In the bustling studios of 1973 Mumbai, Raj Kapoor was on a quest for a voice that carried the scent of earth and the depth of divinity for his blockbuster ‘Bobby’. Little did he know, destiny would lead him to Narendra Chanchal, a lanky singer whose rendition of Bulleh Shah’s poetry at a charity event left the legendary filmmaker spellbound.
That powerful voice found its way into the iconic track ‘Beshak Mandir Masjid Tode’, catapulting Chanchal to overnight stardom. The Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer that year was just the beginning. Born on October 16, 1940, in Amritsar as Narendra Kharbanda, his childhood was marked by simplicity and an infectious energy that earned him the nickname ‘Chanchal’ from his Hindi teacher.
Music ran in his veins, nurtured by his devout mother Kailashwati, whose temple visits and morning aartis planted the seeds of devotion in young Narendra. But life threw a cruel twist when he lost his voice completely – a nightmare for any singer. Through years of silence, prayer, and unwavering faith, his voice returned stronger, a miracle he attributed to Mata Rani.
From there, Chanchal redefined ‘jagran’. His performances weren’t just all-night singing sessions; they were awakenings. He used the stage to crusade against female feticide, dowry, and disrespect to parents, blending spirituality with social messages. Songs like ‘Chalo Bulava Aaya Hai’ and ‘Tune Mujhe Bulaya Sherawaliye’ turned concerts into divine communion, erasing the line between devotee and deity.
His bond with Vaishno Devi was profound. Every December 29, he’d arrive in Katra, drawing massive crowds even in biting cold – events locals dubbed ‘Chanchal Mela’. Pilgrims on the arduous trek still hear his songs at every turn, fueling their spirits.
Chanchal’s appeal transcended borders, connecting NRIs to their roots. Georgia, USA, honored him with honorary citizenship, a rare feat for a bhajan singer. Even in his final years, during the 2020 pandemic, his viral ‘Kitho Aaya Corona’ showcased undimmed vigor.
Narendra Chanchal bid farewell on January 22, 2021, but his legacy endures. Every home starting the day with ‘Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali’ keeps his spirit alive. His autobiography ‘Midnight Singer’ reminds us: true faith and art can elevate anyone from the streets to the stars.