Early Life and Cricket Dreams
Hardy Sandhu, born Harminder Singh Sandhu on September 6, 1986, in Patiala, Punjab, India, didn't start out as a musical prodigy. Instead, he harboured dreams of becoming a cricketer. Growing up in a region known for its cricketing passion, he was a promising player and even pursued the sport professionally. However, fate had different plans for him.
Did you know he was a part of the under-19 team for India? Punjabi singer Hardy Sandhu tried his luck in cricket before entering the music industry. Interestingly, he revealed that during Bangalore’s National Camp, he was trained by Sir Madan Lal himself. Hardy played cricket for 10 years and thought he could have played in the IPL as well, but his dreams shattered due to his tragic elbow injury.
Hardy claimed that he was a part of U-19 and played with prominent Indian players like Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravinder Jadeja, Ajinkeya Rahane and Ishant Sharma. Apart from this Hardy revealed in his interview with Raj Shaman that he had once played against M.S. Dhoni.
After his injury in 2006, he went to Australia for his treatment on student visa. He decided to come back to India after his treatment was successful and start playing again, but destiny had different plans for him. He stayed in Australia for 11 months and also drove a taxi during that time.
Talking about his IPL dream, he mentioned that while he was there, the IPL had started in India and his juniors were also selected to play in the IPL, which emotionally broke him. Not giving up hope, Hardy came back to India in 2009 and, under the observation of the Sri Lanka Team’s physio, started his training and got into the team to play for the Ranji Trophy. Unfortunately, three days before the match, his injury reoccurred, leaving Hardy devastated.
Later, feeling depressed, Hardy would not leave his room for weeks. Eventually, he decided to give singing a shot.
The Musical Awakening
From Desi pop to hip hop, Punjabi music has become the new rage for India’s youth, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. While cricket was his first love, Hardy’s destiny veered towards music when he realised that his true passion lay in performing. He revealed that he had been singing since he was four years old, adding to which he also said that he used to sing while driving cabs in australia. It took him a year to switch professions. Hardy began his journey in the music industry with his debut album “This is Hardy Sandhu” in 2012. He rose to fame after the release of his song 'Soch' (2013) and ‘Joker’ (2014), which were written by Jaani and music composed by B Praak. Hardy decided to take a leap of faith and transitioned from the cricket field to the music studio.
Hardy’s big break came in 2013 with the release of his track 'Soch.' This song was a game-changer, marking the beginning of his rise in the Punjabi music industry. Its soulful melody and touching lyrics resonated with a broad audience, launching Hardy into the limelight. The track’s success was a testament to his unique voice and emotive style.
Following this success, Hardy Sandhu became a household name with hits like 'Naah,' 'Kya Baat Ay,' and 'Titliaan.' Each of these songs further cemented his reputation as a leading figure in Punjabi music. His distinctive style, combining traditional Punjabi sounds with contemporary beats, made him a favourite among fans of all ages.
Acting Ventures
Hardy Sandhu’s talents extend beyond music. He made his acting debut in the Punjabi film ‘Yaaran Da Katchup’ in 2014. His song ‘Soch’ was later featured in Akshay Kumar’s ‘Airlift’ (2016). That same year, Hardy made his B-debut with ‘Tum Bin 2’. In 2021, he appeared in the sports drama ‘83’, a film that resonated with him deeply as he once harboured dreams of representing India as a cricketer. He also played a leading role in Ribhu Dasgupta’s ‘Code Name: Tiranga’ (2022).
While his primary focus has been music, Hardy’s exploration of acting underscores his versatility and ability to excel across different creative fields. His diverse career reflects his adaptability and multifaceted talents in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life and Net Worth
Despite his fame, Hardy Sandhu remains grounded and approachable. His lifestyle reflects the success he has achieved, with luxurious homes, real estate investments, and an array of high-end possessions showcasing the financial rewards of a successful career in the spotlight. Beyond music, his influence extends through brand endorsements and high-energy live performances, which have significantly boosted his net worth. Additionally, Hardy has diversified his portfolio by investing in various business ventures, demonstrating his acumen outside the entertainment industry.
Known for his humility and charitable spirit, Hardy actively supports numerous causes and contributes to social welfare initiatives. His commitment to social responsibility and genuine concern for societal issues not only enhances his appeal but also positions him as a role model who shapes public opinion.
As of now, Hardy Sandhu continues to dominate the music charts and expand his horizons. His journey from cricket to music is a remarkable tale of perseverance and passion. With a string of hits and a growing fan base, Hardy Sandhu’s influence on the Punjabi music industry is undeniable. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and a reminder that dreams can become reality with dedication and hard work.
By and large, Hardy Sandhu exemplifies the fusion of talent, success, and humility. His rise from the cricket grounds of Patiala to the glamorous world of Punjabi music is nothing short of extraordinary. Despite the luxurious lifestyle and financial rewards that come with fame, Sandhu remains deeply grounded and committed to giving back to the community. His active involvement in charitable causes and social welfare not only underscores his personal values but also reinforces his role as an influential public figure. Hardy Sandhu's story is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself while making a positive impact on the world.
