In the 1950s and 60s, travelling was not as easy as it is presently, making it challenging for Kirtani ‘jathas’ from India to visit Malaysia frequently. There were a few local talents who were very popular at that time, and one of the most sought-after Kirtanis was Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar. On a more personal note, my parents’ Anand Karaj ceremony was performed by Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar, and the photo above commemorates the occasion.
Below is a more detailed biography about Bhai Ram Singh Ji Gulzar written by his daughter, Madam Savinder Kaur Ji.
“Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar was born in 1917. His village was Tetiah/Amritsar, in Punjab. He had two brothers and two sisters.
He was born into a Hindu family. While he was young, two of his brothers passed away. His mother then went to the Gurdwara and prayed to God that if God spared the life of her remaining son, she will make him a Sikh.
He studied English and music in Punjab University. At a young age, he moved to Singapore with his father. Then he moved to Malaya in the 1950s. He worked in the Administration at the Minister of Defence in Port Dickson.
In the early 1940s, he got married to Bibi Parkarsh Wati. He had six children; three boys and three girls. He was a very caring and loving husband and father. He provided well for all of them. Being the only son of his mother, he supported his widowed mother, his widowed sister and his three nieces. He got them married long before he got his children married.
He loved singing, especially doing Kirtan. He had a variety of musical instruments at home – such as the Harmonium, Bulbul Tarang, Tanpura, Jori and Dholki. He spent his free time practicing music and Kirtan.
His fondest memory of doing Kirtan was when he was given the opportunity to do Kirtan at Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar. The congregation at Harmandir Sahib enjoyed his melodious Kirtan so much that they requested that he continue doing Kirtan. He recalls that event as the highlight of his musical life.
He was well renowned for his Kirtan and was requested to do Kirtan at Gurdwaras in Malaysia and Singapore. Many a time, people had to request that he does Kirtan well in advance. Sometimes he went to two Gurdwaras in a day to do Kirtan. He enjoyed doing this as he loved Kirtan and Gurbani.
He enjoyed life and was very affected when his beloved wife passed away at an early age. He would always say that she passed away before she could enjoy her life. He passed away in 1991. His memories and love lives on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren and many others.”
If anyone has more recordings of photos of Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar, please contact us.
The recordings below are from a cassette contributed by S. Karl Gill from New Zealand. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – 01 Vichaar
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – 02 Rogan Te Ar Sogan Te
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – 03 Sewak Ke Bharpoor Jug Jug (Inc)
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – 04 Tu Mera Pita Tu Hai Mera Mata
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – 05 Ramaiya Houn Barik Tera
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – 06 Tum Karo Daya Mere Sain
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – 07 Dushat Mue Bikh Khai Ri Mai
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – 08 Mere Sahib Tu Main Maan Nimaani
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – 09 Tudh Sabh Kich Mainu Soupeya (Inc)
The Asa Ki Vaar below is a very special recording that Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar sang on his wife’s ‘Bhog’ in 1978. At the end of the Asa Ki Vaar, he dedicated a ‘Kavta’ to her, which he composed himself.
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – Asa Di Vaar (1978) Part 1
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – Asa Di Vaar (1978) Part 2
The recordings below were kindly shared by late Sardar Karam Singh Ji. These were recorded in 1974 on the birthday of Bhai Ram Singh Ji’s grandson.
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – 01 Thakur Tum Sharnai Aaya
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – 02 Meherwan Sahib Meherwan
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – 03 Rogan Te Ar Sogan Te
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – 04 Shaant Payi Gur Satgur
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – 05 Mere Sahib Tu Main Man Nimaani Part 1
Bhai Ram Singh Gulzar – 06 Mere Sahib Tu Main Man Nimaani Part 2
Another two Shabads from the collection of late Sardar Karam Singh Ji.
Many happy memories of Sdr Ram Singhji. He was a close friend of my father Balwant Singh and I attended his wife’s funeral in 1978. Would be good to see how his children are as we associated as youngsters in 60s,70s. My family also attended Rani and Suraj’s weddings in 70s.