The year was 1973. In Mumbai’s recording studios, Raj Kapoor sought a voice blending rustic charm and spiritual profundity for ‘Bobby’. He found it in Narendra Chanchal, mesmerizing him with Bulleh Shah at a fundraiser. The result? ‘Beshak Mandir Masjid Tode’ exploded, earning Chanchal Filmfare glory and Bollywood entry.
But his heart lay beyond reels, in devotion’s embrace. Amritsar-born in 1940 as Narendra Kharbanda, his moniker ‘Chanchal’ reflected boundless vitality, gifted by a teacher. Mother Kailashwati’s bhakti, through aartis and temple sojourns, ignited his passion.
A dark chapter: total voice loss. Undeterred, prayers to Mata Rani restored it, mightier than before – a divine intervention that redefined his life.
Chanchal elevated jagarans to movements, vocally battling female infanticide, dowry, parental dishonor. Masterpieces ‘Chalo Bulava Aaya Hai’ and ‘Tune Mujhe Bulaya’ created ecstatic unions of faith.
His Vaishno Devi devotion was legendary. Katra’s December 29 ritual drew ‘Chanchal Mela’ crowds, winter be damned. Echoes of his songs sustain pilgrims’ climbs today.
International acclaim followed, with US Georgia’s honorary citizenship linking overseas Indians to roots. Pandemic-era ‘Kitho Aaya Corona’ video captured his enduring fire.
January 22, 2021, marked his departure. Yet, in homes awakening to ‘Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali’, he thrives eternally. ‘Midnight Singer’ inspires: authentic devotion lifts the ordinary to extraordinary.