Bhai Balkar Singh Multani was born on April 4th, 1955, into the household of Sardar Singh Ji and Mata Kartar Kaur Ji, in Jaid Bassi village, district Kapurthala, Punjab. He was the second child among nine siblings.
His interest in music found its roots in familial influences, particularly through his paternal uncle, Giani Charan Singh Ji, a Granthi who performed melodious Kirtan within the local village Gurdwara. Additionally, his maternal uncle, Sardar Singh Dardi, was a Shiromani Kavishar and Dhadhi, further ignited Multani Ji’s passion for music.
Having completed his matriculation at Sant Prem Singh Secondary School, Multani Ji’s brother-in-law helped him to secure a job as a manager in a Gurdwara in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. He was employed at this Gurdwara for approximately one year. However, driven by his deep-seated affinity for music, he proceeded to enroll in the Sikh Missionary College at Buddhajohar in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, from 1974 to 1977. Under the tutelage of Prof. Pritam Singh Zakhmi, a revered figure in the field of Sikh music and a former teacher at the Central Khalsa Orphanage in Amritsar, Multani Ji acquired comprehensive musical training.
Subsequent to earning his Bachelor of Arts in Music, Multani Ji briefly engaged in Kirtan service in Ludhiana before relocating to Nakodar, where he spent a significant period from 1980 to 1983. It was during this time that he met Bhai Jasvir Singh, who later joined his ‘jatha’ after learning to play the tabla from Multani Ji. Moving back to Ludhiana, Multani Ji served as a Hazoori Raagi at Gurdwara Model Town, followed by a brief stint at Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib. His next service was at Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Mission in Jalandhar, where he served as Hazoori Raagi from 1991 to 1995.
Multani Ji’s international tours began in 1989 with visits to Thailand and Malaysia, subsequently to Canada in 1994 and 1995. A more extensive tour spanning England, the United States of America, and Canada followed in 1996. Over the ensuing years, he undertook multiple trips to Canada between 1997 and 1999, and then to England again in 2000, where Bhai Jasvir Singh decided to remain and establish residence.
Multani Ji also served as a Hazoori Raagi at Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji in Amritsar for many years, and occasionally performed Kirtan at Sri Harmandir Sahib as well. Regrettably, Multani Ji had to resign due to health concerns, and passed away peacefully on February 1st, 2021. He is survived by his son and two daughters. One of Multani Ji’s brothers, Bhai Avtar Singh Ji, who had accompanied him on the side harmonium, continues to perform Kirtan and is carrying forward the tradition.
If anyone has more information or recordings of Bhai Balkar Singh Ji, please contact us.
The recordings below are from a Kirtan Darbar held on 19th March 1994 at Dixie Rd. Mississauga. These were contributed by Sardar Balkar Singh Dhesi from Toronto. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 01 Man Kaha Bisario Raam Naam (Basant)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 02 Raj Lila Tere Naam Banaee
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 03 Gali Asi Changiya
The next batch of recordings were kindly contributed by the family of late Sardar Inderjit Singh Katari. These Shabads were recorded at Scarborough Gurdwara, Toronto.
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 01 Saajanra Mera Saajanra (Malkauns)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 02 Banda Kahiyai Soee
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 03 Kya Socheh Baarang Baara
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 04 Ab Hum Chali Thakur Peh Haar
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 05 Dhiro Dekh Tumhare Ranga (Kalyan)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 06 Satgur Mera Poora
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 07 Galee Assi Changiyan
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 08 Kahu Kok Ki Kahani (Incomplete)
The Asa Ki Vaar below was also contributed by the family of late Sardar Inderjit Singh Katari.
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Asa Ki Vaar at Scarborough Gurdwara
The following recordings were obtained from Preet Videos in Toronto, Canada.
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 01 Tu Mera Raakha Sabhni Thaee
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 02 Oocha Mohan Sabh Te Oocha
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 03 Jis Jan Oopar Teri Kirpa
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 04 Sabhe Ichan Pooriya
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 05 Lakh Khushiyan Patshaiyan
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 06 Waheguru Simran
The recordings below were kindly contributed by Sardar Nachatar Singh Sahota.
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 01 Barse Megh Sakhi (Raag Kafi)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 02 Din Rati Aradho Piaro
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 03 Mere Man Gur Gur Sad Kariya (Inc)
The recordings below are from the Boston Sikh Sangat Gurdwara in 2006. These were obtained from the ‘Sikh Sangeet’ website.
