Biography Of Hans
A name synonymous with Punjabi folk lore and sufi songs. Tall, fair, handsome,donning a beard and long curly hair,he is the epitome of the punjabi village youth.At a young age,he has already established his mark.With a unique style of singing nurtured on classical music,and his readyness to improvise,he has become a trend setter in his field. His surname 'Hans" was bestowed on him by his Guru Ustad Puran Shahkoti Sahib,who trained him and also gave the sufiana style this gem. He also sang alongside late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for film "Kache Dhage". The list of his hit numbers is endless. He has worked with several distinguished music composers out of which the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan stands out. He was the first singer to be invited to Pakistan, and won a loud acclaim for his performance there. He was personally honoured by Mr Nawaz Sharif Prime Minister of Pakistan. He was also honoured by Mr I.K.Gujral,The Hon'able Prime Minister of India.
Raj Hans - Life History
A name synonymous with Punjabi folk lore and Sufi songs. Tall, fair, handsome, dons a beard and long curly hair. He is a typical role model of Punjabi village youth. He has a natural God gifted style of singing, which he has nurtured on classical music based on folk songs. At a relatively young age, he has already established his mark. He has a unique style of singing which is more appHansealing and appreciated by audience throughout the world. He has managed to achieve all this without compromising his Sufiana Style. He is innovative and a trend setter in the field of Folk Music.
The Beginning
Born at village Shafipur near Jalandhar. He is the son of S. Arjun Singh, and Ajit Kaur. He hails from peasant family. He was fond of singing from childhood. His inspiration was derived from the street singers who frequented the villages in the wee hours of the morning chanting devotional songs. At a young age, he had already established his mark with a unique style of singing nurtured in classical music, and readiness to improvise, he became a trendsetter in his field.
Background
Guru Ustad Puran Shahkoti Sahib, his guru who trained him, bestowed his surname 'Hans' on him. He also sang alongside late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for the film Kachhe Dhaage. He was the first singer to be invited to Pakistan, and won many hearts for his performance at the Gaddafi Stadium where he was personally felicitated by the then Premier of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif. Mr I.K.Gujral, The Honourable Prime Minister of India, also honoured him for his contribution to music.
Early Career
His first song was full of zeal and patriotic fervour "Shahide Azarn Bhagat Singh Di Ghori". He started his singing career from villages and then migrated to urban areas. ln between he had a short stint as Hero in Punjabi film "Melmdi Sh-ngnn Di" and guest appearance cum play back singer in Baisakhi ". He also sang alongside late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for film "Kache Dhage".
Music Albums
The list of his hit songs is endless. He has worked with many renowned music composers out of which the name of late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan stands out. So far he has prucoduced 15 Albums based on Sufiana Qalam (Qafi/Qawali Style), some of favourites among them are "Jogian De Kana Vich" and "Kook Papiye Wali". The song "IshaHe Di Gali " is best liked by him. Hans Raj Hans is the first and only Punjabi singer to figure prominently in TV serial "Surbhi". He was also the only Indian to be appointed Judge at Asia Song Contest in UK continuously for 3 years, out of which for 2 years he was co-Judge with late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
True Patriot
Despite the resounding success he is humble, polite, soft spoken and maintains a low key profile. At heart he is a true Indian and typical Punjabi. He proclaims "Mera Desh Meri Takdir Bhi Hai" (My Country is also my destiny) and maintains that his village "Shafipur" is the must beautiful place in the world and carries childhood memories with nostalagia wherever he may be.
An Individual
He loves to sing before stage audience. He is fond of Harmonium, Key Board, Surmandal and Eik Tura. He has very simple eating & living habits. Likes to devote most of his time towards singing. Being a vegetarian, relishes traditional "Makki Di Roti & Sarson Da Saag". He likes to read classic poets and is fond of listening classical music. He is an ardent lover of nature.To master his art of singing he has done an extensive research on "Sufi Saints" such as Baba Farid, Baba Bulle Shah, Shah Hussain, Hashmat Shah & Waris Shah.
He has been honoured with 'Fellowship' by Washington University tor "Folk Music and Sufiana Guiki".
A rare distinction for a Punjabi Singer.His singing career has bloomed since 1984 and is on the up swing. He has also acquired international status which has taken him to many foreign countries which include USA, Canada, England, Whole of Europe, Middle East, Australia, Manila & Singapore.
After 1947, he was the first Indian Singer to be invited to Pakistan. His stage performance at Gaddafi stadiurn Lahore in 1997 was loudly acclaimed by the appreciative audience and he was personally honoured by Nawaz Sharif, Prfme Minister of Pakistan.
He was also bestowed honour in a befitting ceremony by Mr. 1. K. Gujral, Hon'able Prime Minister of India during his recent visit to jalandhar for his dedication and contribution to the world of music.
A message
On lndia's 50th Year of Independence - He has a vibrant message to deliver "Ishaq Karo, Ishaq Karna Tumhara Paidaishi Haq Hai'-Magar Kion Na Iss Bar Wattan Ki Matti Ko Mashuq Banaa Lein'. (Love, Love is your birth right but this time why not make the Country our beloved). He maintains that love is transcendental and language of love through music is most potent force. He is confident that we can build bridges across the continents & our neighbours through Music because it is the only universal language of love and upon which the entire cosmic universe has been created.
For younger generation he says that success without Guru (Master) is not possible. He plans to revive rich heritage & culture of Indian Classical & Folk Music and bring back memories of good old days.
Edited by vinnie-thepooh - 18 years ago