On Sunday, February 7th, 2021, Mohinder Partap Singh, son of the late great Sant Partap Singh Ji and Bibi Jaswant Kaur Ji, peacefully transitioned into his next life. Every so often, this world is gifted with someone who is larger than life. Mohinder Partap Singh was a rockstar in the most literal sense of the world.
During his more than 64-year musical journey, Mohinder Partap Singh performed an awe-inspiring repertoire of tabla accompaniment, mastering classical Gurmat Sangeet, Ghazal, Tumri, and Sufi artforms, mesmerizing audiences both young and old. Like any true artist, he was adored, exalted, criticized, and revered.
Mohinder Partap Singh received adoration and awe every time he entered a room. With a tall stature and creamy complexion, he loved pairing turbans and beards with mandarin suits, bell bottoms, and distinct silk prints that only his great personality could carry. Die-hard fans followed him and his brothers everywhere, spreading their legend within tight-knit South Asian expat communities. They were not just famous for their art, they were famous for how handsome they were.
In a conservative community performing largely classically themed art, Mohinder Partap Singh remained unabashedly himself. And often, that meant unabashedly eccentric. He was simply irreverent. Armed with distinct compositions — forgotten sur and taals-infused raags — Mohinder Partap Singh amassed a cohort of cult tabla fans. Mohinder’s hands were born to play the tabla. He was revered by fellow luminaries and Ustad Ji’s and yet he still stood in a class of his own.
Mohinder Partap Singh was a romantic in every sense, armed with Urdu poetry, jokes, and countless stories. He would simply not allow a dull moment in any mehfil.
Accompanying his brother Davinder Partap Singh was his life purpose, his raison d’etre. When asked in an interview what his life goal was, without skipping a beat he replied “to be a saathi and soulmate to my brother Davinder.”
A few years ago, Mohinder, his brothers, Davinder and Ravinder and his beloved son took a once in a lifetime trip to Lahore, Pakistan. They were one of the first Sikhs to visit Pakistan to mark the historic 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. There, Mohinder was able to see where his father Sant Partap Singh Ji was head Ragi at Gurdwara Deara Sahib and visit other countless historic Gurdwaras, tying their lineage and deep ancestral history together.
Mohinder Partap Singh’s magnetic presence and humor could only be appreciated through personal contact and experience. The last activity Mohinder did before his passing was playing tabla while his brother Davinder sang the shabad “Gur Hath Dhariyo Mera Matha.” His beloved wife, son, daughter, granddaughter and the entire family sat around them listening. This would be Mohinder’s last memory, and if you know him, you know it was a perfect one.
Don't mourn the loss of Mohinder Partap Singh. Instead, spread his mastery, the Partap Brothers’ artistry, and keep the ancient art forms alive that he so tirelessly dedicated his life to immortalizing.
Love,
The Partap Brothers
Mohinder Partap Singh
All rituals and services are private. Professional arrangements by Michael R. Goodlander, Otto Redanz Funeral Home. Share condolences and memories at GOODLANDERCARES.com
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