About Ishmeet Singh

Ishmeet Singh, a well known young celebrity singer and the winner of Voice of India contest (2007), was born on September 2nd, 1989 to Gurprinder Singh and Amritpal Kaur. Ishmeet Singh with his beautiful voice, sheer determination, commitment towards music, and of course with blessings from the Almighty, family, friends, and fans won the Voice of India title in the very first season of the contest. Apart from being an extremely talented singer, Ishmeet was known for his modesty, serenity, and strong family values. The guy was blessed to possess such humility in spite of attaining fame in such a short time.

As they say the good die young, Ishmeet died on July 29th, 2008 in the Maldives. Ishmeet had gone to Maldives to perform for the 'Star Voice of Maldives' contest to be held on the 1st of August, 2008. He “supposedly” drowned in the swimming pool of the Chaaya Island Dhonveli resort, at which he was staying on Tuesday, 29th of July 2008 only three days before he was scheduled to perform.

The news of his untimely death has shocked the whole country and his fans. This tragic news is particularly shocking for Sikhs as he was representing his clean Sikh Identity all round the world. Ishmeet made Sikhs proud of his achievement and by his presence at recognised high class venues. Ishmeet not only mesmerized the music fraternity but also enthralled the whole world with his voice and devotion to singing.

Ishmeet Singh died while he was on a professional commitment (to perform in Star Voice of Maldives). Isn’t the STAR GROUP liable for any compensation to his family?
If STAR GROUP thinks they can shed away the accountability, they are wrong. They are still accountable to whole India or rather the whole world to come forward with some compassion and remorse for what has happened.

STAR GROUP still needs to come up with a unique way to memorialize Ishmeet. We would like to know about Ishmeet’s jourmey, which was short yet so inspiring. Also, we want to know about him from Day 1 to the day he left us. Don’t show us repeat of the VOI Grand Finale, rather come up with a special program for him. Dedicate a special tribute to our hero.

Further, STAR GROUP definitely needs to take initiatives to come up with a CD of his performances. There is no doubt that the CD will get an overwhelm response worldwide. We further demand STAR GROUP to pay the royalty out of the sale of CD to Ishmeet’s family. Though money is no solace to their irrepairable loss but sure it is needed to survive.

There are many unanswered concerns about Ishmeet’s death. Drowning of a 5 ft 11inch tall guy in a swimming pool which was about 7.5 ft deep seems absurd and questionable. The corroboration of the facts by eye witnesses seem fragile. Definitely the loose ends of the mystery need to be tied before concluding anything. There is an absolute need of a high level inquiry into this accident. A demand towards this has already been made by his family. We, as undersigned, put our weight behind this demand and hereby ask for the same in the strongest possible words.

Media did a commendable job in covering this incidence but for only 3 days. No wonder media coverage comes with an expiration date on it. Is this date based on the popularity of the person? Or is it based on the genuineness of media to help? For three days, Ishmeet’s house was hub of all the attention with media vans hovering around it. But why is not media pursuing this further? Have they concluded the cause of his death?

We request world media to support this “Justice for Ishmeet” campaign. We want to convey our feelings and sentiments to the authorities concerned through media as well. The cause of his death should only be concluded after a proper invesitgation into the incident. Also, help him and his family to get what they deserved from the STAR GROUP. His family needs us (including media) more than ever. Lets stick with them to keep alive Ishmeet. This is the least we can do.

Ishmeet was not only the son of Gurprinder Singh and Amritpal Kaur, Ishmeet was not only the brother of Sumeet Kaur but he was the son of every family who aspired him to win VOI. He was the brother of every individual, whom he inspired by his humble personality and commitment towards his faith. He was an idol for many and a true hero, who rightfully deserved the respect he got from his community and the state government. A hero is not only someone who dies for the country or kills for the country. But a hero is someone who motivates you to become a better person and help make this world a better place to live. Ishmeet with his personality not only touched millions of people in India but across the globe. The condolence messages from the world including Pakistan demonstrate this fact.

We would like to conclude by using these lines from Robert Fulghum “I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge -- myth is more potent than history -- dreams are more powerful than facts -- hope always triumphs over experience -- laughter is the cure for grief -- love is stronger than death.”

Love certainly is stronger than death and the biggest manifestation of it is our love for Ishmeet. Our love for Ishmeet is so strong that it would be safe to challenge Almighty, a challenge to filch Ishmeet away from our hearts. Naah! Not possible. We love Ishmeet so much. May his soul rest in peace.

