Biography
Gurlez Akhtar’s journey to fame is a story of grit, passion, and persistence. Raised in Ludhiana in a musical family, she lost her father early — a tragic event that forced her to grow up quickly and shoulder responsibility for her family.
She began singing publicly while still in school, performing at local weddings, colleges, and events to support her mother and siblings. Her official singing debut was a duet in 2004 for the album Sharif Munda by Sukhwinder Sukhi.
Despite humble beginnings and early struggles, her talent may soon became hard to ignore. Over the years she honed her unique style — a blend of Punjabi folk, bhangra, and modern pop — which allowed her voice to stand out among contemporaries. Growing steadily, she recorded hundreds of songs, collaborating with leading male Punjabi artists. Her consistency and versatility led to her being hailed as the “Duet Queen” — a title that reflects both her dominance and popularity in duet tracks.
Career Highlights
- Early Career & Debut: Gurlez Akhtar’s singing career began in early 2000s. Her first recorded duet was on the 2004 album Sharif Munda with Sukhwinder Sukhi.
- Rise in Punjabi Music Industry: She steadily gained prominence by collaborating with many top Punjabi male singers.
- Notable Projects & Songs: Gurlez has lent her voice to numerous hit songs over years. Some of popular tracks include Love Letter, Fitteh Moo, Jagirdaar, 25 Pind, Nai Shad Da.
- Film Credits: Her songs have featured in popular Punjabi films such as Hashar (2008), Jihne Mera Dil Luteya (2011), Carry On Jatta, Ardaas and Punjab Bolda.
- Legacy as “Duet Queen”: Throughout her career she has remained a go-to female vocalist for duets, helping revive and sustain duet culture in Punjabi music.
Relationships & Personal Life
Gurlez Akhtar is married to fellow Punjabi singer Kulwinder Kally. The couple share a son named Daanveer.
Coming from a musically rooted family, she has siblings also involved in music: sisters and brothers named Shehnaz Akhtar, Sahil Akhtar, and Jasmeen Akhtar are also associated with singing.
Gurlez often keeps her personal life private, focusing public attention more on her art and less on media controversies or scandals.
Other Interesting Facts
- Gurlez Akhtar’s rise was emotionally driven: after her father’s death, she started singing at weddings and local events to support her family.
- Despite humble beginnings and lack of resources, she pursued formal education alongside her passion — completing school and graduation before fully committing to music.
- Her voice is known for its powerful, folk-infused quality, making her a preferred singer for upbeat bhangra tracks as well as emotional songs.
- Over the years, she has recorded a large discography spanning hundreds of songs across Punjabi music.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Gurlez Akhtar
Gurlez Akhtar’s journey — from singing at weddings in Ludhiana to becoming a beloved name in Punjabi music — is a testament to talent, resilience, and hard work. Her voice has resonated with millions, her duets have sparked new trends, and her versatility has made her a staple for both traditional and modern Punjabi songs. Gurlez has redefined what it means to be a female playback singer in Punjabi music, and she continues to inspire aspiring singers.