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 01 Ek Jo Sadhu Mohe Mileyo
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 02 Mere Raam Raayae
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 03 Aisee Kirpaa Mohe Karo
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 04 Hum Apraadhee Sad Bhooltae
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 05 Mera Mann Laagaa Hai
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 06 Tu Mero Pyaroo Taan
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 07 Kanthae Malaa Jehvaa
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 08 Koi Aan Milaava
Shabads from the album ‘Mera Man Laga Hai’ released by Gurbani Ras.
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 01 Mera Man Laga Hai
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 02 Re Man Ot Leho Har Naama
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 03 Waheguru Waheguru
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 04 Houn Vaari Houn Vaarne
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 05 Nahi Chhodoon Re
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 06 Hum Santan Sion (Incomplete)
Shabads from the album ‘Sabh Te Vada Satgur Nanak’ released by Gurbani Ras.
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 01 Sabh Te Vada Satgur Nanak
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 02 Gur Poore Meri Rakh Layi
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 03 Madho Hum Aise Tu Aisa
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 04 Prabh Milbe Ko
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 05 Kaheya Karna Dita Lehna
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 06 Mere Ram Har Jan Ke
Shabads from the album ‘Naam Japahu Naam Japahu’ released by Gurbani Ras.
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 01 Naam Japahu Naam Japahu
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 02 Tu Mera Tarang Hum Meen
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 03 Rakh Pita Prabh Mere
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 04 Ekai Ekai Ek Tuhi
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 05 Lakh Khushian Patshaiyan
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 06 Galli Assi Changiyan
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 07 Tera Thaan Suhaawa
Shabads from the album ‘Aao Ji Tu Aao Hamare’ released by Gurbani Ras.
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 01 Saajno Tu Meet Mera
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 02 Soi Dhiaye Jiare
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 03 Tis Jan Ke Pag Nit
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 04 Anand Bhaya Vadhbhagio
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 05 Aao Ji Tu Aao Hamare
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 06 Tu Visre Ta Sabh Ko Laagu
Shabads from the album ‘Ek Daata Ek Daata’ released by Gurbani Ras.
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 01 Ek Daata Ek Daata
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 02 Chaar Padarath Je Ko
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 03 Parbrahm Nibaahi Poori
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 04 Mohe Machli Tum Neer
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 05 Bin Har Kaam Na Aavat
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 06 Ditha Sabh Sansar
Shabads from the album ‘Jap Man Mere Gobind Ki Bani’.
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 01 Jap Man Mere Gobind Ki Bani
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 02 Tu Prabh Daata Daan Mat Poora
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 03 Mere Preetma Houn Jeeva
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 04 Sham Sundar Taj Neend Kyo Aayi
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 05 Satgur Daya Kare Sukhdaata
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 06 Kaam Krodh Lobh Jhooth
*New Recordings Added – 13th April 2024
The cassette below was kindly contributed by Sardar Chattar Singh Duwa from Bangkok, Thailand. These recordings were done by him on 20th August 1989.
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 01 Sabhe Kaaj Sohelarhe Theeyai
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 02 Koi Aan Milaave Mera Pritam Piara
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 03 Koi Bole Ram Ram Koi Khudaye
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 04 Sabh Dhan Kaho Gur Satguru
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 05 Galli Assi Changiyan Achari Buriyan
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 06 Saajanra Mera Saajanra
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – 07 Jaag Salonrhiye Bole Gurbani Ram
The large collection of recordings below were recorded in England by Sardar Jarnail Singh Virdee in 1996. Recordings courtesy of Veer Indy Saggu.
