Gurbir Singh Bains, a renowned Punjabi singer, songwriter, and social activist, passed away on December 12, 2023, at the age of 42. He was suffering from a rare form of blood cancer and had been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Chandigarh. His death has left a void in the hearts of his fans, family, friends, and the Punjabi music industry.
Who was Gurbir Singh Bains?
Gurbir Singh Bains was born on April 15, 1981, in Ludhiana, Punjab. He developed a passion for music at a young age and learned to play various instruments, such as the harmonium, the tabla, and the guitar. He was inspired by the legends of Punjabi folk music, such as Surinder Kaur, Kuldeep Manak, and Gurdas Maan. He started his musical career in 2002 with his debut album, “Sohniye”, which was a hit among the youth. He went on to release more than 20 albums and hundreds of songs in his career, spanning genres such as pop, rock, bhangra, and sufi. Some of his most popular songs include “Dil De De”, “Challa”, “Jatt Di Akal”, and “Sukar”.
Bains was not only a singer, but also a songwriter and a composer. He wrote and composed most of his songs himself, infusing them with his poetic sensibility and social commentary. He also collaborated with other artists, such as Diljit Dosanjh, Jazzy B, Ammy Virk, and Tarsem Jassar. He was known for his versatility, his experimentation, and his innovation in music. He won several awards and accolades for his musical contributions, such as the PTC Punjabi Music Award, the Mirchi Music Award, and the Brit Asia Music Award.
A Social Crusader
Gurbir Singh was not only a musician, but also a social crusader. He used his fame and influence to raise awareness and funds for various causes, such as education, health, environment, and human rights. He was especially vocal about the issues of farmers, women, and minorities in Punjab and India. He participated in several campaigns and movements, such as the “Save Punjab” campaign, the “Justice for Nirbhaya” movement, and the “Farmers’ Protest”.
He also founded a charitable organization, called “Sukar Foundation”, which aimed to provide education, health care, and livelihood opportunities to the underprivileged sections of society. He donated a large part of his earnings to his foundation and other charities.
Gurbir Singh Bains was also a spiritual person, who followed the teachings of Sikhism and other religions. He often visited religious places, such as the Golden Temple, the Dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya, and the Basilica of Bom Jesus. He also performed kirtan and sang devotional songs, such as “Satnam Waheguru”, “Mere Sahib”, and “Sukar”. He believed that music was a way to connect with the divine and spread love and peace in the world.
A Tribute to a Legend
Gurbir Singh Bains’s death has shocked and saddened the entire nation, especially the Punjabi music industry. Many celebrities and personalities have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to him on social media and other platforms. One of them is Tarsem Jassar, a close friend and colleague of Bains, who has released a new song, titled “Sukar”, in his memory. The song is a heartfelt homage to Bains, his life, his music, and his legacy. The song features clips of Bains’s performances, interviews, and social work, as well as Jassar’s emotional vocals and lyrics. The song has received an overwhelming response from the fans and the critics, who have praised it as a fitting tribute to a legend.
Gurbir Singh Bains’s funeral was held on December 13, 2023, at his native village in Ludhiana, where thousands of people gathered to pay their last respects. His family, friends, and colleagues were present at the funeral, along with many fans and admirers. His body was cremated with full state honors, as he was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, posthumously, for his services to the nation. His ashes were immersed in the Sutlej river, as per his wishes.
Bains’s death has left a huge gap in the Punjabi music industry and the society at large. He was a rare talent, a generous soul, and a true inspiration for many. He will always be remembered and missed by his fans, family, friends, and the world. He will always live on through his music and his message. He was, and will always be, Sukar.
