Last week, Dr Gurcharan Mall celebrated his 73rd birthday in style by releasing a brand-new song – a vibrant and upbeat anthem that pays tribute to the gift of friendship.
The track, titled ‘Sadi Dosti, Sada Pyaar’ (translated as ‘Our Friendship, Our Love’), premiered last Friday (7th March) and has already received widespread praise online. With over 100,000 views and counting, listeners are embracing its positive and uplifting energy.
Picture credit: Dr Gurcharan Mall
Dr Mall, a celebrated musician and pioneer of Punjabi arts, not only composed and co-wrote the song but also brought together 38 musicians from across the globe to contribute to the track.
“I love to do things that are ambitious and exciting. If it doesn’t give me sleepless nights, then I think the project is not worth doing,” Dr Mall told Pukaar in an exclusive interview.
“You keep on thinking, and bigger ideas keep coming into my mind. God is a wonderful thing – He gives me ideas,” added the Birmingham-based musician. “This is not my project – it’s not my ideas. It is God working through me, and I am happy to be that vessel.”
Dr Mall’s legacy in music spans over five decades, during which he has achieved remarkable milestones. Renowned for popularising Dhol drumming on a global scale, he has dedicated his life to promoting Punjabi arts and culture.
In 2018, he organised the world’s largest Bhangra dance in Punjab, India, a feat that involved 4,411 participants and earned him a world record. He was also the first artist to introduce Bhangra to UK schools in the late 1970s, cementing his reputation as a musician, tutor, author, and cultural ambassador.
Picture credit: Dr Gurcharan Mall
Dr Mall’s contributions have been widely recognised, including an Honorary Degree for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Punjabi Arts’. Over the years, he has shared the stage with international icons such as Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Madonna.
“God is great. Whatever you do, there is a reward if you’re doing it from the heart,” he reflected when asked about his success.
“I’ve spent my entire life promoting Punjabi art and culture. I’m the only artist in the world to have received 11 lifetime achievement awards, but I don’t look for awards. I simply focus on my work, and that’s what I’ll continue to do until the day I die.”
At 73, Dr Mall’s passion for his craft remains undiminished, fuelling his youthful spirit and drive.
“I work daily. I don’t think too far ahead because I live for today,” he revealed.
“My focus right now is on promoting this song and ensuring it reaches as many people as possible. After that? Only God knows. Tomorrow, He may give me another idea and say, ‘Son, do this.’ Until then, I’ll wait for His order.”
To listen to ‘Sadi Dosti, Sada Pyaar’, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbJugMIubG8&ab_channel=PapaJoe%27sRecords
