SHABIHA NUR KHATOON, OP
Satinder has had a dream run on the big screen and looks set for bigger achievements
While many actors struggle to secure a foothold in the Hindi film industry, there are those like Satinder Sartaj who was somehow able to grab an offer in the Hollywood movie ‘The Black Prince’, that too as the lead character.
Satinder, a popular name in the music industry, has sung many Sufi songs and gained fame with his hit song “Sai”. Since then his popularity has seen a constant surge among the Punjabi diaspora, with his shows being held in many countries across the world.
Talking about his character in the movie he said: “I am playing the character of Maharaja Duleep Singh in the movie. And it is a true story based on the last king of the kingdom of Punjab. Maharaja Duleep Singh was given the throne at the age of 5 after the death of his father Maharaja Ranjit Singh. At the age 15, the Britishers tore him away from his mother and took him to England. The moment he was introduced to Queen Victoria, she started liking him and called him ‘The Black Prince’. Then he was taught about Christianity and baptised, that changed his life forever.”
The actor feels honoured to share the same screen with Shabana Azmi who has been featured as Sartaj’s mother. “For me it’s a great and memorable experience to be in the same space with an artiste like Shabana Azmi. I feel honoured and I am also thankful to my director and producers to thought to cast in the movie as the lead character,” Satinder chirps.
The singer-turned-actor is a multi-gifted artiste, songwriter, singer, composer and poet. He possesses an unprecedented list of achievements and remains in the forefront of his craft, a true inspiration. As an artiste he excites, enlightens, leads and embraces his fans with insights into life’s meaning and deepest feelings. Satinder holds the attention of his fans through the vigour and sheer beauty of his words and lyrics. His songs stir the souls, energize the bodies, liberate the minds and heal the hearts.
The reel ‘Black Prince’ was born in the village of Bajrawar, since childhood he was likes melody emanating from the flute and sarangi of the wandering artistes.
Talking about his schooling, he said: “I began performing at the Bal-Sabha when I was in Class III and this marked the beginning of my journey.” He then graduated in Music with Honours from Government College Hoshiarpur. Alongside he also completed his 5-year diploma in classical music from Sangeet Vishard in Jalandhar. After completing his graduation and diploma Satinder headed to Punjab University, Chandigarhm for his Masters in Music. After his Masters and MPhil, he completed his PhD with specialisation in Sufi poetry. To further understand the deep thoughts of Sufi poetry, he completed a certificate course and Diploma in Persian (Farsi) language.
An ardent lover of nature Satinder has dedicated several of his compositions to nature, because from the beginning he was drawn to the beauty and fragrance of flowers, rainbows and the tranquil flow of water generating rhythmic patterns. Though too young to analyse the innate pleasures derived from natural phenomenon, he was yearning to delve deep into the creations which gave birth to religious and Sufiana thoughts in his young mind which later made major impact in his career choice. Gifted with a mellifluous voice, magnetic personality with the glow of Sufism, wisdom and peace on his face, Satinder followed the dictates of his inner soul and chose to reveal the glory of mysticism.
Before rising to fame, Sartaaj participated in and won many musical events. He appeared on Zee TV Antakshari show – an Indian musical show hosted by Annu Kapoor – performed in the folk category and won appreciation. He was a first runner-up in the 24th All-India Light Vocal Festival and a topper in the Punjab Heritage Foundation Competitions.
Since 2009 Satinder has won many awards of excellence for his singing and poetry from many prestigious institutions all over the world. On 2 May 2014, Sartaaj performed in the Royal Albert Hall.
