"But I say, Chamkila's songs and performances were fine."
Punjabi singer, Ranjit Bawa, whilst performing at a concert on stage Punjav, remembered the legendary singer Amar Singh Chamkila and made a strong comparison between his singing and today.
In a social media video posted on Instagram by his fan club, Bawa dressed in a dark outfit, on stage recalls Chamkila.
Chamkila was a famous Punjabi duet singer who used to perform songs on stage with the female artist, Amarjot.
The duo’s popularity in the 80s was renowned. However, his songs often had innuendo in their lyrics.
During the late 80s, there was major unrest in Punjab his performances and songs were deemed unacceptable and of a vulgar nature by those who opposed his performances of such songs.
Subsequently, Chamkila was shot and killed by activists on March 8, 1988.
Remembering Chamiklia, whilst singing, Ranjit Bawa dropped the level of the music and beat behind him and had this to say:
“People said the Chamkila was singing filth and disgusting songs.
“But I say, Chamkila’s songs and performances were fine.
“Because judging from how much filth and disgust there is now [in Punjabi songs and videos]…
“Chamikla himself would’ve stopped singing [in disgust himself].
“Put your hands together and applaud ‘Baba’ Chamkila…”
After which there were cheers in the crowd at Bawa’s performance.
Ranjit Bawa has performed many hit Punjabi songs and also has acted in Punjabi films which are credited to his name.
He has toured countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and many more performing his hits in front of loving fans and audiences.
Some of his popular Punjabi tracks include Jean, Chandigarh Returns, Ja Ve Mundeya, Sher Marna, and Dollar vs Roti.
Along with songs he has had many successful albums which include Rang Sanwla, Taara, Ik Tare Wala, and Diljaniya.
Bawa has been honoured with several awards and accolades for his performances and songs. In 2014, he won PTC Punjabi Music Award for Best Folk Pop Album for his album Mitti Da Bawa.
He has performed and collaborated with many other well-known Punjabi artists. Working with the likes of Jassi Gill, Ammy Virk, Kulwinder Billa, and Sharry Mann, among others.
Ranjit Bawa made his acting debut in the Punjabi film industry with the movie Sarvann in 2017, which was well-received by the audience and critics.
Bawa’s new film ‘Lambhogini’ is set for release on June 2, 2023.
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