Rajvir Jawanda’s road to fame meets a tragic turn in Himachal

WEB DESK: Punjabi singer and actor Rajvir Jawanda, known for his soulful voice and clean image in the music industry, passed away on Wednesday after battling for life for nearly two weeks. The 35-year-old, who once served as a Punjab police constable, died at Fortis Hospital in Mohali following a motorcycle accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district.

According to hospital and police reports, Jawanda was riding his motorcycle near Baddi when stray cattle suddenly appeared on the road, causing him to lose control and crash. He sustained major head and spinal injuries in the accident and was on life support for almost twelve days before succumbing to his wounds on October 8.

A journey from police uniform to musical stardom

Born in Pona village of Ludhiana’s Jagraon area, Rajvir Jawanda’s journey to fame was far from ordinary. Music wasn’t his first calling. Coming from a family with a police background, Jawanda initially followed his father’s footsteps and joined the Punjab Police after completing his studies in theatre at Punjab University.

But his love for folk music had been rooted since childhood. Inspired by traditional ballads sung in his village and guided by his grandfather’s fondness for folk performances, Jawanda developed a deep passion for Punjabi music. Even during his police service, he continued recording songs after night shifts, gradually building a fan base.

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His 2014 debut track Munda Like Me marked the beginning of a vibrant career that produced several hits including Surname, Khush Reha Kar, Kamla, and Sardaari. His music often reflected Punjab’s culture, love, and rural pride while avoiding themes of drugs and violence common in the modern Punjabi music scene.

Known for simplicity, cultural pride, and activism

Jawanda’s appeal went beyond his catchy tunes. His humility, controversy-free image, and respect for Punjabi traditions made him a beloved figure, especially among rural youth. He also ventured into acting, appearing in films such as Subedar Joginder Singh (2018) alongside Gippy Grewal, Jind Jaan (2019), and Mindo Taseeldarni (2019).

A passionate biker, Jawanda often shared videos of his adventurous rides through the hills of northern India. His love for travel and simple living, including sleeping in tents during trips, endeared him further to fans who admired his grounded personality.

He was also vocal about social issues. During the farmers’ protests in 2020, Jawanda actively joined demonstrators, performing folk songs to boost morale and urging fans to stand with the farming community.

Tributes pour in from fans and public figures

News of his death triggered an emotional response across Punjab and beyond. Singer Gippy Grewal wrote, “Waking up to this terrible news is unbearable. My brother Rajvir, your last days were so difficult. You showed such strength. You will forever remain in our hearts.”

Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan prayed, “Om Shanti. May God give strength to his family,” while former cricketer Harbhajan Singh simply wrote, “Rajvir veer RIP.”

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Politicians also expressed their sorrow. Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha said Jawanda’s passing was “heartbreaking”, describing him as “a talented voice of Punjab who carried the essence of its soil”. Former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh and senior leader Manish Sisodia also paid tribute, calling his voice “soulful” and one that “touched many lives”.

Legacy of a voice that spoke to Punjab’s heart

Rajvir Jawanda’s music blended traditional folk rhythms with modern energy, making him one of the most respected contemporary Punjabi artists. With over 900,000 YouTube followers and millions of views on his music videos, his legacy continues to resonate deeply among fans.

His untimely death has not only silenced a powerful voice but has also sparked discussions about road safety in India, as many fans blamed poor road conditions and stray cattle for the tragedy.

Rajvir Jawanda leaves behind not just hit songs and memorable performances, but a life story that captured the true spirit of Punjab, brave, humble and full of love for its culture.