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Sarif Idu Chundhar (1939–2020)
Sarif Idu Chundhar.[1], popularly known as Idu Sharif and sometimes referred to as Sharif Idu Lalaudha [2], was an acclaimed Indian folk singer and sarangi maestro. Celebrated for his contributions to the traditional Dhadi music of Punjab, he became a torchbearer for this art form, bringing it to national prominence and preserving its cultural essence.
Sharif Idu was born in the village of Lalaudha [3], located in the Nabha tehsil of the Patiala district, Punjab. In 1971 he shifted to Manimajra. Sharif had three sons named (Sukhi Khan, Gulzar, and Vicky) and a daughter name Dari, eldest of the siblings.
He hailed from the Mirasi community, a group renowned for their mastery of music and performing arts traditions.
Known for his powerful and emotive performances, he specialized in singing Vaars (traditional Punjabi ballads), preserving and promoting this vital element of Punjab's folk heritage.
Early Life and Career
Sarif Idu Chundhar was born in 1939 in the village of Lalaudha, located in the Nabha tehsil of the Patiala district, Punjab, India. He was born into a family deeply entrenched in the Dhadi tradition; his father, Idu Khan [4] , was an eminent folk singer, and his mother, Jeevi [5], nurtured him in an environment alive with the rhythms of the sarangi and dhadd drums.
Sharif took a significant turn when he performed at the wedding of film actor and bhangra pioneer Manohar Deepak. His performance was widely praised, and it marked the beginning of his journey as a ballad singer. Recognizing the legacy of his father, Sharif adopted the name Sharif Idu, signifying his connection to his musical roots.[6]
Before this pivotal moment, Sharif lived a modest life, earning a living by driving a tanga (horse cart). In his own words Sharif explains how he starting performing, an old friend named Dharam Singh[7] provided Sharif with a sarangi and encouraged him to perform at his son Bhinder Singh's wedding. The performance was a resounding success, earning Sharif widespread appreciation and substantial earnings. This moment inspired him to leave horse-cart driving and pursue a full-time career in music .
Sharif’s career was lifted by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), which came into inception in 1985 in order to promote artistes. Heer and Dulla Bhatti Wala were some of his famous ballads in Sufi Dhad.
He played sarangi himself, while his nephew Murli Khan and eldest son Nusrat Ali accompanied him on the dhadd. The ensemble became well-known for its compelling performances, blending traditional ballads (Vaars) with emotional depth and authenticity. Sharif’s talent resonated with audiences across Punjab and beyond. He performed at significant cultural festivals, including the Apna Utsav in Delhi (1986) [8]and the National Games in Ludhiana. He also represented Punjab in the Indo-Pak Punjab Games in Patiala and participated in numerous regional fairs and events. His powerful renditions of Dhadi music captivated the masses, solidifying his reputation as one of Punjab’s most celebrated folk artists.
Family Legacy and Influence
Sharif Idu’s family was deeply rooted in the musical tradition of Punjab. His father, Idu Khan [9], was a celebrated Dhadi folk artist of his time, renowned for his mastery of Dhadi music. Sharif Idu adopted his father’s name as part of his own, paying homage to his legacy and symbolizing the continuity of their musical tradition. Sharif Idu’s brother, Sadiq Muhammad Allah [10], was a renowned classical singer, while his nephew, Nile Khan, became a celebrated qawwali artist. His own sons and nephews also followed in his footsteps, preserving and promoting the Dhadi tradition in their performances.
He was married to Usha.[11]
Sharif Idu drew immense inspiration from the old Dhadi masters, particularly Sharif Gurmanvala [2], whom he regarded as the finest Dhadi of his era. This respect for the past informed his commitment to maintaining the authenticity and depth of Dhadi music.
Achievements and Recognition
Sharif Idu’s exceptional contributions to Dhadi folk music earned him widespread recognition and numerous accolades. Among these, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2006 [12] and the Virasat Award in 2001 stand out as testaments to his efforts to preserve and promote Punjab’s traditional music on a national scale.
