Australia’s Punjabi community has joined fans across the globe in mourning the death of popular singer and actor Rajvir Jawanda, who passed away on Wednesday morning after battling for life for nearly 11 days following a motorcycle accident in Himachal Pradesh.
The 35-year-old artist, who had performed across Australia and New Zealand in 2018 as part of the Desi Mela tour, sustained severe head and spinal injuries when his 1300cc motorcycle reportedly collided with stray cattle near Baddi in Solan district on 27 September.
It is reported in local Indian media that Jawanda was initially rushed to a local hospital in Solan, where he is said to have suffered a cardiac arrest, before being transferred to Fortis Hospital, Mohali, for specialised treatment.
Despite being placed on ventilator support and receiving round-the-clock care from critical care and neurosciences teams, his condition remained critical until his passing.
Jawanda, who was married and a father of two young children, hailed from Pona village in Ludhiana’s Jagraon. His death has sent shockwaves through the Punjabi entertainment industry, with tributes pouring in from artists and fans around the world.
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann had personally visited the hospital last Sunday to check on his condition. Leading Punjabi stars — including Diljit Dosanjh, Gippy Grewal, Ammy Virk, Neeru Bajwa, and Kanwar Grewal — also shared prayers and messages of support during his hospitalisation.
At a recent concert in Hong Kong, Diljit Dosanjh paused his performance to ask fans to pray for Jawanda’s recovery, saying, “Dua mein asar hai” (“There is power in prayer”).
Jawanda’s family expressed gratitude to members of the Punjabi music fraternity who offered financial and emotional support during the crisis.
Known for his down-to-earth charm and heartfelt lyrics, Rajvir Jawanda rose to fame with hits such as “Tu Dis Penda,” “Khush Reha Kar,” “Sardari,” “Surname,” “Afreen,” “Landlord,” “Down to Earth,” and “Kangani.” He also appeared in Punjabi films including Subedar Joginder Singh (2018), Jind Jaan (2019), and Mindo Taseeldarni (2019).
His untimely passing has left an irreplaceable void in Punjabi music and cinema — and in the hearts of fans across Australia, where his energetic performances and humble nature had earned him a loyal following.
