Mohali (Gurpreet Singh): The Punjabi music world has lost one of its towering figures with the passing of Charanjit Ahuja, the legendary composer who shaped the soundscape of Punjabi melodies for over four decades. Ahuja, aged 74, succumbed to throat cancer on Sunday evening at his residence in Mohali after a prolonged battle with the illness. He had been receiving treatment at PGI Chandigarh.
News of his demise has cast a shadow over the cultural fraternity, as Ahuja was regarded as a mentor and inspiration for generations of singers. His work, celebrated for its depth and timelessness, defined the golden era of Punjabi music and continues to echo in today’s creations.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his condolences, saying Ahuja’s death was a monumental loss for Punjab’s cultural heritage. He emphasized that the maestro’s songs would remain etched in the collective memory of music lovers.
Renowned singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh also remembered the composer with deep respect, stating that Ahuja’s artistry had paved the way for countless artists and that his influence would never fade.
Often hailed as the soul behind Punjabi melodies, Charanjit Ahuja leaves behind an enduring legacy that bridges the past with the present. For many, his compositions are not just songs but memories of an era that defined Punjabi identity and pride.