Satgur Tumre Kaaj Savaare By Ishmeet Singh

* Satguru Tumre Kaaj Saware *


Mittar Pyaare Nu - Ishmeet Singh


Naam Japat Dukh Jae


Mera Maat Pita Har

Ishmeet - SVOI - Grand Finale

- Saawariya -


Ishmit is the winner!



Ishmit & Harshit - Folk Songs

Ishmit - Masha Alla - SVOI - 27th October

Ish meet - Maa

Ishmeet - Voice of India ----
No more with us anymore. Fame for just few weeks.

Hear- Star Voice Of India -Ishmeet Singh Speaks

♪♪ Star Voice Of India CHHOTE USTAAD 2007®♪♪

Ab Mujhe Raat Din

Soni De Nakhre Sonae Lagde

Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar

ISHMMET SINGH IN COLLEGE

ANTIM ARDASS ISHMEET SINGH - BHAI SATVINDER SINGH JI

Shabad:"BABA BOLTE THE KAHA GAYE" sung by Bhai Satvinder singh ji Harvider Singh ji Delhi wale on the antim ardass of VOICE OF INDIA ISHMEET SINGH .on 03/08/08.

Jashne Bahaara -

Kehne Ko Jashn-E-Bahar Aaaya - Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar

Ishmeet New Album Shukriya

Ishmeet your dream ended so sudden. I will listen to your music I will keep your dream alive.You will be in my heart and you will never be forgotten. Ishmeet miss you brother !

A Poetic Tribute to Ishmeet Singh

This poem was penned on the night of 29th July, the day Ishmeet died. It was recorded on 31st of July after his creamation. It appeared in DAILY AJIT on 3rd of August, the day of his Antim Ardaas.

Mystery behind Ishmeet’s Death?

I was totally shocked to read about the death of the 19 year old Ishmeet Singh death. The Punjabi guy shot to fame after winning the Amul Star Voice of India (VOI) contest hosted by Star Plus.

How Ishmeet Singh Died?
Ishmeet was touring in Maldives with fellow Star Voice of India contestants Sumitra and Vyom for a concert that was to be held on August 1, 2008.Ishmeet was staying at Chaaya Island Dhonveli resort. He did not know how to swim and he hit the Deep end of the pool there and drowned. He was warned by his friend not to hit the Deep side of the pool.
Mystery behind Ishmeet’s Death?
Mysteries do surround the unnatural death of ishmeet in the minds of people. Its quite strange that when he was drowning nobody tried to rescue him(even the hotel staff or his friends?). Maldives is supposed to be famous for safety and a good hotel dint have safety precautions? We do not have any clear information of his death, the people who where with him in the pool in his last moments. Did he die in the pool?Or did he die in the hospital? Was first Aid given? lots of questions and no anwers.
The whole of Punjab and India is shocked over his death. The Talent which dint last long enough to entertain the people. For sure he would be in the mind of people and Ishmeet may your soul rest in Peace!

Achievements- Voice of India

Ishmeet is Voice of India
News on November 24 2007, Ludhiana What a culmination to Gurpurab celebrations! Ishmeet Singh was crowned the Voice of India tonight. The daylong celebrations, full of kirtan and langar, ended with high-pitch music, dance and crackers bursting all around marking the victory of Ishmeet.
While the televised show was almost an hour-and-a-half late in announcing the results, Ishmeet’s friends and family present at the Mumbai grand finale sent SMSes back home at 10 pm announcing his victory. Ishmeet Singh, a second year student, who handled the flak coming from the judges, showed his mettle as he proceeded towards the finals. In his last visit to the city, just before the finals, Ishmeet had promised: “I will surprise every one with my choice of songs and I am sure even the judges will praise me. I am going to sing A. R. Rehman.” All through the grand finale, Ishmeet, dressed in a golden coat followed by a white formal suit, maintained his confidence. Ishmeet came to the fore during the pre-finals held at Ludhiana. Jubilant Dr Charan Kamal Singh and Raminder Kaur, uncle and aunt of Ishmeet, said: “We never even for once felt that he would not win. Ishmeet is already all over the world. So many companies want him to be their brand ambassador and all these offers came before the title. Now that he has the title, it is even better.” Harminder Singh, Ishmeet’s fan, said, “This is our victory. It is the victory of the Punjabis. Ishmeet had proved his talent by singing flawlessly.”

 

Was Ishmeet’s Death a Tragedy or Murder?

'Someone tried to kill Ishmeet earlier' , uncle alleges.

