Gurdas Maan, an ambassador of Punjabi culture

Punjab reminds one about a place full of life, exuberance and rich culture. And, the Punjabis are known for their zest for life.

By Shalini

Mumbai, June 14 : Punjab reminds one about a place full of life, exuberance and rich culture. And, the Punjabis are known for their zest for life.

Not many may know it is the Punjabi music that popularised the Punjabi culture beyond geographical confines. And, today, a big credit goes to legendary singers like Gurdas Maan, who have become a synonym to Punjabi lifestyle.

Be it "Baki Diyan Galaan Chaddo ....."or "Dum Mast Kalandar ...."or "Saada Punjab Hove....", Gurdas Maan's renditions have touched millions of hearts in every nook and corner of the world.

Whether it was the time of insurgency or the festive time on occasions like Baisakhi, Maan has always been found highlighting the pain and pleasures through the magic of his songs.

As a singer, actor, script writer and a music composer, Maan has always kept himself busy leaving a deep impression on everyone's mind.

Maan says: "My village, my Punjab - the land of five rivers, has a unique lifestyle where everyone loves singing. You can find just anyone singing while doing any kind of job....be it returning from a farm, while irrigating the fields or harvesting, everyone enjoys humming some song."

He says: "The life of a Punjabi begins with a song and ends with a song. When a baby is born, Lori or, lullaby is sung, on marriage special songs are sung, and even there are songs for someone's demise, sung at the time of final rites."

Maan adds: "For the people I spoke to, their talk is musical, and they spend their entire life singing. I am not surprised because I am a singer and my neighbours live by singing. When we were in school, we played musical tunes on the school benches. I believe, it was my practice, it was our love for music which has brought us where we are today,"

Maan, on his musical career, says: "I may have received very few awards but have received many rewards. I have received so much love from so many people that content."

Maan says, big success doesn't happen overnight. One has to learn how to take everything and all kind of people in his stride."Without a struggle, life has no meaning. If one wants to enjoy bliss, he has to bear sufferings. If one wants to enjoy the beautiful aroma, he should put up with foul odours. If you want to reach good people, you will have to respect the bad ones."

The artists in Gurdas Maan never motivated him to lead a too much planned life. He has celebrated everything whatever came his way.

"I have done very little planning in my life. Whatever I have received, I am satisfied with it. I never lost my patience. Patience, trust and thanks - is my God and truth."

ANI