Satinder Sartaaj

Satinder Sartaaj

Satinder Sartaaj is a Punjabi singer, poet, teacher and performer from Bajrawar village in Hoshiarpur district, Punjab. He grows up in a rural setting and develops an early interest in music after hearing the flute and sarangi played by travelling folk musicians. He begins performing in school Bal Sabhas in Class 3, which he describes as the start of his musical path.

Education and academic work

He studies Music Honours at Government College, Hoshiarpur, while also completing a five-year Sangeet Visharad diploma in classical music in Jalandhar. He later moves to Panjab University, Chandigarh, for a master’s degree in music. He also completes an MPhil and a PhD with a specialisation in Sufi music. To engage more deeply with Sufi poetry, he studies Persian through certificate and diploma courses. He then teaches in the Department of Music at Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Writing, style and themes

His work combines Punjabi culture, Sufi thought and poetry. He writes under the poetic name Sartaaj, and his songs are closely associated with mysticism, nature and spiritual ideas. He says that his writing becomes more central to his work than anything else, and many of his compositions are dedicated to nature. His singing is described as being in a distinct personal style, with a wide vocal range.

Career and recognition

He appears in a documentary on the life of Sayyad Waris Shah on Zee Punjabi in 2003 and also appears as a guest artist on the Zee Antakshri programme with Anu Kapoor. He wins a scholarship in Sufi music from the Government of India’s Department of Culture and is first runner-up in the 24th All-India Light Vocal competition. He also receives the title from the Punjab Heritage Foundation in Patiala.

He performs live concerts with his troupe in Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi and other parts of India, and he is interviewed by television channels and radio outlets including Zee Punjabi, PBC Channel and Punjab Radio Edmonton Canada. He also receives honours from a number of institutions and organisations, including Panjab University Chandigarh, Punjabi University Patiala, Army Headquarters Chandigarh, Indian Microelectronics Society, Global Punjab Organization Delhi, OSHO World Delhi and Panchkula, Deputy Commissioner Mansa and DAV Group of Institutions. He is also named Youth Icon Award recipient by Rotaract Club Chandigarh.

Festival and public performances

He performs at the Dubai International Cultural Festival, where he receives a Best Sufi Singer award, and the event draws applause from audiences from many countries. He is also invited to judge music competitions by various institutions, colleges and universities.