Punjabi Singer and Actor Rajvir Jawanda Passes Away at 35: Fans and Celebrities Mourn the Loss

The untimely death of Rajvir Jawanda, a former policeman turned popular Punjabi singer and actor, has sent shockwaves through Punjab and the Indian entertainment industry. The 35-year-old artist passed away on Wednesday, succumbing to injuries sustained in a tragic road accident that occurred 11 days earlier in Himachal Pradesh.

According to reports, Jawanda suffered severe injuries after he lost control of his motorcycle in a collision with cattle while travelling through Solan district. Despite receiving treatment, he could not recover from his injuries.

A beloved figure in Punjab’s music scene, Jawanda’s songs — often filled with messages of love, patriotism, and cultural pride — resonated deeply with fans, especially the youth. His YouTube channel boasts over 900,000 subscribers, and his music videos have garnered millions of views.

Known for blending modern storytelling with traditional Punjabi folk rhythms, Jawanda created a unique soundscape that was both fresh and relatable. His songs’ catchy beats and meaningful lyrics made them popular in clubs as well as among folk music enthusiasts.

Beyond his musical prowess, Jawanda also acted in several Punjabi films, expanding his creative repertoire. What truly set him apart, however, was his “clean image”, with fans often noting that he stayed away from controversies and refrained from referencing drugs or gun violence, themes that dominate much of contemporary Punjabi music.

A passionate biker, Jawanda frequently shared videos and photos of his rides through North India’s picturesque mountains. He embraced adventure wholeheartedly and often preferred camping in tents over staying in hotels during his travels.

Following his tragic death, grief-stricken fans took to social media to express sorrow and demand better road safety measures in India, urging authorities to improve infrastructure to prevent such accidents.

Jawanda’s life story is as inspiring as it is tragic. Hailing from a small village in Punjab, he grew up in a police family, with his father serving in the state police. Music, however, was a part of his life from the very beginning. In one interview, he revealed that his love for music blossomed from listening to Punjabi ballads performed by local musicians, often accompanied by his grandfather to such performances. He also learned to play the trumpet from his father as a child.

After studying theatre at Punjab University, Jawanda initially pursued a career in law enforcement, joining the Punjab Police as a constable. Even while serving for nine years, his passion for music never waned. “In an interview, Jawanda recalled how sometimes, after a night shift with the police, he did recordings or shows during the day.”

Eventually, Jawanda decided to follow his heart and pursue music full-time — a decision that led to immense success. His live shows were often packed, and his soulful voice earned him a loyal fanbase across India and abroad.

Despite fame, Jawanda remained deeply connected to his roots. He was an active participant in the 2020 farmers’ protests, standing in solidarity with farmers opposing the government’s agricultural reforms. He spent days and nights with the protesters, using his platform to urge fans to join the movement. “He would also give speeches on stage and lift the farmers' spirits by singing folk songs.”

His sudden demise has left an irreplaceable void in Punjab’s music industry and in the hearts of countless fans. Political leaders and artists alike have expressed condolences.

Manish Sisodia, senior leader of Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party, mourned the singer’s death, saying his “soulful voice will live on in every heartbeat of Punjab.” Former state chief minister Amarinder Singh echoed the sentiment, stating that the singer’s “soulful voice and passion touched many lives.”

Rajvir Jawanda’s legacy — a blend of discipline, art, and authenticity — will continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans across the nation.