Popular bhajan singer Narendra Chanchal, best known for his songs “Chalo bulawa aaya hai” and “Tune mujhe bulaya sherawaliye”, died following prolonged illness at a hospital in New Delhi last Friday. He was suffering from brain complications, news reports said.
Born in Amritsar, Chanchal’s growing up years in a religious atmosphere inspired him to start singing ‘bhajans’ and ‘aartis’ from a very young age.
In Hindi cinema, he found fame with the song “Beshak Mandir Masjid” for the 1973 film “Bobby”, the blockbuster debut of Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia. He won the Filmfare Best Male Playback Award in 1974 for the song.
One of his most popular tracks was “Chalo Bulawa Aaya Hain Mata Ne Bulaya Hain” from Rajesh Khanna’s 1983 drama “Avtaar”.
In 2009, Chanchal released his autobiography “Midnight Singer”, chronicling his life from his early struggles and hardships to his achievements.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the many people who condoled his death.
Describing him as a talented singer and a devotee of Matarani, singing legend Lata Mangeshkar said she was saddened at the news. “He was a very good person, may his soul rest in peace. I offer humble tribute to him,” she said.
Daler Mehndi termed Chanchal an “iconic and most loved” singer. “I doubt anyone will ever walk up to Vaishnodevi without hearing his voice resounding through the hills,” he said.
