Gurdas Maan, a legendary figure in Punjabi music, is celebrated for his impactful singing, songwriting, and acting. His contributions have earned him immense recognition across the Punjabi music industry and beyond.

Wiki/Biography

Gurdas Maan was born on January 4, 1957 (age 66 as of 2023) in Giddarbaha, Muktsar district, Punjab. A Capricorn, he completed his schooling at Patiala’s Yadavindra Public School. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Physical Education from a college in Malout, Punjab, followed by a Diploma in Sports Coaching from the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala. His passion for music was evident from a young age, leading him to participate in and win numerous singing and mimicry competitions during his college years.

While in college, a performance of “Sajna Ve Sajna” at a Punjab State Electricity Board event impressed officials so much they offered him a job. However, his destiny lay elsewhere. A pivotal moment arrived during a stage performance of “Dil Da Mamla Hai,” catching the eye of a Jalandhar TV station producer. This led to the song’s broadcast on December 31, 1980, launching his career.

Physical Appearance

• Height (approx.): 5′ 9″
• Weight (approx.): 70 kg
• Hair Colour: Black
• Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Family, Caste & Wife

Gurdas Maan comes from a Sikh family. His parents were the late Sardar Gurdev Singh Mann and the late Bibi Tej Kaur. He has one brother, Paramjit Bahia. He is married to Manjit Maan, a producer and director of Indian Punjabi films. Together they have a son, Gurickk G Maan, a successful video director and producer.

Career

His singing career began in 1980 with the massively popular “Dil Da Mamla Hai.” Subsequent hits like “Mamla Gadbad Hai” and “Chhalla” solidified his position. His song “Apna Punjab Hove” won numerous awards, including “Best Song,” “Best Album,” and “Best International Artist” at the Asian Pop and Media Awards. His 2007 album, “Boot Polishan,” received the Best International Album Award at the UK Asian Music Awards. His collaboration with Diljit Dosanjh on “Ki Banu Duniya Da” for Coke Studio MTV Season 4 was also hugely successful.

Beyond singing, Maan’s acting career has flourished. He’s starred in numerous Bollywood and regional films (Hindi, Punjabi, and Tamil), receiving accolades such as the Jury’s Award from the President of India. His role in “Waris Shah-Ishq Da Waaris,” portraying the Punjabi poet Waris Shah, is particularly noteworthy. He even made a special appearance in Shah Rukh Khan’s “Veer Zaara.”

He also demonstrated his versatility by writing and directing the television show “POP Time” for Doordarshan, Delhi, showcasing his multifaceted talents within the entertainment industry.

Controversies

Gurdas Maan has faced controversies. In 2005, he faced criticism for singing a film song instead of a religious one at a Vaisakhi concert and for a song deemed offensive to the Sikh community. In 2011, his song “Sadi Jithe Lagi Ae Lagi Rehn De” from the album ‘Jogiya’ drew criticism for allegedly promoting derawad.

Favourites

• Food: Rajma Chawal, Sarso Saag
• Actor: Guggu Gill
• Singers: Kuldeep Manak, Surinder Shinda
• Colours: Black, Grey
• Sport: Football
• Song: Aye Meri Zohra Jabeen (from the movie Waqt, 1965)

Facts

His hobbies include weight training, yoga, and writing poetry. He’s a known ice cream enthusiast. A former athlete, he won a bronze medal in the National Wrestling Championship and holds a black belt in Judo. A devoted follower of Baba Murad Shah Ji & Sai Laddi Shah Ji, he performs annually at Dera Baba Murad Shah Ji in Nakodar, Punjab, as a tribute.

He holds an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the University of Wolverhampton (awarded September 7, 2010). He owns the film production house “Sai Productions” in Mumbai. He’s been involved in two serious car accidents, one in 2001 and another in 2007. He is a supporter of Manchester United. He’s chosen to focus on his solo career, rejecting numerous duet offers. Fluent in several languages (Punjabi, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Haryanvi, and Rajasthani), he’s produced over 34 music albums and written over 305 songs by 2019. Notably, he’s the only Punjabi singer to win a National Award for Best Male Playback Singer (54th National Film Awards for “Heer” in “Waris Shah: Ishq Daa Waaris”).

He partnered in opening “The Studio – by Gurdas Maan,” a fine-dining restaurant with live music in Delhi. Affectionately known as “The Living Legend,” “Maan Sahab,” and “The Pride of Punjab,” he owns a Toyota Land Cruiser LC300, one of India’s most expensive cars.

Awards and Recognition

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