Bhai Gulzar Singh Rangila (Phagwara)

Bhai Gulzar Singh Rangila was born in the city of Sheikhupura which is now in the Pakistani province of Punjab. He was born some time between 1923 to 1924 into the home of Bhai Mastan Singh Ji. Belonging to the Rababi tradition of music, he was trained by his father from a very young age and his talents were apparent even then. Bhai Mastan Singh Ji also sent him to the doyen of the Patiala Gharana at that time, Ustad Ashiq Ali Khan for further training in classical music. When Ustad Ashiq Ali Khan heard him sing for the first time, he too recognized the talents in this young boy and took him under his wing. Staying true to the ‘Guru-Shagird’ tradition of that time, Bhai Gulzar Singh Ji lived with his Ustad and served him for many years while absorbing the knowledge imparted by his Ustad. Once he had mastered the art, Bhai Gulzar Singh Ji formed a ‘jatha’ and they began to serve as Hazoori Raagis in Gurdwara Nankana Sahib. His ‘jatha’ consisted of his talented brothers, Bhai Darbara Singh Ji on his side and Bhai Kartar Singh Ji on tabla. They were adept in various forms of music such as Dhrupad, Dhamar, Bada Khayal and more. They also had a vast repertoire of old compositions handed down to them by their ancestors. Their family trace their roots to Bhai Abdul and Bhai Natha who were the court musicians of Guru Har Gobind Sahib Ji. The elders of this family took ‘Amrit’ approximately 200 years ago. 

Following the division of Punjab in 1947, their family moved to Phagwara and settled there. For a short period of time, they served as Hazoori Raagis in Gurdwara Sees Ganj Sahib in New Delhi, but then moved back to Phagwara. From then onward until his death in 2007, Bhai Gulzar Singh Rangila was not bounded in service to any Gurdwara. He performed Kirtan independently and with this freedom he got to travel abroad to America, Canada and Germany. He also performed in various Raag Darbars in India alongside other renowned Rababis and Raagis. One such Raag Darbar took place in Chandigarh to honour the memory of Bhai Mardana Ji. Many Rababis took part in this Raag Darbar and some of the prominent names include Bhai Jaswant Singh, Bhai Pal Singh (Jassa-Pala) and their younger brother, Bhai Gulzar Singh, the ‘jatha’ of Bhai Gurmukh Singh & Sarmukh Singh Fakkar, Bhai Mehar Singh Taan, and Bhai Joginder Singh & Mohinder Singh. Each ‘jatha’ performed their best and mesmerized the Sangat with their own styles. Those who appreciate the art were in pure bliss experiencing the performances before them. Once the Raag Darbar had concluded, these ‘jathas’ decided to have a musical gathering amongst themselves. During this ‘mehfil’, each of them showcased their talents one by one. Many enthusiasts of classical music had also gathered around to experience the display of this art. As one would expect with the gathering of such top-level artists, this ‘mehfil’ continued for hours and it was like a battlefield. Each one of them trying to outdo the other with their skills. After many gruelling hours, all the ‘jathas’ had concluded their performances but there was one person who kept going. Bhai Gulzar Singh Rangila could not stop singing as he had such a huge wealth of knowledge and compositions that would not come to an end. He also possessed many other qualities such as his command over various ‘Baanis’. He had memorized hundreds of Shabads from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Dasam Granth. He also had a good command over the poetry of Bhai Nand Lal Ji and the Vaaran of Bhai Gurdas Ji. Besides his talent in singing, he could do very good ‘Katha’ as well.

The information above was obtained from the book, ‘Gurmat Sangeet De Anmol Ratan’ written by the late Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa. The information was provided to him by Bhai Gulzar Singh Rangila’s nephew, Bhai Bhupinder Singh Paras who currently lives in Houston, Texas. Bhai Bhupinder Singh Paras and Bhai Gurvinder Singh Paras are sons of Bhai Darbara Singh Ji and both of them are continuing this tradition that have been passed down to them. If anyone has a photo or more recordings of Bhai Gulzar Singh Ji, please contact us.

 

The following recordings were contributed by Bhai Bhupinder Singh Paras. These recordings are of Bhai Gulzar Singh Ji Rangila in his later years but the talent that he possesses still shines through. As someone once told me, an ageing lion still roars. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!

Bhai Gulzar Singh Rangila – 01 Jap Man Satnaam (Sarang)

Bhai Gulzar Singh Rangila – 02 Gur Ki Moorat Man Meh

 

*New Recordings Added – 17th June 2022

 

Two more Shabads sung by Bhai Gulzar Singh Ji Rangila from a slightly earlier time than the recordings above. These recordings are from the collection of Late Sardar Manmohan Singh Marwaha.

Bhai Gulzar Singh Rangila – 01 Deenan Ki Prithpal (Malkauns)

Bhai Gulzar Singh Rangila – 02 Thaand Bhayo Main (Sindhi Bhairvi)