When words turn sour

Mona

Gurdas Maan is a name synonymous with Punjabi culture. Often called the ‘Maan of Punjab’, the legendary singer enjoys a huge following around the world for his soulful renditions. So, when someone like him is in the eye of a storm, those interested in Punjabi or not, equally sit back and take notice.

An interview that had mentioned ‘one nation one language’ led to criticism and protests in Canada, where Maan is touring. Back home, artistes from his fraternity are shocked by what seems like an overrated misunderstanding. “I am stunned at people objecting to Maan sahib. He is not only an artiste, but a fakir and calling him names is absolutely wrong,” says singer Chetan who sees a mentor in Maan. “Main kal bhi Maan Sahab ke saath tha, aaaj bhi hoon, main kal bhi unse pyar karta tha, aaj bhi karta hoon, kal aur bhi karunga,” he adds. 

Personal vendetta

“To doubt Gurdas Maan and his love for Punjabi is either lack of understanding or personal vendetta,” opines Maan’s contemporary singer and music director Nirmal Sidhu. “There are many singers who have become stars by selling nonsense, but he has only added to the glory of language, be it his religious, cultural or folk tracks”. 

In the times of likes, comments and shares, people listen to one line and go in overdrive while posting reactions, “Calling Punjabi language maa and Hindi as masi is no gaali (abuse); he has regards for both! Any attack on Gurdas Maan is not his insult, but insult to our very own language.”

Chetan points out that for anyone who had given all his life to Punjabi, people abusing his late parents would enrage anyone, “Where are these so-called supporters of the mother tongue when singers openly sing of hathiyar, nasha, and corrupt young minds?” he asks.

Uncalled for treatment

“There are better ways to clear any misunderstanding,” opines Sidhu. “A person like Maan, who is suljhaya hoya, isn’t going to a give siyasi take, but the treatment given to him on his show is totally uncalled for,” he adds. 

Lyricist Preet Sanghreri feels that people missed the crux, “Maan ji mentioned how Hindustani is a language that takes from all its subsidiaries and represents our nation.” While he is pained at epic misconstruction, he insists, “Nobody has a right to question Maan ji, who has given 40 years of his life to our language. Anyone whose contribution is bigger than his can question him but no one else.” 

Film writer Raju Verma is pained at both accusations and Gurdas Maan’s reactions. “The sad thing is that all his service to ma boli may be overlooked but his one verbal abuse people would remember,” he says.

Offensive stance

The hullaballoo has Punjabi author Darshan Singh Aasht on the edge. “What makes a country’s culture vibrant is the presence of different languages. While I am not the one to disregard Hindi, Punjabi is first and foremost for me,” says the Sahitya Akademi Awardee, who found the language used by Maan, and his stance rather offensive. “With 15 crore Punjabis in 150 countries and Punjabi about to be the second language of Canada, let’s give it due respect,” he opines.