Mumbai, August 29: Guru Randhawa, known for chart-toppers like “Lahore” and “High Rated Gabru,” has made a significant mark in Punjabi pop, indie-pop, and Bollywood music. His hit songs “Suit Suit” and “Made in India” have gained immense popularity among Gen Z.
Born on August 30, 1991, in Nurpur village of Gurdaspur district, Punjab, Gursharanjot Singh Randhawa hails from a middle-class Sikh family. He showed an inclination towards singing from the age of seven. Listening to legends like Gurdas Maan, Babbu Maan, and Sajjad Ali from across the border helped him develop a deep understanding of music.
Randhawa prioritized his education and earned an MBA from the Indian Institute of Planning and Management (IIPM) in Delhi. During this time, he began performing at small parties and events in Delhi and Gurdaspur, earning a mere ₹500 for stage shows.
There was a time in his life when he faced rejection due to his lack of success. A girl once turned him down, saying, “What do you have?” This heartbreak inspired him to write the hit song “Ban Ja Tu Meri Rani.”
His musical journey was fraught with challenges. In 2012, he released his first song “Same Girl” with British-Sri Lankan singer Arjun, which failed miserably. The following year, he launched an album titled “Page One,” funded by his brother Ramnik, but it did not achieve the desired success.
Amidst ongoing disappointments, he met renowned Pakistani-American rapper Bohemia, who shortened his long name to “Guru” for the stage. In 2015, their collaborative track “Patola” was released, which became an overnight hit and won the Best Punjabi Duo award at the PTC Music Awards, changing Randhawa’s life forever. He made his Bollywood debut with “Suit Suit” in the film “Hindi Medium” (2017).
On an international level, his track “Rich Life,” featuring famous American hip-hop icon Rick Ross and DJ Shadow Dubai, was released in 2024. Filmed in the deserts of Dubai, this song exemplified “East Meets West” and received global acclaim.
In addition to singing, Randhawa made his Bollywood acting debut in the 2024 film “Kuch Khatta Ho Jaye.” He was also honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2019.
Today, Guru Randhawa is one of the most listened-to Punjabi artists worldwide, boasting 35 million followers on Instagram. He has also served as a judge on shows like “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa” and remains a popular singer among Gen Z.
In August of this year, he released a new song “Fine Shit,” which stirred controversy on social media due to its provocative lyrics and portrayal of corporate women, leading to significant criticism and trolling. Previously, in 2025, his song “Ajul” faced backlash for its objectionable depiction of teenage girls.
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