‘Yaar Bolda…’: Lyricist Shamsher Sandhu engages audience in candid literary evening in Chandigarh
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 12, 2026: A vibrant literary gathering was held at Punjab Kala Bhawan as the Punjabi Writers' Association Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Punjab Kala Parishad, organized an interactive session with renowned lyricist and senior journalist Shamsher Sandhu.
The event, titled ‘Yaar Bolda…’, drew a large and enthusiastic audience. The session was conducted in an engaging conversational format by noted sports writer and Deputy Director (Public Relations), Navdeep Gill, who led an insightful dialogue with Sandhu.
General Secretary Bhupinder Singh Malik described Sandhu as a celebrated name in Punjabi lyricism, whose work resonates across generations. Secretary Sukhwinder Singh Sidhu, in his welcome address, highlighted how Sandhu’s meaningful lyrics helped shape the success of several singers, including Surjit Bindrakhia and Satwinder Bitti.
Adding a musical touch, singer Mandeep Kaur Marar captivated the audience with a soulful rendition of Sandhu’s popular song “Peke Hundu Maavan Naal.” Another highlight was a performance by Davinder Kaur Dhillon, who also shared insights into the making of the iconic song “Yaar Bolda.”
During the session, Navdeep Gill traced Sandhu’s journey from a teacher to an accomplished journalist and lyricist, noting his contribution of over 500 songs and 68 albums. Sandhu’s works have been rendered by almost every major Punjabi singer, with classics like “Tere ’ch Tera Yaar Bolda” continuing to remain popular at celebratory occasions.
In his candid interaction, Shamsher Sandhu shared anecdotes from his life and literary journey, recalling his association with eminent Punjabi writers such as Shiv Kumar Batalvi, Surjit Patar, and Avtar Pash. He credited his success to reading great literature and emphasized the richness of Punjab’s folk traditions in shaping his creative work
The session also featured a lively question-and-answer round, with prominent attendees engaging in discussions on Sandhu’s songwriting process and journalistic experiences.
The event witnessed the presence of several noted writers, journalists, singers, and intellectuals, making it a memorable celebration of Punjabi literature and music.