Musical maestro Charanjit Ahuja, who turned Amar Singh into Chamkila, dies at 72

Ahuja was not just a composer. He was a visionary who shaped the careers of some of Punjabi music’s greatest stars. He recognised Amar Singh’s raw talent and elevated him from a local stage performer to a Punjab-wide sensation; he made him Chamkila.

He guided and gave music to artistes like Sardool Sikander, Gurdas Maan, Surinder Shinda, and many others.

“Ahuja was instrumental in turning Chamkila into a household name across Punjab,” said an industry insider. “His studio was a home for artistes. The bonds he built with singers and the guidance he offered remain a source of inspiration for the entire music community.”

Ahuja began his musical journey at a time when LP records and cassettes were in vogue and Punjabi music was rapidly spreading across India. While working with HMV, he played a key role in giving new artists studio recordings, thereby providing them with legitimate recognition.

Ahuja’s musical legacy spans 17 films and countless albums, with timeless tracks such as “Kaun Tera Pardesi,” “Yaara Oh Dildaara,” and “Mil Gaya Mil Gaya”. His work in films like “Kee Banu Duniyan Da” (1986), “Gabhroo Punjab Da” (1986), and “Dushmani Jattan Di” (1993) helped define the golden era of Punjabi stage and studio music.

Reflecting on his passing, singer Surjit Khan said, “Charanjit Ahuja was a cornerstone of the music world. Any singer who performed under his guidance became legendary. I remember recording a song in his Delhi studio; the lyrics were ‘Kinji Guzaran Main Rataan Kaaliyan Kallian Kant Jinaan De Kol Naseeban Waliyaan’. He personally called me to praise my singing and said, ‘You sang exceptionally well.’ That encouragement stayed with me forever.”

Singer Bai Hardeep added, “The music industry has suffered a tremendous loss with Charanjit Ahuja’s passing. A golden era has come to an end.” Other artistes, including Satvinder Bugga, Gur Kirpal Surapuri, Sufi Balbir, Jelly, R Deep Raman, Bhupinder Babble, and Bill Singh, too expressed their deep grief.

Singer Satvinder Bugha said, “Though Charanjit Ahuja is no longer with us, his music, mentorship, and the unforgettable memories he created with artistes will continue to resonate across generations.”

Gurkirpal Surapuri and Jelly said his legacy remains a guiding light for Punjabi music and an inspiration for every aspiring artist.

Ahuja’s last rites will be performed at the crematorium in Mohali at 1 pm on Monday.

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