Dolly Guleria
Dolly Guleria (born 13 April 1949) is an Indian folk singer in Punjabi. She is the daughter of Professor Jogindra Singh and the legendary folk singer Surinder Kaur, popularly known as 'The Nightingale of Punjab'.[1]
Career
Guleria aspired to be a doctor, being a medical student. In 1970 she married Army Officer Col. S.S.Guleria[2] and had a daughter, Sunaini, and two sons, Dilpreet Singh and Amanpreet Singh. After settling down with motherhood she was encouraged by her husband to continue her training in classical music on getting an opportunity to become the disciple of a very learned Ustad, 'Khan Sahib’ Abdul Rehman Khan, of 'Patiala Gharana' who trained her in the field of classical music[3] as the foundation with specific aptitude to implement the same in light classical and folk singing.
Devotionally inclined since childhood, under the able guidance of her Ustad, she chose to release her solo debut album in Gurbani in Ragas and sang "Rehraas Sahib" the evening 'Paath' in its original ragas. Subsequently albums were released of Punjabi folk songs, some with her mother[4] and some solo including Shabad Kirtan, poetry of Shiv Kumar Batalvi,[1] Bhai Veer Singh and other renowned writers.[3]
She has also contributed her voice as playback singer in Punjabi films such as Rab Dian Rakhaan, Deson Pardes and Main Maa Punjab Di.[3]
Recognition
During her goodwill and cultural exchange visit to Pakistan in November 1997 she and her daughter Sunaini enthralled the audience of Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore and in Faislabad (Layalpur) at the Chenab Club with her music. She was honoured with a golden plaque of Minar-e-Pakistan[3] and a Gold Medal her outstanding contribution.
Personal life
She enjoys live performances and the immediate response of the audience boosts her morale. She wishes to make sincere efforts to keep the Punjabi music alive in its purest form.[5] She is teaching music to dedicated students who are enrolled in her Nightingale Music Academy.[2]
References
- "Ru-ba-ru with Dolly Guleria". Indian Express. 4 October 1999. Retrieved 1 April 2011.
- "Working Partners". Indian Express. 18 June 2010. Retrieved 1 April 2011.
- "Her mother's daughter". The Tribune. 31 July 1998. Retrieved 1 April 2011.
- "The Nightingale of Punjab Falls Silent". OhmyNews. 17 June 2006. Retrieved 1 April 2011.
- "Concern over vulgarity in Punjabi music". Indian Express. 7 August 2006. Retrieved 1 April 2011.