From Jheel to Bollywood: The melodious journey of Padma Shri Jaspinder Narula

Bollywood: You can still find dozens of Punjabi families in East Delhi who fondly recall the days when Jaspinder Narula sang popular Punjabi songs like Latthe Di Chadar Utte Saleti Rang and Sadda Chidiya Da Chamba Re Asi Udd Jaana Re at weddings, Lohri celebrations, and other festive occasions. Recently honoured with the Padma Shri award on Republic Day, Jaspinder Narula’s musical journey began at her family home, house number 783, in Jheel Khurenja, East Delhi.

Her father, Sardar Kesar Narula, was a prominent figure in Punjabi folk music, having composed for legends such as Surinder Kaur, Asha Singh Mastana, Yamla Jatt, and his wife Mohini Narula. It was in this musically vibrant household that Jaspinder inherited her passion and talent for music.

Honouring her roots

Jaspinder, celebrated for her powerful voice in Bollywood hits like Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare, Pyar To Hona Hi Tha, and Tera Rang Balle Balle, expressed her joy over receiving the Padma Shri award.

Speaking over the phone from Mumbai, she said, “I dedicate the Padma Shri award to my parents. I believe the true recipient of this honour was my father. Music practice was a constant in our Jheel house, and the musical waves influenced me deeply. My first guru was my father, Sardar Kesar Singh ji. He inspired me to balance my studies with my musical aspirations. Even after achieving fame in music, I continued my PhD studies.”

Jaspinder attended Guru Harkishan School and Indraprastha College before earning her PhD in Hindustani classical music from Delhi University.

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Weakening connection with jheel

After the passing of her parents, Jaspinder no longer feels as connected to Delhi and Jheel as she once did. However, she still has friends and relatives in the city. Since the announcement of her Padma Shri award, she has received countless congratulatory calls, especially from Delhi. “I fondly remember our Jheel days with friendly neighbours, most of whom were Punjabi refugees from Pakistan. We shared culture, language, and much more.”

Punjabi folk singer Asa Singh Mastana played a significant role in Jaspinder’s life. Mastana, who worked at the Reserve Bank of India, and Kesar Singh Narula, employed at All India Radio, were colleagues. Their offices in the capital were adjacent, and Jaspinder often participated in their musical discussions, learning invaluable nuances of the art.

Melody of memories

Approximately 38 years ago, at the wedding of renowned tax consultant Surendra Gambhir in Shahdara, Jaspinder, along with her parents, sang Punjabi folk classics like Maavan Te Dhian, Baage Vich Aaya Karo, and Kala Doriya Kunde Naal. These timeless songs, emblematic of joy and celebration, left a lasting impression on the attendees.

Recalling those days, Gambhir said, “In the 1980s and 1990s, Kesar Singh Narula and his wife frequently performed for Punjabi families in the capital. Jaspinder would often accompany them.”

Jaspinder’s father, who moved to Delhi from Peshawar after the partition, built their family home in Jheel Khurenja. Even after Jaspinder moved to Canada and later to Mumbai, her parents continued to live in Jheel. However, her visits to Delhi have significantly reduced since the passing of her mother, Mohini Narula, two years ago.

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Delhi or Mumbai?

Noted singer IP Singh Bawa, who has followed Jaspinder’s career since her school days, remarked, “There is a unique power in Jaspinder’s voice that makes her songs incredibly impactful. Her energetic performances uplift her audience. She has excelled in Bollywood, Punjabi Bhangra, and devotional music.”

When asked to compare Delhi and Mumbai, Jaspinder refrains from drawing a distinction. “I am a girl from Delhi. I was born here and spent my childhood here. But Mumbai and Maharashtra gave me international recognition and respect. Mumbai is truly a great city—it offers opportunities for everyone to succeed. I cannot stay away from Mumbai now, but Delhi will always hold a special place in my heart.”

The writer is a Delhi-based senior journalist and author of two books ‘Gandhi’s Delhi: April 12, 1915-January 30, 1948 and Beyond’ and ‘Dilli Ka Pehla Pyar – Connaught Place’