"Jandu Littranwala was always and will still be an icon of Punjabi music in the UK and beyond."
The world of Punjabi and Bhangra music has lost a major shining star with the passing of Harbans Singh Jandu, affectionately known as Jandu Littranwala.
Many people will have danced or listened to songs penned by Jandu Littranwla, who was always regarded as such an incredible Punjabi songwriter.
It was saddening to hear about the demise on March 8, 2025 of this extraordinary writer who wrote many popular songs recorded by many different Punjabi artists, both in the UK and abroad.
Jandu Littranwala was a huge inspiration to artists and bands, particularly during the Bhangra era in the UK. His lyrics were the backbone of so many hit songs that have lasted decades and are still played on popular music radio shows, YouTube and available to listen via streaming.
Jandu was born in the village of Littran, Jalandhar District, Punjab, India. Hence, he took the pen surname for his songs based on his village name. Therefore, he was known as Jandu Littranwala – ‘from the village Littran’.
Early Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Jandu Littranwala’s journey into the music world began in 1968, when he won a songwriting competition in Des Pardes with the song “Nachdi di Photo Kich Mundeya.”
This early success set the stage for a career that would span decades and earn him numerous accolades.
His ability to craft songs that resonated with the heart and soul of Punjabi culture quickly made him a sought-after lyricist and composer.
The one song that charted Jandu Littranwala into the noticeable world of Punjabi music, which is still popular today, was “Giddhian Di Raniye”, which was released in 1978.
You can hear the original vinyl record version of the song in the video:
Recorded in India and sung by AS Kang with music by KS Narula, this song still draws people onto the dancefloor with its catchy lyrics and simplicity of a feel-good song.
Living in the UK, in Wolverhampton, Jandu then went on to write more songs which followed suit.
Discography and Collaborations
Throughout his illustrious career, Jandu Littranwala collaborated with some of the most iconic names in Punjabi music.
As well as working with AS Kang in those early years, His discography includes hits for legendary artists such as Karnail Cheema, Gurdev Bali, Paramjit Pammi, Kuldeep Manak, The Saathies, Mastan Heera.
Jandu then went on to work with bands and singers who were hugely popular in the UK during the reign of Bhangra music and bands during the 80s and 90s, including Balwinder Safri, Jazzy B, Azaad, Shin DCS, Sukshinder Shinda, Sardara Gill, ADH, H-Dhami, Bhinda Jatt, Alaap, Heera, Holle Holle, Apna Sangeet, Awaaz, Bhujhangy Group, Dippa Satrang, Gurcharan Mall, Aman Hayer, Pardesi Music Machine, Geet, Meshi Eshara, Yudhvir Manak, Mahendra Kapoor, Kamaljit Neeru, Gurlez Akhtar and Manjit Pappu.
Some of his most memorable works include “Chan Mere Makhna,” from the album Get Real, which was recorded by the late Balwinder Safri, which included the live dhol playing of Johnny Kalsi on the song, “Sardara” by Jazzy B, “Mohabat Hogai” by Azaad and “Vang” by ADH.
Other massive songs penned by this legendary songwriter included:
• Sorrma & Soorma 2 by Jazzy B
• Kuri Giddhe Vich Ayee by Bhinda Jatt
• Putt Sardaran De by ADH
• Mohabat Hogai by Azaad
• Lishke Long Te Jhanjar” by The Saathies
• Ha La La” – Ajuba (featured in the Bhaji on the Beach film soundtrack)
• Jithevi Jaan Punjabi by Azaad
• Hukam by Jazzy B, Yudhvir Manak and Late Kuldip Manak
He worked with music directors and composers such as Charanjit Ahuja, KS Narula, Sukshinder Shinda, Baldev Mastana, Bupps Saggu, Tejwant Kittu and many others.
Music producers enjoyed working with him due to his incredible artistic ability to mould lyrics into the vision singers and producers needed and sometimes very quickly. A producer remembering him, who worked with him says:
“Jandu Littranwala was always and will still be an icon of Punjabi music in the UK and beyond.”
“He injected such life into his songs that it was our job to turn it into a reality through the landscape of music and sound for people to appreciate the essence of his words and craft.”
Awards and Recognition
Jandu Littranwala’s contributions to Punjabi and Bhangra music were widely recognised through numerous awards and honours.
He was a four-time winner of the Asian Pop Awards for Best Lyricist and also received the UK Asian Pop Awards for Best Lyricist in 1992.
Other notable recognitions include the Nand Lal Noorpuri Award in 2005, the Tricentury Khalsa Award in Southampton in 1999, the Punjab Times and Des Pardes Best Writer Award in 1996, and the House of Commons Cultural Award in 2006, followed by the House of Commons Award Vaisakhi in 2007.
Jandu also received Gold Medals for Best Lyricist and Songwriter in various global locations, including Vancouver, Canada, and Jalandhar, India.
Jandu Littranwala was invited to take part in the DESIblitz Literature Festival in 2023 and featured in the event Punjabi Shayari on Tour during October 2023.
Legacy and Impact
Jandu Littranwala’s impact on Punjabi music extends beyond his own compositions.
He inspired a generation of lyricists and composers to explore the rich cultural heritage of Punjab through their work.
His songs not only entertained but also carried messages of love, unity, and cultural pride. His songwriting will no doubt continue to inspire new talent and remind us of the power of music to bring people together.
Harbans Jandu Littranwala may have left us, but his songs will continue to echo in our hearts, reminding us of his genius and the joy he brought to countless lives.
His passing on March 8, 2025, marks the end of an era, but his contribution to Punjabi and Bhangra music will forever remain a testament to his enduring legacy.
In the words of his fans and fellow artists, Jandu Littranwala will always be remembered as a master of his craft, a true icon in the world of Punjabi and Bhangra music, especially in the UK.
Jandu Littranwala left an indelible mark on the music industry with his captivating lyrics and compositions. DESIblitz offers our deepest condolences to his family, friends and followers.
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