Punjabi Folk singer Sukhvinder Kaur, popularly known as Rakhi Hundal, honoured with Haryana Punjabi Lok Gayika State Award
Punjabi folk singer Sukhvinder Kaur, popularly known as Rakhi Hundal, receives the prestigious Haryana Punjabi Lok Gayika State Award for her contribution to Punjabi folk music.
Punjabi folk singer Sukhvinder Kaur, who is popularly known by her stage name Rakhi Hundal, has been honoured with the prestigious Punjabi Lok Gayika (State Award) by the Haryana Punjabi Sahitya Akademi. The award was presented during a special ceremony in Rohtak, Haryana, recognising her valuable contribution to preserving and promoting Punjabi folk music.
According to the award citation, Sukhvinder Kaur (Rakhi Hundal) was selected for the 2018 Punjabi Lok Gayika Award, which carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, along with a citation and a commemorative plaque. The honour celebrates her dedication to keeping Punjab's rich folk music tradition alive through her performances and recordings.
Over the years, Rakhi Hundal has built a strong identity in the Punjabi music industry with her folk-inspired songs. Some of her popular tracks include Black Heart (Rang Sawla), Grara, Nang Banda, and Bhulekha Maan Da. Her music blends traditional Punjabi folk with modern sounds, making it popular among audiences of all ages. She has also collaborated with legendary Punjabi singer Surinder Shinda on songs such as Fauji No.1 and Truck 2021, adding another milestone to her musical career.
Sharing the news of the award on social media, Rakhi Hundal thanked the Haryana Punjabi Sahitya Akademi for recognising her work. She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to her fans for their constant love and support, saying their encouragement has inspired her to continue singing meaningful, clean, and family-friendly Punjabi songs.
Calling the honour one of the proudest moments of her career, Rakhi Hundal said she would always uphold the dignity of the award and continue promoting Punjabi language, culture, and folk music. She described Punjabi as "sweeter than honey" and promised to keep preserving its rich musical heritage for future generations.