Renowned Punjabi music composer Charanjit Ahuja, known for his evergreen melodies and contribution to Punjabi cinema, passed away at his Mohali residence on Sunday evening. He was 74 and had been battling throat cancer for several years, receiving treatment at PGI Chandigarh.

Ahuja leaves behind his wife, Sangeeta Ahuja, and three sons, all of whom are associated with the music industry. His son, Sachin Ahuja, is a well-known Punjabi music producer.

Over his long career, Charanjit Ahuja created several hit tracks for Punjabi films, including Kee Banu Duniyan Da (1986), Gabhroo Punjab Da (1986), Dushmani Jattan Di (1993), and Toofan Singh (2017).

He collaborated with legendary artists such as Amar Singh Chamkila, Gurdas Mann, Sardool Sikander, Kuldeep Manak, and many others, while also mentoring several emerging talents. He maintained a music studio in Delhi but had shifted to Mohali due to his illness.

Ahuja’s sudden demise sent waves of grief through the Punjabi music fraternity. Singers including Surjit Khan, Bai Hardeep, Satvinder Bagga, Gur Kirpal Surapuri, Sufi Balbir, Jelly, R Deep Raman, Bhupinder Babble, and Bil Singh expressed their condolences, paying tribute to his contribution to Punjabi music.

In a Facebook post, singer Pammi Bai shared his picture with Ahuja and wrote, “Your musical work will always be remembered.” Jasbir Jassi, Diljit Dosanjh, and Imtiyaz Ali also mourned his passing with posts on social media.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his grief on X, saying, “The passing away of Charanjit Ahuja is an irreparable loss to the Punjabi music industry. His compositions will forever reign in the hearts of Punjabis. My condolences to Sachin Ahuja, his family, and his fans.”

Charanjit Ahuja’s last rites will be performed on September 22 at Balongi crematorium in Mohali. His unique musical legacy and the artists he shaped leave behind a lasting imprint on Punjabi music.

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