Gurdas Maan is a popular name not just in the Punjabi music industry, but also the Hindi film one. Singer, songwriter, choreographer and actor, he has juggled many roles in the world of entertainment. Best known for his hit song Challa, the 60-year-old talks to us about his musical favourites:
One song on repeat on your iPod these days: I listen to a lot of Saif ul Malook.
If you had to put together a soundtrack for your life, three songs that best describe your life would be: Kamli Yaar Di Kamli, as it depicts our connection to the almighty; Sajna Ve Sajna, since it’s a song about love, and love is an important part in all our lives; Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawanon Ka, since it reminds me of the beauty and culture of my country.
A song you love to listen to when you’re:
Happy and upbeat: I listen to Nusrat saab.
Low: I sing Heer on the harmonium, when I am low or want to connect with my soul.
Working out: Nusrat saab’s music again.
Music you used to love as a kid or a teenager that you’re now embarrassed by: None really, it’s actually the other way around. I used to get embarrassed when my mother and her friends used to sing in a very peculiar style associated with rural Punjab, and today I miss that so much.
You would describe your taste in music as: I am not fussy about food and music at all. So anything is good for me, as long as the lyrics are clean, I am happy listening to anything.
Your favourite time to listen to music: During the afternoons, I disconnect with everything and go into my study and listen to music, followed by a bit of reading. And then finally, I write. but it all starts with music for me.
One band or musican that you would like to perform a private concert for you: I have had the good fortune of watching Nusrat saab perform, and I wish I could have seen him more.
One live act you would love to see at least once in your life: Watch Lata Mangeshkarji sing live.