In 1986, during India’s "Cultural Revolution," Sharif Idu was rediscovered while working as a hand-cart laborer in Mani Majra, near Chandigarh. The North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) recognized his immense talent and brought him into the spotlight, enabling him to represent Punjab's Dhadi tradition across various states of India. Under the NZCC’s auspices, Sharif Idu performed at major events, including the Apna Utsav festival in Delhi. His performance at the festival was a defining moment in his career; he began with an alāp (a melismatic, improvisatory section), followed by a hek so powerful that it earned him a standing ovation from the audience. His artistry was personally praised by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, further solidifying his reputation as a master of Dhadi music.
Sharif Idu’s powerful renditions of qissas, vars, and kalis, including Hir Ranjha, Sassi Punnu, Dulla Bhatti, Mirza, and Puran Bhagat, were celebrated for their authenticity and emotional depth. He also brought lesser-known works, such as stanzas from Hir by Hazura Singh Buthahri, to a wider audience, preserving historical poetry through his performances. An accomplished sarangi maestro, Sharif Idu’s skill with this instrument, integral to the Dhadi tradition, earned him widespread acclaim. His dedication to this art form not only enriched the Dhadi tradition but also inspired future generations of folk musicians, ensuring its continuation as a vital part of Punjab’s cultural heritage.
Death
Sarif Idu Chundhar passed away on January 6, 2020, at the age of 80. A paralytic stroke he suffered in 2011 made him bedridden. This was followed by three more strokes. He succumbed to a prolonged illness, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in Punjab’s folk music tradition. His death was widely mourned, with tributes pouring [13] in from cultural icons and institutions alike. Articles from major publications, including The Indian Express and Hindustan Times [14], recognized his monumental contributions to music and lamented the loss of one of Punjab’s most cherished artists.
Legacy
Sharif Idu’s work is remembered for its authenticity and unwavering devotion to preserving Punjab’s cultural identity. His performances brought Dhadi music to a broader audience, ensuring that this traditional art form remains relevant in modern times. Through his powerful renditions and mastery of the sarangi, Sharif Idu carved a permanent place for himself in the annals of Punjabi folk music. Posthumously, he continues to inspire folk musicians and is regarded as one of the finest exponents of Dhadi music in India.
His legacy lives on through his family, as his sons, grandsons, and nephew strive to carry forward what they learned from him. They honor his teachings and work to preserve the Dhadi tradition, ensuring its survival and growth for future generations .
Musical Recordings and Legacy
Idu Sharif’s repertoire of Punjabi folk ballads, devotional music, and movie songs highlights his mastery of Dhadi traditions, blending powerful storytelling with mesmerizing music. Among his most celebrated performances are renditions of classic Punjabi folk tales like Heer Ranjha, Sassi Punnu, and Dulla Bhatti. These recordings stand as a testament to his dedication to preserving the rich oral and musical heritage of Punjab.
Punjabi Folk/Ballads
Devotional Sikh Music
Punjabi Pop Songs
TERA PYAR DHOLA - JELLY FT. IDU SHARIF
Punjabi Movie Songs
in “Tera Mera Ki Rishta” Punjabi movies starring Jimmy Shergill
Further Reading
For more on Idu Sharif’s life and legacy, refer to the insightful article on folk music the Harmonium Music Blog [15]
References
edit- ^ "Offical Name as per Sangeet Natak Akedemi" (PDF).
- ^ "Sharif name variation with village name" (PDF).
- ^ "Idu's village name" (PDF).
- ^ "Idu's personal details" (PDF).
- ^ "Idu's personal details" (PDF).
- ^ "Idu's personal details" (PDF).
- ^ "Idu's personal details". Youtube. 28 January 2011.
- ^ "as quoted in pdf" (PDF).
- ^ "Idu's father" (PDF).
- ^ "Idu's group" (PDF).
- ^ "post death family interview". Des Pardes TV. 14 September 2021.
- ^ "award" (PDF). Sangeet Natak Akedemi.
- ^ "local news of death". The Tribune.
- ^ "local news of death". Hindustan Times.
- ^ "reference to music and more". 18 July 2021.