Yograj Singh Bhagsingh Bhundel, born on March 25, 1958, Yograj Singh Biography in Kanech village, Ludhiana, Punjab, is a former Indian cricketer turned actor and director, known for his fiery personality aur vibrant contributions to Punjabi and Hindi cinema. From a short-lived cricket career to a prolific acting journey, Yograj’s life is a mix of grit, talent, and controversy. As the father of cricketing legend Yuvraj Singh, he has left a mark both on and off the field.
Early Life and Education
Born into a Jatt Sikh family, Yograj’s father, Sardar Ujagar Singh, was a cricketer who played for India in the 1940s. Growing up in Kanech near Doraha, Ludhiana, Yograj developed a passion for cricket early on. He studied at DAV Public School, Chandigarh, but his focus remained on sports. Yeh cricketing roots uske career ka pehla chapter bana. His robust physique and determination led him to domestic cricket, where he played for Haryana and Punjab. Despite limited formal education details, his cricketing talent shone through, earning him a spot in India’s national team.
Cricket Career
Yograj played one Test and six ODIs for India as a right-arm fast-medium bowler in 1980–81. His only Test was against New Zealand at Wellington, where he took one wicket (John Wright) for 63 runs. In 30 first-class matches, he claimed 66 wickets, known for his ability to swing the ball. Injuries cut his career short, prompting a shift to acting. He now runs the Yograj Singh Cricket Academy in Chandigarh, coaching young talents with sessions at 5:30 AM and evening, passing on his cricketing legacy.
Acting Career and First Movie
Yograj entered the Punjabi film industry with his debut film Batwara (1983), a drama that marked his transition from cricket to cinema. He later debuted in Bollywood with Teen Thay Bhai (2011). His intense screen presence made him a go-to for authoritative roles like coaches, fathers, or villains. Notable films include:
- Mera Pind (2008)
- West is West (2010, Hollywood)
- Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
- Singh is Bliing (2015)
- Great Sardaar (2017)
- Krazzy Tabbar (2017)
- Thug Life (2017)
- Sajjan Singh Rangroot (2018)
- Kande (2018)
- Jagga Jiunda E (2018)
- Vadda Kalakaar (2018)
- Dulla Vaily (2018)
- Yaara Ve (2019)
- Lukan Michi (2019)
- Ardaas Karaan (2019)
- Doorbeen (2019)
- Tu Mera Ki Lagda (2019)
- Saadi Marzi (2019)
- Bittu Di Crazy Family (2021)
- Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (2021)
- Jaat (2025)
With over 33 films, Yograj has worked alongside stars like Diljit Dosanjh, Akshay Kumar, and Raghveer Boli. He also directed Vichhora (1994) and Love U Bobby (2009), showcasing his versatility.
Music Career and First Song (Yograj Singh Biography)
Yograj’s music contributions are limited, as he is not a singer like his contemporaries. His first notable musical association was with the song Lak 28 Kudi Da from The Lion of Punjab (2011), sung by his son Yuvraj Singh and Yo Yo Honey Singh, where Yograj played a supporting role. He has appeared in music videos for promotional songs tied to his films, such as tracks from Sajjan Singh Rangroot and Great Sardaar, but no specific discography exists. His cinematic roles often overshadow his musical involvement, with no solo songs credited to him.
Awards and Recognition
While Yograj hasn’t won major acting awards, his role as a coach in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag earned critical praise for its intensity. His cricketing contributions are recognized through his coaching at the Yograj Singh Cricket Academy, where he mentors future stars like Shubman Gill. His influence on Yuvraj Singh’s career, especially post-cancer comeback, is widely acknowledged.
Family: Wife and Children
Yograj married twice. His first wife, Shabnam Kaur, a Muslim businessman’s daughter, gave birth to two sons: Yuvraj Singh, the cricketing legend, and Zoravar Singh, who pursued acting. After their divorce, Shabnam married actress Neena Bundhel (now Satbir Kaur). Yograj then married Satvinder Kaur, with whom he has a son, Victor Yograj Singh, an actor and director (Tere Meri Jodi), and a daughter, Amarjeet Kaur, a professional golfer. Yeh complex family dynamics unki zindagi ka ek hissa hai, often sparking public interest.
