Master Saleem, aka Shehzada Saleem, was born Saleem Shah Koti to Ustad Puran Shah Koti and Bibi Mathro. At the age of six, he started getting trained by his father, a well-known Sufiana singer and guru to a number of famous singers like Sukhwinder Singh, Jasbir Jassi and Hans Raj Hans. Following the success of his first public performance at the age of ten, he released his first album, "Charkhe Di Ghook", that became immensely popular.

A number of albums, devotional numbers and stage shows followed after that. In 2005, he sang the song "Sajni" for the album "Teri Sajni", composed by Sandeep Chowta. It was, however, composer trio Shankar - Ehsaan - Loy who gave Saleem his first song Bollywood song - "Mast Kalandar" ("Heyy Baby", 2007) was his first hit and also his launchpad. 

Popular songs like "Tashan Mein" ("Tashan", 2008), "Maa Da Ladla" ("Dostana", 2008), "Aahun Aahun" ("Love Aaj Kal", 2009) and "Humka Peeni Hai" ("Dabangg", 2010) followed.