Kanth Kaler – Punjabi singer and composer associated with independent music

Kanth Kaler is a Punjabi pop singer and composer best known for sad songs. Apart from songs in Bhangra and folk, he also released album songs in devotional genre. Till now he has released more than 2 dozens of musical albums, belonging to different genres, and as a stage performer he is popular for his appeal as a mass entertainer. Punjabi film Chhevan Dariya marks his playback singing debut.

Kanth Kaler was born in year 1972 in Nakodar, Jalandhar, Punjab into a middle-class family. He started formal learning in music at the age of 10. He used to sing at school events, and his talent was well promoted by his teachers. He also successfully participated in many talent hunt shows and won youth festival singing competition three years in a row.

One of his friends became instrumental in his career beginning

His career took a big turn when one of his cassettes which he recorded casually was bought by his friend. The cassette was recorded at a local shop. The friend was the nephew of famous lyricist Madan Jalandhari. Impressed by Kaler’s rendition, he took the cassette to his uncle. He was later invited by Madan to Jalandhar to personally meet him. But Kaler was initially reluctant as he didn’t have enough money for travel expenses. Yet he reached Jalandhar and first album ‘Hun teri nigah badal gayi’ was released around 2 years later, with the help of the lyricist.

He pens lyrics and also composes songs

Some of his released independent pop albums include – Intezar, Aadat, Ik Saah, Fanna, Doriya, Tu Chete Ave, Anmol – The Priceless, Daaru, Teri Yaad Sajna etc, apart from devotional ones. Udikan, Teri Yaad Sajna, Dass Asi Kehra Tere Bina, Hun Teri Nigah Badal Gai etc are among his hit singles. He loves rich lyrics, and has penned a few of his hit singles. He doesn’t rule out his chances to become an actor in future. He has also judged a few singing reality shows on television.

Kanth Kaler – Some interesting and less-known facts

1. His real name is Harvinder Kaler. He changed his name after a spiritual guru Baba Murad Shah suggested him to add the word, ‘Kanth’ to his name.

2. He changed his name only after the release of his first few albums.

3. He composes his own tunes for his albums.

4. “Intezaar” is his favourite album from the list of first 7 releases.

5. Dal Makhani is his favourite dish.