Building a Legacy Through Rhythm and Hard Work: The Story of Ankhi Boys

In every community, there are moments when music, culture, and dedication come together to create something truly extraordinary. At the Royal Academy of Punjab, that spirit is alive in the performances of the Ankhi Boys — a dynamic group that embodies the energy of folk tradition while pushing the boundaries of what modern audiences expect. Their success is not by chance; it is built on the relentless hard work of two exceptional talents — folk Boliyan master Gurpreet Singh “Gunni” and The Dhol Master Sukhy — guided under the vision and mentorship of their coach, Hardeep Singh Sahota.

Gurpreet

Gunni

– The Voice of Tradition

When Gurpreet Gunni steps onto the stage, he doesn’t just sing; he channels the centuries-old tradition of Punjabi folk Boliyan. Each line he delivers carries raw power, humor, wisdom, and emotional depth — the essence of Punjab’s storytelling heritage. His voice uplifts dancers, ignites audiences, and preserves the soul of Gidha and Bhangra for a new generation. Behind every performance are countless hours of practice, reflection, and respect for elders who kept this oral tradition alive. Gunni represents not only talent but also the living bridge between the past and the future.

Sukhy – The Dhol That Speaks

If Boli is the voice, then Dhol is the heartbeat. And for the Ankhi Boys, that heartbeat comes from Sukhy, The Dhol Master. With every strike of the stick, he infuses rhythm that electrifies the dancers and stirs the audience. His precision, speed, and creative flair bring unmatched energy, transforming ordinary performances into unforgettable showcases. The dhol is not an easy instrument — it demands strength, stamina, and rhythm — but Sukhy has turned it into his second language. His beats do more than accompany dance; they set the stage on fire.

The Vision of Coach Hardeep Singh Sahota

At the center of it all is Coach Hardeep Singh Sahota, the guiding force behind the Ankhi Boys. With decades dedicated to Punjabi folk dance and culture, Hardeep has built the Royal Academy of Punjab into a hub where young people don’t just learn steps — they learn values, discipline, and identity. His vision is clear: to create a legacy where Punjabi culture thrives in Canada and beyond, while giving youth the tools to succeed in life.

Hardeep’s mentorship goes beyond coaching technique. He instills resilience, teamwork, and pride in heritage. Each performance by the Ankhi Boys is a reflection of his tireless efforts, day after day, to grow something bigger than dance — a movement. He has shown what can happen when leadership meets passion: a community grows, a culture shines, and youth rise as ambassadors of tradition.

A Shout-Out to Hard Work

The Ankhi Boys’ performances are proof that greatness is never achieved overnight. Behind the applause is sweat, behind the spotlight is sacrifice, and behind the rhythm is relentless practice. From late-night rehearsals to countless refinements, their work ethic defines them as much as their artistry.

Today, as audiences cheer for Gurpreet Gunni, Sukhy, and the entire team, the Royal Academy of Punjab proudly celebrates not just their achievements but the legacy being built under Hardeep Singh Sahota. This is more than performance — this is culture in motion, a story unfolding beat by beat, Boli by Boli, step by step.

💙 Big shout-out to the Ankhi Boys, their masters of voice and rhythm, and their coach — for proving every day that Punjabi culture is alive, strong, and growing bigger and bigger.