Punjabi music composer Charanjit Ahuja dies, Diljit Dosanjh and CM Bhagwant Mann pay tribute

Renowned Punjabi music composer Charanjit Ahuja passed away on Sunday evening (September 22) at his residence in Mohali. He was 74 years old and had been battling throat cancer for several years. Ahuja was receiving treatment at PGI Chandigarh. His sudden demise has left the Punjabi music community and fans in deep mourning.

Condolences from political and film circles

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his grief on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “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."

Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh also paid tribute on Instagram, sharing a photograph of Ahuja with a note in Punjabi: “Music di growth lai jina kam Charanjit Ahuja ji ne kita shaid hee kiskey de hissey Auna… Ona walon create kita music sadey naal hai te hamesha rahega. A True Legend."

Ahuja’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from the Punjabi music community. Singers including Surjit Khan, Bai Hardeep, Satvinder Bagga, Gur Kirpal Surapuri, Sufi Balbir, Jelly, R Deep Raman, Bhupinder Babble and Bil Singh honoured his contributions to the industry.

On Facebook, singer Pammi Bai shared a photograph with Ahuja, writing, “Your musical work will always be remembered." Other prominent artists, including Jasbir Jassi, Diljit Dosanjh, and Imtiyaz Ali, also expressed their grief on social media.

The funeral

Charanjit Ahuja’s funeral will be held on September 22 at Balongi Crematorium in Mohali. He is survived by his wife, Sangeeta Ahuja, and three sons, all of whom are involved in the music industry. His son, Sachin Ahuja, is a well-known Punjabi music producer.

Legacy in Punjabi music

Throughout his career, Charanjit Ahuja composed music for several hit Punjabi films, including Kee Banu Duniyan Da (1986), Gabhroo Punjab Da (1986), Dushmani Jattan Di (1993), and Toofan Singh (2017). While he primarily worked from his Delhi studio, he had moved to Mohali in recent years due to his illness.