Gearing up for the release of his new album, Punjab, Gurdas Maan says the audience is his inspiration
Gurdas Maan
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Tell us about your new album.
Punjab has seven songs. The third one, Mittar Pyare Nu, which released last week, has Guru Gobind Singhji’s poetry. My son Gurikk Maan directed the video. I hope people like it.
What do you think of the evolution of Punjabi music over the years?
Sangeet ek dariya hai. Woh behta rehta hai. Humein khushi hai ki uss dariya mein ek tinke ki tarah hum bhi hain. Punjab has produced some amazing musicians, and the boom in the Punjabi film industry has helped its music flourish. Films have given Punjabi music better recognition.
Do you have any favourite artistes?
There are so many. The likes of Diljit Dosanjh and Gippy Grewal
are preserving the heritage of Punjabi music. It’s great that they’re helping regional films flourish.
Why don’t you act in Bollywood films anymore?
There are several new artistes, who have made a mark in the industry after many years of struggle. We should give them a chance. Whenever I’ve been offered roles, I’ve obliged. I will be seen in Nandita Das’s film on Saadat Hasan Manto, which stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui. I’m also excited about my next Punjabi film, Nankana Above The Religion, which goes on floors in October.
Most of your songs click with the audience. What’s the secret to your success?
I ensure I sing all my new tracks on stage before recording them, because I like to see if the audience likes them. Once they green light them,
I release the songs.
How important are live shows for you?
Interacting with my fans is important. I’m a learner and my fans inspire me. I am not just a singer; I’m a performer. There are many singers, but not everyone is a performer. Kishore Kumar saab and Sonu Nigam are great performers.