Thandi Thandi hava juldi, julde chilhan de dalu, jeena kangrey da…’and “Je tu chaleya nefa naukri, merey gale de hare lainda jaya, naina diya lobhiya’

These two songs of the Sixties became very popular among the rural hill folk and can be described as the folk songs of Himachal Pradesh. But Pratap Chand Sharma, 90, who wrote, composed and sang these legendary songs, is a bitter man as the promises made to him turned out to be hollow words. Better known as ‘Pratapu’ among his fans , this grand old gem gave a new definition to Himachali folk singing and served society by contributing towards various issues like public welfare, family welfare, agriculture, sanitation, drug awareness, unity, casteism and untouchability through his evergreen songs.

“I have worked with various government departments. But all I received in the end that could aid me in my old age were unfulfilled promises, unreal hopes and empty talk,” he lamented.

The renowned folk singer and song writer hails from Naleti village of Dehra tehsil in Kangra district. He first caught people’s attention in 1962 at the government school in Pragpur during the Republic Day cultural programme when he showcased his talent.

“I was married at the very young age of fourteen. After the death of my father all the responsibilities of my family fell on my shoulders. The situation turned from bad to worse as our only property, our decaying Kucha house, crumbled because of heavy rains and there was no one else to console my family,” he said recounting his early struggles.

The extreme financial crisis and poverty of his family forced him to crush stones and work as a labourer at the tender age of eight. As a result he could not  complete his education.

But this was not the end for this legendary singer. He was blessed with a golden voice and the talent of composing beautiful rhymes.

Inspired by his late father, who was a great music-lover, Pratap Chand received guidance from some kind persons and got work with the department of public relations, Himachal Pradesh at Kangra.

“From 1962 to 1986 I served in the state’s public relations department. While working with the department I got a chance to work with All India Radio at the Shimla station. I have done various programmes for the Song and Drama Division at Chandigarh and in 1984 I was also associated with Jalandhar  Doordarshan”, he said.

“Initially I was paid Rs 80 to 90 and then Rs 400 at the last stages of my work. I have four sons and three daughters so it was very difficult to meet the expenses from this amount. I also worked on fields to make both ends meet”, he added.

“We are getting pension because of our old age not because of my husband’s talent of singing and his contribution. Working for so long with the department paid him nothing after that”, said Satya Devi, 87 year-old wife of Pratap Chand Sharma.

The nonagenarian has penned 200 songs. The songs composed by him reflect the charm and resonant culture of the state. His compositions are a blend of simplicity and rural metaphor.

“Many singers and music companies have earned a lot by plagiarising my father’s self-composed songs. Sometimes we feel bad about it. My father has been through many trials and tribulations just to earn bread and butter for us,” said Shiv Ram, his 60 year-old son.

“For his contribution in enhancing the traditional Pahadi singing and making space for  new singers and song writers he was honoured on many platforms. But, even after working with so much dedication, he gained nothing that could help him with his failing health and diminishing voice,” added his wife.

Despite the neglect and tall promises made to him, hopes are still alive and the dreams are not shattered yet for Pratap Chand. His grandson, Mohit Sharma is now pursuing the family legacy and making music albums of this grand legend’s songs.