Punjabi folk singer Gurmeet Bawa passes away

AMRITSAR/CHANDIGARH: Noted Punjabi folk singer Gurmeet Bawa, who was famously known as ‘Hek di rani’ and ‘Punjab di koyal’, passed away here on Sunday in a private hospital at the age of 77. Gurmeet, who was known for holding her ‘hek’ for 45 seconds, was keeping unwell after the demise of her elder daughter Lachi Bawa in February 2020.
Her husband Kirpal Bawa said for the past 4-5 days Gurmeet was complaining of pain in legs.After brief medical treatment, she was admitted to a private hospital on airport road where she breathed her last on Sunday morning.
Punjab governor Banwarilal Purohit and chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi expressed deep condolences over the demise of Gurmeet Bawa.“The death of the Nightingale of Punjab is a great loss to Punjab and Punjabi folk lovers worldwide,” said the governor. He added that a presidential citation holder and winner of many national and international accolades, Bawa will always be remembered for her contribution to folk singing.
Channi, while sharing his old photo with Bawa, tweeted, “Shocked and saddened to hear the news of Gurmeet Bawa Ji’s demise. Her contribution to Punjabi folk music is indelible. My sincere condolences, thoughts & prayers are with her family.” Virsa Vihar secretary Bhupinder Singh said she had represented India in the field of music and had brought pride to Punjab and sang Punjabi folk songs in various Bollywood films and other stages.