About
Master Saleem, born Saleem Shahzada on 13 July 1982 in Shahkot near Jalandhar, Punjab, is a popular Punjabi Sufi, devotional and playback singer. He is the son and disciple of the renowned Sufi singer Ustad Puran Shah Koti, guru to several Punjabi folk stars, and began training at the age of six. He earned the name Master Saleem after his first public performance at the opening of Bathinda Doordarshan, and released his debut album at the age of ten.
After a comeback in 2000 with the Sufi number Aaj Hona Deedar Mahi Da and a string of devotional albums, Saleem entered Bollywood in 2007 with the hit Mast Kalandar for Heyy Babyy, going on to sing for films including Dostana and Love Aaj Kal. He continues to release Punjabi, Sufi and devotional singles and to perform widely on the Punjabi and diaspora concert circuit.
The artistry
Saleem sings with a powerful, high-pitched voice suited to Sufi intensity and Punjabi devotional and folk music, moving comfortably into energetic Bollywood and Punjabi film numbers.
Saleem offers a host a high-energy Punjabi Sufi and devotional set with mainstream Bollywood appeal, strong for festivals, community and diaspora events. [Atlas Assessment]
A popular carrier of Punjabi Sufi and devotional song into mainstream cinema and the global Punjabi diaspora.