Popular bhajan singer Narendra Chanchal dies at Delhi hospital
NEW DELHI : 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 here on Friday, sources in the hospital said. Chanchal, 76, breathed his last at 12:15 pm at the Apollo Hospital after suffering from brain complications, the sources said. The singer, who is survived by his wife Namrata, had been admitted to the south Delhi hospital on November 27, they said. Born to a Punjabi family in Namak Mandi, Amritsar, Chanchal’s growing up years in a religious atmosphere inspired him to start singing ‘bhajans’ and ‘aartis’ (devotional songs) 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.
Chanchal had carved a unique place for himself in the
field of devotional music with his voice, the prime minister said on Twitter while expressing his condolences to the singer’s family and fans. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said his thoughts are with Chanchal’s family and admirers in this hour of grief.
His party colleague Abhishek Singhvi also sent his condolences. “#Narendrachanchal Ji is one of the names that automatically pops into mind when we think of Bhajans or Mata ka Jagrata. A true devotee of Devi Mata. Om Shanti!” he tweeted.
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.
Singer Daler Mehndi, actor Manoj Bajpayee, actor Ranvir Shorey and music composer Vishal Dadlani also mourned his death. Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar also mourned Chanchal’s passing away and said the singer will be “remembered for his bhajans and some remarkable songs in Hindi films”.