Harrdy Sandhu

Once a cricketer with promise as a formidable bowler on the pitch, Punjabi singer Harrdy Sandhu is now among the pop artists dominating India’s music scene. Former pacer Sandhu (born 6 September 1986 in Patiala) rubbed shoulders with future greats of the Indian cricket squad, but an elbow injury in 2006 prompted a brief move to Australia to seek treatment. While there, he took on a gig as a taxi driver and indulged in his passion for singing behind the wheel. Following his return to India and a recurrence of his injury, Sandhu embarked on a dramatic career change by taking up vocal training. Soon he was on the path to being a bankable voice for Punjabi mainstays such as B. Praak—who teamed up with Sandhu for two early hits that capture the dynamism of the singer’s pop style, “Soch” and “Joker”. By 2016 he had found favour with major labels T-Series and Sony Music India. And he has established his cred as an affable pop artist with a casual, playboy image which, along with a tendency for sun-dappled beats like 2019’s flamenco-tinged “Dance Like”, makes Sandhu’s music perfect for the clubs.