Listening to him sing is divine, watching him on screen is a delight, but talking to him about life is a lesson... here’s Gurdas Maan for you‘I get positivity from hope & faith’
Mona
The Punjab di shaan, Gurdas Maan, has been synonymous with Punjabiyat all across the globe. Over four decades, this actor-singer-writer has continued to win love and reverence from music lovers for his heart-touching renditions. With projects and shows on hold, the Maan of Punjab is using the time to read, watch and listen to good content, including his favourites Waris Shah and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The star takes out time for The Tribune readers to take a trip down the nostalgia lane, offering precious gems from his life’s journey…
What’s keeping you positive during this lockdown?
Hope and faith are very powerful; they can help you get through any situation. I get my positivity from the hope that the world will come out stronger and better from this situation, and faith that the divine is always watching over us.
How was growing up in Giddarbaha, Punjab? Any memories that you can share from your growing up days?
Giddarbaha has some of my most fond memories, whether it was rushing through the village lanes to get to school, or running through the crop fields to get back home in the evening, it was a very different world.
Now a global citizen, what’s the most prominent Punjabi trait in you?
I think it would be my strong desire to connect people across states, nationally and internationally. Punjabis are large-hearted people, so it is a Punjabi trait to want to see the best for everyone.
What is the biggest strength of the Punjabi community?
Punjabis are large-hearted like I mentioned earlier, they are hardworking and that’s what makes them successful. Being emotional and hardworking is a very good combination for success. Because one makes you sensitive to your surroundings, and the other helps you overcome obstacles.
Punjab is rich in folk tradition.Is there a story/ song that you love the most?
Heer by Waris Shah is my absolute favourite. I have been reading it since my school days.
How are you keeping busy at home in the lockdown?
Reading as much as I can, and I have also been watching some good content on internet.
Any Punjabi singer/ actor/ writer whom you enjoy listening to or his/her work?
I love all the new generation artistes.They are all great in their ways, but my absolute favourite is Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan saab.
Who are you closest to, where do you find strength in tough times?
Closest to the divine power above and within us all, the divine power is the source of all energy, emotions, and life in general, and that is where we all get our strengths.
What have been the biggest highs and lows in life, what did they teach you?
The highs and lows are essential for growth, as they are the greatest teachers. The highs teach you to be hardworking, and lows teach you to be humble. Without these two traits, no being can truly be successful. During highs one should not only be busy being successful, but also understand what got you there in the first place, so that when the lows come, you can help yourself to come out of it.
mona@tribunemail.com