Ishmeet’s family in Ludhiana grieves after hearing the news of his death.
(photo courtesy — Tribune photo by Sayeed Ahmed)

The post-mortem report released citing drowning as the cause of Ishmeet Singh's death has failed to convince his family. According to them, the 'Voice of India' winner may have been murdered in Maldives.

In a startling revelation, Ishmeet's uncle GPS Chadha said that there was an attempt to kill the 19-year-old singer just two weeks before he tragically drowned in a hotel swimming pool. "Ishmeet told me that he was travelling in his car from Mumbai to Pune on July 13 when another car suddenly came from behind and hit the side on which he was sitting. There was a choreographer travelling with Ishmeet as well, but I don't remember his name. Ishmeet's car was badly damaged and he had a narrow escape on that occasion," says Chadha.

The story was corroborated by Ishmeet's other uncle Chaman Kamal. According to him: "When the news of his death came, the first that came to my mind was the earlier attempt to kill him in a car accident. I know that the postmortem report found water in his lungs and heart, and suggests death by drowning. But I don't agree with this finding."

"What I suspect is that he was hit and then thrown into the pool. When I spoke to Vyom who was with him at the time the incident happened, he was not speaking properly. I could hear someone telling him from behind what to say. The other girl Arunima told me she was not there at the time Ishmeet drowned. She said she was at some other pool. However when I made enquiries at the Chaaya Island Dhonveli resort where they were all staying, the staff said they had just one swimming pool," adds Kamal.
Family member sure there is a culprit

The distraught member of Ishmeet's family insists there are too many lose ends for the matter to end with the postmortem report. "I want a proper enquiry conducted into his death. Everybody who was there with Ishmeet should be questioned and the culprit has to be punished. Ishmeet knew how to swim. Sure, he was not an expert swimmer but he was no novice either. He had learnt swimming while in Mumbai. Will someone explain to me how Ishmeet reached the center of the pool when it was so deep and far away from the corners? Only a proper investigation can reveal the truth," he says.
Ishmeet's father also expects foul play

Ishmeet's father Gurprinder Singh Sodhi, still grappling with the grievous loss that has befallen his family, also thinks Ishmeet's death is unnatural. "There was no reason for him to die like this...I suspect foul play," he says.

Assistant Manager of the Chaaya Island Dhonveli resort Marlon Robert refused to comment on the conspiracy theories surrounding Ishmeet's death. According to him: "I cannot say anything about the family's allegations of foul play. The Male police are investigating the matter and if something wrong happened, it will come out."

What he is sure about is that the resort did not err in letting guests swim in the absence of lifeguards. "We cannot stop our guests from going to the swimming pool," says Robert.

Ishmeet was alone in pool

Witnesses by Jupinderjit Singh
Tribune News Service Ludhiana, July 30

“Ishmeet Singh was alone in the swimming pool of a resort in Chaaya Island, Maldives, when he drowned yesterday afternoon. “Two Indians, a 14-year-old boy and a 20-year-old girl, who were witnesses to the drowning, have told the Maldives police and Indian High Commission officials.

The Maldives police is not in a position to comment on the exact cause of death as the country does not have the facility of post-mortem examination.

“We don't have the facility; post-mortem examination will be conducted, if required in India. Post-mortem examinations of other cases are usually conducted in India,” Sergeant Ahmed Shian, media coordinator, Maldives police, told this correspondent over the phone.

He said a press briefing on the incident and police inquiry would be held tomorrow.

Narayan Swami, secretary, council to the Indian High Commission, Maldives, over the phone said Ishmeet was one of the seven-member troupe that landed here last afternoon. The troupe was part of the Voice of India-II auditions.

Witnesses Vyom (15) and Arunima (20), both belonging to Delhi, have told the commission that they hit the pool area while others preferred to rest in resort rooms.

Ishmeet’s family in Ludhiana grieves after hearing the news of his death on Tuesday.

They told the commission that Ishmeet had ventured alone into the pool beckoning them to join him. The witnesses added that Ishmeet kept going towards the deeper part of the pool waving at them to follow him, revealed Swamy.

The girl said Ishmeet waved frantically when he went to the deepest part, but they could not make out if it was desperation call to save him. “By the time , we realised what had happened, Ishmeet had sunk to the floor of the pool,” the witnesses told the commission. The witnesses could not be reached over the phone.

Swamy said the two witnesses raised the alarm and hotel staff and others rushed. Ishmeet was pulled out. A doctor tried to revive him by the pool side. But it was too late. He was rushed to a hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Relatives and friends are finding it hard to believe that it was an accident though reports from Maldives have not suggested any conspiracy.

