Dolly Guleria

Career

Guleria aspired to be a doctor, being a medical student. In 1970 she got married to Army Officer Col. S.S.Guleria and became a dedicated mother of a daughter Sunaini and two sons, Dilpreet and Amanpreet. After settling down with motherhood she was encouraged by her husband to continue her training in classical music on getting an opportunity to become the disciple of a very learned Ustad, 'Khan Sahib’ Abdul Rehman Khan, of 'Patiala Gharana' who trained her in the field of classical music as the foundation with specific aptitude to implement the same in light classical and folk singing.

Devotionally minded since childhood, under the able guidance of her Ustad, she chose to release her solo debut album in Gurbani in Ragas and sang "Rehraas Sahib" the evening 'Paath' in its original ragas. Subsequently albums were released of Punjabi folk songs, some with her mother and some solo including Shabad Kirtan, poetry of Shiv Kumar Batalvi, Bhai Veer Singh and other renowned writers.

She has also contributed her voice as playback singer in Punjabi films such as Rab Dian Rakhaan, Deson Pardes and Main Maa Punjab Di.

Recognition

During her goodwill and cultural exchange visit to Pakistan in November 1997 she and her daughter Sunaini enthralled the audience of Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore and in Faislabad (Layalpur) at the Chenab Club with her music. She was honoured with a golden plaque of Minar-e-Pakistan and a Gold Medal her outstanding contribution.

Personal life

She enjoys live performances and the immediate response of the audience boosts her morale. She wishes to make sincere efforts to keep the Punjabi music alive in its purest form. She is teaching music to dedicated students who are enrolled in her Nightingale Music Academy.