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Aao Sakhi Har Mail Kareha
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Ab Hum Challi Takur Peh Har
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Ab Tab Jab Kab Tuhi Tuhi
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Ab Tou Jaye Chade Singhasan
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Antarjami So Prabh Poora
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Apne Das Ka Sada Rakhvala
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Bandana Har Bandana
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Bhalo Bhalo Re Kirtaniya
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Bhini Rehenriye Chamkan Tare
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Bhor Bheyi Bhairav Gun Gao (Guldasta)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Bin Bhagha Satsang Na Labai
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Bin Tel Diva Kyu Jalai
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Chaopai Sahib (1)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Chaopai Sahib (2)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Dagmag Chhad Re Mun Boura
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Deen Duniya Teri Tek (Bhairvi)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Dhur Ki Bani Ayi Tin Sagli Chint Mitayi
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Din Rati Aradho Piaro
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Ek Pita Ekas Ke Hum Barak
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Galliye Chikar Door Kar
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Gur Jesa Nahi Ko Dev
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Gursikh Har Bolo Mere Bhai
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Gursikh Jogi Jagadai (1)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Gursikh Jogi Jagadai (2)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Har Bin Jeo Jal Bal Jao
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Har Gun Gao Mana Satgur Sev Piar
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Har Har Jan Doe Ek Hai (Malkauns)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Har Har Naam Nidhaan Hai
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Har Jait Jaranda Loriye Jis Agai Sabh Nivan
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Har Ka Naam Ridhai Nit Dhiyayi (Kalyan)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Ho Aya Dooro Chal Kai
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Hum Aparadhi Sadh Bhooltai
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Inhi Ki Kirpa Kai Sajai Hum Hai (Bhairvi)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Jaag Solonariye Bolai Gurbani Raam
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Jai Jai Karan Srist Ubaran (Malkauns)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Jis Vakhar Ko Lain Tu Aya
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Jo Nar Dukh Mai Dukh Nahi Maanai
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Kabir Man Nirmal Bheyaa
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Kahe Re Ban Kojan Jaye
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Kaho Kok Ki Kahani Kaho Raja Kaho Rani
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Kak Santan Ki Deho Piare
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Kar Kirpa Kirpal Apai Bakas Lai
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Keerat Prabh Ki Gao Meri Rasna (Darbari)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Koi Aavai Santo Har Ka Jan Santo
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Main Banda Bai Khareed
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Man Halee Kirsaani Karanee
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Maye Moro Pritam Raam Batavo Re Maye
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Meethe Har Gun Gaao
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Mera Mun Laaga Hai
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Mere Mun Gur Gur Gur Sadh Kariye
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Mere Sahib Tu Main Maan Nimaani
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Meri Abhe Benti Sun Leejai (Madhuvanti)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Mohe Machhlee Tum Neer
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Mokau Tu Na Bisaar
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Naam Bina Maati Sang Raleeya
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Naam Japo Mere Saajan Sina
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Nahi Chhodoon Re Baba Ram Naam
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Nanak Chuleeaan Sucheeaan
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Paarbraham Nibaahi Poori
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Paati Torai Maalni (Kafi)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Reham Teri Sukh Paya Sada Nanak Ki Aardas
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Sajno Tu Meet Mera Greh Tere Sabh Keho
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Sewak Ki Orhak Nibhee Preet
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Simran (1)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Simran (2)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Suami Saran Pario Darbare (Kedara)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Sun Sun Jeeva Soe Tumari
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Sun Yaar Hamare Sajan Ek Karo Benantiya
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Sunho Loka Mai Prem Ras Paya
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Takur Jio Tuharo Parana (Bhimpalasi)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Tera Naam Rooro Roop Rooro
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Teri Saran Mere Deen Daiyala (Kafi)
Bhai Balkar Singh Multani – Tis Jan Kai Pag Nit Poojiye
I have lots of recordings of Bhai Sahib from his UK tours done at Gurdwara Graham Street Birmingham but still needs to be digitised.I will forward when done.
excellent kirtan from bhai sahib , he was a very talented person.
I have a few recordings of bhai sahib when he visited UK and stayed with us at gurdwara graham street for 3 weeks . I recorded them on audio tapes and will be digitising shortly and will send them to you when done.
Looking forward to hear those recordings. We’ve not come across many live recordings of Bhai Sahib so far and it would be great to listen to those. Thank you once again.
My family was very active at Ontario Khalsa Darbar Dixie. We went daily; Bhai Sahib met my mother and developed a connection. He used to call her his daughter; at one point, everyone in the gurdwara thought she was her actual daughter. My mom was a big fan of his classical kirtan; he could do every Raag flawlessly. One story my mom tells me is that one day Bhai Sahib’s throat was severely hurting. He could hardly even speak, but he had Kirtan Sewa that day. When doing Kirtan, his voice went completely back to normal, and he was singing Kirtan magnificently. But as soon as Kirtan stopped, he could hardly speak again. Bhai Sahib had lost someone very dear to him who he believes had reincarnated into my mother, which is why he had such a close connection with her. He even yelled at my mom, saying that she did not learn to do kirtan in her last life and that she is refusing to do so again. He taught my mom Kirtan and tried his best to be there many times. He even remembered the village she was from and got her number just to call her. Bhai Sahib is one of the many reasons my family is closer to Sikhi. I cannot thank him enough for what he has done for my family and many other Sikhs across the globe. Although I was very little during these times I still listen to his kirtan sometimes. He was truly unique and an inspiration for me and my family.