Dr C.K. Singh, a relative, said there was definitely some negligence behind his death. “We are perturbed on why the crew members of the Voice of India-Part II audition or the resort staff did not have a life guard in the pool.”

Harnam Singh Dhumma, chief, Damdami Taksal, has demanded a high-level probe into the matter.

Ishmeet gets state funeral

LUDHIANA/PUNJAB: As the body of 19-year-old Ishmeet Singh made its last journey from his home to the cremation ground in Ludhiana on Thursday, commoners and celebrities turned up in force to bid a tearful farewell to the "Voice of India". ( Watch )

Mystery still surrounds his death in the swimming pool of a Maldives hotel, but that he was much loved was evident from the presence of thousands of mourners, among them Bollywood singers and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

Residents of this industrial city couldn't help but remember how they had turned out with drums, crackers and sweets to celebrate Ishmeet's ascent as the winner of the "Voice of India" show in November.

"I cannot believe he is no more. His face had a look of satisfaction. I felt that he would just get up and start singing in his sweet voice again. God has not been fair in giving him so much in life and then snatching away the life in a second," said Rajbir Singh, a resident of Sarabha Nagar who had come to Ishmeet's modest home.

Among the crowds were Gajendra Singh - the man behind most of the successful reality shows on various TV channels, singer Abhijeet - who treated Ishmeet like his son - and popular Punjabi singer Hans Raj Hans.

Shops in the area remained closed for the second day to mark respect to Ishmeet.

'Bhog' ceremony

Ishmeet Singh remembered

hindu.com on August 3, 2008

Ludhiana (PTI) As a tribute to Master Ishmeet Singh, winner of Voice of India on his Antim Ardas and Shardhanjali Samaroah on Sunday, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal announced that a befitting memorial in his memory in the shape of an International level Music Academy will be set up at Ludhiana.

He also announced to rename the link road from Pakhowal road to Gill road in Ludhiana as Ishmeet Singh Marg and a financial assistance of Rs 11 lakh for the family.

Badal assured that he would write to the Prime Minister and Home Minister of India to take up the issue of holding high level inquiry to ascertain the cause of death of Ishmeet Singh with Maldives government.

Paying his rich tributes, Badal said that Kaka Ishmeet had achieved enormous success in the world of music and signing during a short period of one year and won the hearts of all the countrymen with his enormous talent.

Family wants a probe into death

sify.com IANS, 11 August , 2008

Voice of India singing contest winner Ishmeet Singh's family on Sunday said it was not satisfied with the forensic report that said the 19-year-old budding singer died of drowning, and sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into his death.

The singer mysteriously drowned in the swimming pool of a beach resort in the Maldives July 29 after he arrived there for an event. He had won the Voice of India contest November last year.

Ishmeet's father Gurpinder Singh and uncle Charan Kamal Singh, who arrived in Amritsar on Sunday to pay obeisance at the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), said only a thorough probe would establish whether or not there was any foul play in his death.

"Punjab state Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has assured us that a probe would be conducted into Ishmeet's death," the singer's uncle said.

A forensic report from a government laboratory in Patiala town, Punjab last week said Ishmeet died due to drowning. The preliminary post-mortem examination report of the singer attributed his death to drowning.

But the family has alleged that Ishmeet's death could be a conspiracy as his head and chest bore injury marks.

Meet Ishmeet Singh

Meet Ishmeet Singh, a talented young man from Ludhiana,Punjab, who gave up his studies, went against his parent's wishes and took a huge risk to follow his dreams.

And lucky for Ishmeet, the risk paid off. From thousands and thousands of hopeful singers, Ishmeet stands apart as one of the two finalists of the television reality show, Star's Voice of India.

Barely two days away from the grand finale, Ishmeet spends most of his time in riaaz. But he took some time out to speak to us about about his journey so far.

Tell us about yourself.

I come from a simple middle class background. There's my mother, dad and my elder sister, Sumeet.

Everyone sings in my family. My dad is a great singer, so are my chachaji and his children. So I have been singing from very young. But it was in my ninth class that I really got into singing Hindi songs.

When did you realise that singing was your passion?

In my ninth class, every student was asked to sing a song. When I sang, my teacher, Jagdeet Kaur, told me that I have a very good voice. She told me that I would go very far because of my singing.

Are you a trained singer?

I've had basic training. I've learned a lot from my dad. I learned singing Hindi songs from him.

How did you enter VOI? Tell us about your auditions.

