By Neel’ (Sangrur)

Renowned folk singer Manpreet Akhtar died of heart attack and brain hemorrhage while under emergency treatment in a hospital of Patiala at the age of 50+, on Sunday, the 17th January, 2015. She was the real sister of famous Punjabi singer (late) Dilshaad Akhtar. Akhtar was famous for her classic singing style. She played the role of playback singer for several Pollywood and Hollywood movies. She had sung the song ‘Tum Gaye Gham Naheen…’. Song ‘Tujhe Yaad Naa Meri Aayi…’ in the Hindi film Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai which is a milestone in that film. When we look towards her contribution to the Punjabi singing, we see that ‘Sammi Meri Waar…’, ‘Beriye Nee…’ etc. are her famous Punjabi folk songs which will sooth several hearts for the years. There was a classical touch in her voice which she had presented in almost all the songs sung by her. Whenever, she had been asked anything about her brother Dilshaad, she always replied with the full enthusiasm that she is committed to complete the task initiated by her departed brother.

She was serving as a music teacher and of course, she taught a lot to her son too. Success of the son is always a matter of joy for evry loving and caring mother. Co-incidentally, Manpreet, being a mother, was celebrating in connection with the release of a song ‘Warka’, sung by her son Naveed Akhtar, when she felt pains at about midnight and was brought to the hospital where endeavors were made but all in vain, resulting in her sad demise.

Rupinder Handa, Harbhajan Mann, Pammi Bai and several other noted singers marked their presence while the precious body of the melodious singer was buried at Patiala.

Though, untimely death of Manpreet Akhtar is a great loss to the music industry yet, she will live forever through her adored folk & classic songs.

‘Neel’ (Sangrur)
nannuneel77@gmail.com
+91-9-41-847-0707