Net Worth and Income
Yograj’s net worth is estimated at $1–2 million (₹7–14 crore) as of 2023, derived from acting (₹10–20 lakh per film), coaching, and endorsements. His annual income is around ₹1–2 crore, with monthly earnings of ₹8–15 lakh. His cricket academy and film roles are primary income sources. While not as wealthy as his son Yuvraj, Yograj maintains a comfortable lifestyle through his diverse ventures.
Properties and Investments
Yograj owns a house in Chandigarh, Punjab, valued at ₹2–3 crore, reflecting his roots. He likely has investments in real estate in Punjab, though specifics are private. His cricket academy in DAV College, Chandigarh, is a significant investment, training young cricketers. Unlike Bollywood stars, he keeps a low profile about assets, focusing on his work. His son Yuvraj’s properties, like a Mumbai flat, are separate, but Yograj’s Chandigarh home remains his base.
Social Media and Public Image
With over 419k Instagram followers (@yograjofficial), Yograj shares updates on his academy, films, and family. His outspoken nature, seen in interviews and his 2025 podcast Unfiltered by Samdish, keeps him in the spotlight. He mentors young cricketers like Shubman Gill, emphasizing discipline and technique, earning respect despite controversies.
Philanthropy and Coaching
Through his cricket academy, Yograj supports young talent, offering affordable coaching. He has expressed interest in a biopic on Yuvraj’s life, highlighting his son’s cancer battle and comeback. His Saanjh Foundation supports sports development, reflecting his commitment to giving back.
योगराज सिंह भगसिंह भुंडेल, जिनका जन्म 25 मार्च 1958 को लुधियाना, पंजाब के कनेच गांव में हुआ, एक पूर्व भारतीय क्रिकेटर, अभिनेता और निर्देशक हैं। क्रिकेटर से पंजाबी और हिंदी सिनेमा के दमदार कलाकार बने योगराज, क्रिकेटर युवराज सिंह के पिता के रूप में भी प्रसिद्ध हैं। उनकी जिंदगी मेहनत, प्रतिभा और विवादों से भरी है।
प्रारंभिक जीवन और क्रिकेट
जाट सिख परिवार में जन्मे योगराज के पिता, सरदार उजागर सिंह, 1940 के दशक में भारतीय क्रिकेटर थे। योगराज ने चंडीगढ़ के डीएवी पब्लिक स्कूल से पढ़ाई की और क्रिकेट पर ध्यान केंद्रित किया। उन्होंने 1980-81 में भारत के लिए एक टेस्ट और छह वनडे खेले, जहां वे दाएं हाथ के तेज-मध्यम गेंदबाज थे। चोटों ने उनके क्रिकेट करियर को छोटा कर दिया, जिसके बाद उन्होंने अभिनय की ओर रुख किया।
अभिनय करियर और पहली फिल्म
योगराज ने 1983 में पंजाबी फिल्म बटवारा से अभिनय शुरू किया। बॉलीवुड में उनकी पहली फिल्म तीन थे भाई (2011) थी। उनकी प्रमुख फिल्में हैं: भाग मिल्खा भाग (2013), सिंह इज ब्लिंग (2015), सज्जन सिंह रंगरूट (2018), अरदास करां (2019), और जाट (2025)। उन्होंने 33 से अधिक फिल्मों में कोच, पिता या खलनायक की भूमिकाएं निभाईं।
संगीत और परिवार
योगराज का संगीत में योगदान सीमित है; उनकी पहली संगीतमय भागीदारी लक 28 कुड़ी दा (द लायन ऑफ पंजाब, 2011) थी। उनकी पहली पत्नी शबनम कौर से दो बेटे, युवराज और जोरावर, और दूसरी पत्नी सतविंदर कौर से बेटा विक्टर और बेटी अमरजीत कौर हैं।
नेट वर्थ और संपत्ति
योगराज की नेट वर्थ ₹7–14 करोड़ (2023) है। उनके पास चंडीगढ़ में घर और क्रिकेट अकादमी है। वे युवा क्रिकेटरों को प्रशिक्षित करते हैं।
Conclusion
Yograj Singh’s journey from a cricketer to a Pollywood and Bollywood actor is a story of resilience aur passion. His roles in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Sajjan Singh Rangroot, aur Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui showcase his acting prowess, while his coaching nurtures future stars. Despite controversies, his influence on Yuvraj Singh’s career and his dedication to cricket and cinema make him a unique figure. Yeh Punjabi sher apne bold andaaz se sabka dhyan kheechta hai, proving that determination can carve a lasting legacy in sports and entertainment.