I saw it on television. I learnt that they were holding auditions for the new season of Voice of India and I wanted to try out for it. But my family was against it. They wanted me to complete my studies. I couldn't do both, as my studies take up all my time. So I had to reason with my mother to let me at least go for the audition. She told me that even if I was selected, I couldn't continue because my studies were very important.

I auditioned in Delhi and was selected. From thousands of hopefuls, only 39 were selected. Then it was down to 33 and finally 12. But still my mother was asking me to give it up and return home.

I requested her to just let me try, dekhte hain kaha tak pahuch sakhta hoon (see how far I could go). In the end, my relatives had to intervene and convince my parents.

Now that you've reached the finals, you're already a big star. What do they feel now?

They're very proud of me. So is everybody else. I have made a name for myself and my family. Because of this show and what I've achieved, we have moved up from a simple middle class life to a very respectable standard. The kind of people I'm meeting, and the life I'm leading right now is only because of this show.

What is the source of inspiration for your music?

Initially, it was just my dad. He taught me everything. Then I started following Mohammad Rafiji. I'm big fan of Shaan and Sonu Nigam [Images]; I follow their singing very closely.

Do you get nervous before every performance? Do you have any ritual that you do to calm yourself down?

Earlier, I would get very nervous. But now, I have got used to performing in front of an audience. But no matter what, before every performance, I chant Wahe Guru on my Simone Mala; it's the beaded mala that I always wear on my wrist.

What is the hardest part about this competition?

Singing is the easy part. Impressing the audience is difficult. In the end, it all comes down to them.

What has been the most memorable moment for you up till now?

Every moment, every day has been memorable. Since the day this experience has started, every moment has been so special. It has changed my life, and for the better.

There are eliminations in every round. Was there a point when you thought, 'I'm next to go'?

Oh yes, every time! You can do your best, put everything into your performance, but after that, it's no longer in your hands. It's up to the audience and their votes.

You're up against Harshat in the finals. What is your take on him?

Harshat is very talented. Bahoot achcha gata hain (he sings very well). You know, we both have come so far. Coming so far in the competition is a great achievement in itself. It doesn't matter who is voted the final winner. If one wins and the other is voted second, it doesn't mean he is the loser. We've come so far -- there's nothing to lose anymore. We are both winners.

Is singing something you want to do for the rest of your life?

I will go back to studies first. It's what my parents want from me. But yes, I also want to continue singing. People know me because of my voice. I have made a name because of my singing so I don't think I'm going to give it up.

Ishmeet Singh (September 2, 1989 - July 29, 2008) a well-known Star Voice of India winner and playback singer has died in the Maldives aged only 19. He had gone to Maldives to perform for the 'Star Voice of Maldives' contest to be held on the 1st of August, 2008. He drowned in the swimming pool of the Chaaya Island Dhonveli resort, at which he was staying on Tuesday, 29th of July 2008 only three days before he was scheduled to perform.

Ishmeet was born on September 02, 1989 to Gurpinder Singh and Amritpal Kaur. He was originally from Ludhiana. He was a second year student of the MNC College in Mumbai. He was a true fan of well-known Indian playback singer Shan and considered him as his idol. He also admired popular Indian music director A.R. Rahman and his dream was to sing for him. Unfortunately, he will now not be able to fulfil his dream.

The news of his untimely death has shocked the Indian music industry and his fans. This tragic news is particularly shocking for Sikhs as he was representing his clean Sikh Identity all round the world and made Sikhs proud of his achievement and his presence at recognised high calibre venues. The teenager had captured the nation’s imagination with his voice and devotion to singing.

Following this sad event in Maldives, the body of budding singer Ishmeet Singh, was flown from the Islands to his home-town Ludhiana in a specially chartered aircraft on Wednesday evening, July 30, 2008. The body was first taken to the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) where just a few days prior on Sunday, he had gave, what was to become his last public performance before a gathering of doctors and their families.

A flower-bedecked open truck took his body from the airport to the hospital complex, accompanied by scores of relatives and friends. A large number of cars and other vehicles were in the cavalcade that took him on his last journey home.

On Thursday, July 31, 2008, as the body of 19-year-old Ishmeet Singh made its final journey from his home to the cremation ground in Ludhiana, commoners and celebrities turned up in force to bid a tearful farewell to the "Voice of India". Many thousand witnessed the cremation of this budding star today.

Ishmeet will live in the memories of his fans who will best remember him as the gentle Sikh boy who sang in the long golden brown coat to pick up the Amul Star Voice of India trophy.