industryâ€. Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh called the late singer the “pride of Punjabi musicâ€.
