As humble as it gets

Jasmine Singh 

Legendary Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan talks in a settled voice, thanking Sai ji for everything that we point out is extraordinary in him. However, there is just one thing that affects his blood pressure and he has absolutely no control over! He smiles, “When I am cheering for my favourite team Manchester United,” glancing at his wife, film director Manjeet Mann, who throws a big nod in approval. 

In Chandigarh to perform at Rani Breast Cancer Trust event in Tagore Theatre, the extremely humble artiste credits his career, his passion, his breath and his existence in totality to Sai ji. “One should always keep the guru in the heart, mind and soul, and let the guru shower his blessings.” 

Even after decades of success, Gurdas Maan feels he has made no contribution. “I don’t make any effort to be where I am or do something different, it is Sai ji’s blessings that have kept me like this. I think if I ever waver, he comes to stand by and takes me through everything with absolute calmness.” 

Charitable heart 

Even though Gurdas Maan is always the first one to offer any kind of support for a charitable cause, Rani Breast cancer Trust is something he is absolutely close to. “Bittu Safeena Sandhu is like my younger sister, and this initiative is something I will always find time for and I feel for it as well.”

Unlike many Punjabi singers who like flaunting their popularity through YouTube likes, here is an artiste who still enjoys a fan-following across all age-groups; and his songs like Ki Banu Duniya Da are as relevant as they were decade back.

This does not mean he doesn’t keep pace with the present times. “My son Gurickk Mann keeps me updated on the current music. He makes me listen to all kinds of Punjabi, Hindi and English songs. In fact, he is the person behind Punjab and Mittar Pyare Nu,” smiles the legendary singer-actor, who believes that there is no dearth of good singers and writers who are much better than himself. 

“As I said in the beginning — it is my murshid who keeps me humble.”