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Mohali: Punjabi singer and actor Rajvir Jawanda, known for his heartfelt voice, vibrant stage presence, and deep-rooted connection with Punjabi folk traditions, passed away on Wednesday morning. He was 35. Jawanda had been battling for life for nearly ten days after a serious road accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district on September 27.
According to Fortis Hospital, Mohali, where he had been admitted in a highly critical condition, the singer was declared dead at 10:55 am on Wednesday. He had sustained severe head and spinal injuries and was on ventilator support since his admission.
The accident occurred near Baddi when Rajvir, who was riding his motorcycle to Shimla, reportedly lost control on a sharp turn. He was initially treated at a local hospital before being shifted to Mohali. Despite continuous monitoring by a team of critical care and neurology specialists, his condition remained critical throughout.
A Rising Star in Punjabi Music
Hailing from Pona village in Ludhiana’s Jagraon, Rajvir Jawanda carved a special place for himself in the Punjabi music industry within a short span of time. A former student of DAV College, Jagraon, and an alumnus of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, he began his career as a live performer before making his singing debut in 2016.
He rose to prominence with chartbusters like “Muqabala,” “Sardari,” “Kangani,” “Tu Dis Penda,” “Khush Reha Kar,” “Landlord,” “Down to Earth,” and “Surname.” His music celebrated Punjabi valour, youth spirit, and cultural pride, often blending rustic folk beats with modern production techniques. Jawanda’s songs resonated with listeners for their emotional depth and lyrical authenticity — a mix of pride, romance, and rootedness.
Known for his towering personality and signature turbaned look, Jawanda symbolised the new-age Punjabi folk artist who stayed true to his cultural roots while embracing global music trends. His live shows in India and abroad drew huge crowds, particularly among the Punjabi diaspora in Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Mark in Punjabi Cinema
Beyond music, Jawanda successfully transitioned to films, bringing his charisma and emotional depth to the silver screen. He made his acting debut in Gippy Grewal-starrer “Subedar Joginder Singh” (2018), a biographical war film that paid tribute to India’s Param Vir Chakra awardee from the 1962 Indo-China War. His performance earned appreciation for its sincerity and authenticity.
He went on to play leading roles in “Jind Jaan” (2019) and “Mindo Taseeldarni” (2019), showcasing his versatility as a romantic and family-oriented actor. His easy screen presence and natural acting made him one of the promising faces in Punjabi cinema.
Tributes and Legacy
News of his demise sent shockwaves across Punjab’s music and film fraternity. Fellow singers, actors, and fans flooded social media with emotional tributes, remembering him as a “down-to-earth artist with a golden heart.”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and several industry figures expressed condolences, calling his passing a “huge loss to Punjabi music and culture.”
In an industry often driven by glamour, Rajvir Jawanda stood out for his humility, discipline, and deep respect for tradition. Even at the height of fame, he usually said in interviews that his most immense joy came from singing songs that connected with “mitti di khushboo” — the fragrance of Punjab’s soil.
His voice, songs, and cinematic performances will continue to echo across generations of Punjabi music lovers, cementing his place as one of the most loved artists of his time.
