Asa Singh Mastana
Padamshri S.Asa Singh Mastana | |
|---|---|
| File:Asa Sing Mastana.png | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 22 August 1927 Lahore, Punjab |
| Died | 23 May 1999 (aged 71) |
| Occupation | Singer |
Asa Singh Mastana (22 August, 1926– 23 May, 1999) was a Punjabi musician and singer best known for lending his voice to the hit bollywood movie dooj ka chand and singing jugni and Heer-genre of folk songs, which recount the tales of Heer Ranjha by poet Waris Shah.[1] He became popular in the 1940s, by the mid-1960s, when state-run All India Radio started promoting folk musicians, this made him, along with Surinder Kaur Pushpa Hans Madan Bala Sidhu prakash Kaur singers of cult status.[2][3]
His well-known songs, among others "Balle Ni Panjaab Diye Sher Bachiye", "Doli Charhdeyan Marian Heer Cheekaan" and "Kali Teri Gut", have served as templates for later Punjabi musicians[4] His great work also expands to singing sad songs like "Jadon Meri Arthi Utha Ke Chalan Ge".[1][5] He was mostly paired with Surinder Kaur sang along with pushpa hans madan bala sidhu and many more versiatile female singers of the time singing many old folk songs of Punjab.
In 1985, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India.[6]
The Birth of Mastana
Asa Singh Mastana wasn't born with that name. Instead, he was christened "Mastana" by his 8th-grade teacher at Khalsa School after hearing him humming. This teacher's keen ear recognized the budding talent that would soon blossom into a musical giant.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Mastana's love affair with music began at a tender age, nurtured by the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. Growing up in a region known for its folk traditions, he was immersed in the rustic rhythms and soulful tunes that would become his signature. His melodious voice and innate musical talent quickly gained attention in his local community, setting the stage for an extraordinary career. Interestingly, Mastana was a fan of Madam Noor Jahan and K.L. Saigal. If given a chance, he would often choose to sing the legendary K.L. Saigal's songs.
The Radiant Journey to Stardom
The turning point in Asa Singh Mastana's life occurred when he started singing on All India Radio. His captivating performances on the airwaves soon caught the attention of a wider audience, and he began to ascend to stardom. For over 45 years, his mellifluous voice resonated through the radio, connecting with listeners across India.
A Global Ambassador of Punjabi Culture
One of the most significant milestones in Mastana's career was in 1961 when he was selected as part of India's first cultural delegation to Afghanistan, under the patronage of Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. This marked the beginning of his journey as a global ambassador of Punjabi culture. He mesmerized audiences worldwide with his soul-stirring renditions of Punjabi folk songs.
Mastana's international tours took him to the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Kuwait, and numerous other countries, where he received invitations from Indian councils and dignitaries. His performances not only entertained but also educated the world about the rich cultural tapestry of Punjab.
Awards and Recognitions
Asa Singh Mastana's contributions to Punjabi music were richly recognized with numerous awards and accolades. He received many prestigious awards for his dedication to preserving the folk music of Punjab. He was honored with an appreciation award by the President of India for his outstanding contributions to Punjabi folk and light music.
In 1985, a remarkable year in his career, Mastana received the Padmashri, one of India's highest civilian awards, for his exceptional contributions to music. This honor marked him as one of the pioneering figures in Punjabi music to receive such recognition. The same year, he was bestowed with the Punjabi Academy Award and the Shobana Award.
Sangeet Natak Academy, the apex body for the performing arts in India, acknowledged Mastana's excellence by awarding him in 1986. In 1989, the Punjab government also honored him with a state award in appreciation of his invaluable contributions to the field of art and culture. The Smita Patil Memorial Award was another feather in his cap, recognizing his outstanding musical prowess.
A Lasting Legacy
Asa Singh Mastana's music transcends time and continues to captivate audiences of all ages. His dedication to preserving and promoting Punjabi folk music has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Punjab and India as a whole. His legacy lives on through his recordings, inspiring future generations to embrace their roots and cherish the treasure trove of Punjabi folk music. Remarkably, Mastana's son and daughter chose different careers for themselves, but his granddaughter, Nam Kaur Mastana, is an aspiring singer committed to preserving his legacy and contribution to music.
Remembering the Legend
Asa Singh Mastana passed away on May 23, 1999 at his residence in New Delhi after a prolonged illness resulting from an accident. He is survived by a son and a daughter, but his true living legacy remains in his granddaughter, Nam Kaur Mastana. Even today, many of his songs are played on platforms like Netflix and featured in Bollywood movies. Hits like "Kali Teri Gut" and "Mele Nu Chaal Mere Naal" continue to resonate with audiences, keeping the memory of this musical maestro alive.
In remembrance of Asa Singh Mastana, we celebrate his enduring legacy, which reminds us of the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together. His melodious voice and unwavering commitment to preserving Punjabi folk music have earned him an everlasting place of honor in the annals of Indian music history.
Discography
- Best of Asa Singh Mastana and Surinder Kaur
- Hits of Asa Singh Mastana & Pushpa Hans
- Heer
- Mastana Masti Wich
- "Mutiare Jana Door Pya" (1970)
- Sarke Sarke Jandiye Mutiare Ni
References
- ^ a b "Gayatri Club celebrates bonfire festival remembering Asa Singh Mastana". The Times of India. 17 January 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
- ^ Anjali Gera Roy (2010). Bhangra Moves: From Ludhiana to London and Beyond. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. pp. 132–. ISBN 978-0-7546-5823-8.
- ^ Tony Ballantyne (16 August 2006). Between Colonialism and Diaspora: Sikh Cultural Formations in an Imperial World. Duke University Press. pp. 127–. ISBN 0-8223-3824-6.
- ^ "BBC - Music - Asa Singh Mastana". Archived from the original on 7 April 2010.
- ^ "Asa Singh Mastana". TrendPunjabi.com. 28 February 2021. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "Padma Awards Directory (1954–2013)" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 October 2015.
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