THIS week legendary singer Gurdas Maan celebrates his 63rd birthday on January 4.
The iconic artist has entertained millions around the world with superb songs, high-energy live performances and by acting in successful films. He also inspired a generation of artists, set a high benchmark for Punjabi music and promoted positivity everywhere he has gone. You can celebrate the much beloved artist turning a year older by listening to his greatest hits, and with that in mind,
Eastern Eye selected 10 great songs by the mighty Maan, in no particular order.
Dil Da Mamla Hai: The unknown 23-year-old singer was noticed at a live event and asked to perform this song on the national TV channel Doordarshan in 1980. That star-making
moment turned an anonymous Punjab state electricity board employee into an overnight star.
Challa: The now iconic song became a global blockbuster after featuring in the Punjabi movie Laung Da Lishkara in 1986. The heartfelt timeless song remains popular over 30 years later.
Mamla Gadbad Hai: An early success for the singer was the title track of a hit 1984 film. It had a fun element that connected with music lovers globally. It is a timeless song that has remained with the singer ever since then.
Apna Panjab Hove: The singer has never disconnected himself from his Punjabi roots and this fun song is a celebration of the land he loves. It is a song that gets every Punjabi singing along when it is played anywhere in the world.
Boot Polishan: This is a catchy dance number, but it has a very powerful underlying message about the value of hard work and says make an honest living, even if it means working as a boot polisher. The noble number further states there is no work too big or small.
Ki Banu Duniya Da: The great legend teamed up with superstar singer Diljit
Dosanjh for a stunning cover version of his old hit, which featured on the show Coke Studio. The wonderful song brought together two greats from different generations and has been viewed over 90 million times on YouTube.
Peer Tere Jaan Di: One of his most popular evergreen songs is loved globally largely because of the marvellous music and stunning vocal delivery, but it also has a very deep emotional message that is filled with love and heartbreak.
Sajna Ve Sajna: This was another very early success for the singer and a track that has remained popular for nearly 40 years. It was an early indicator that the
singer would combine artistry with entertainment.
Punjab: The singer has delivered a lot of great songs celebrating his emotional connection to Punjab like Pind Diyan Galliyan, but this devastatingly powerful number commented on what has gone wrong in modern society. It is accompanied by an incredible music video and struck a chord with those who listened to it.
Ishq Di Maari: This passion-filled song inspired by Sufi music has that magical energy associated with the genre. It is a song that immediately grabs hold of you and like all of his other songs, transports you to a world filled with emotion.
