Legend of 5AB - Kuldeep Manak

1^st Dec 2011

Gurgaon

“You are not Kuldeep Manka…… You are Kuldeep Manak” These were the words of then Chief Minister of Punjab Sr. Partap Singh Kairon. That’s from where the name of this legendary Punjabi folk singer originated. Manak which means Standard and it suits perfectly for Kuldeep Manak Sahib who set high standards in Punjabi singing which will never be matched. His original name was Latif Mohammad, later he got converted to Sikhism and acquired the name ‘Kuldeep Singh’.

‘Kaliyan da badshah is no more’, the whole village ‘Jalal’ went in deep sorrow when this news arrived. He was being treated at DMC hospital in Ludhiana after suffering kidney problems. He had been admitted into hospital last week after contracting pneumonia. And after a prolonged illness the music legend passed away yesterday, 30^th Nov 2011.

Born on 15th November 1949 in the village of Jalal district Bathinda, Manak was a member of musical family. Manak was of the tradition and caste of entertainers, known as Marasis. His ancestors were the hazoori raagis of Sikh religious songs for Maharaja Hira Singh of Nabha.

Kuldeep Manak was the jewel of Punjabi music industry. From recording his 1^st song at the young age of 17 in 1968 ‘Jija Akhiyan na maar…..’ to his final collaboration with Jazzy B for the album ‘Maharajas’ Manak was known for his powerful voice and perfect key.

I still remember the day when I 1^st saw his performance during a kabadi competition in our village. The love and affection of people for him and his ‘kaliyan’ is unmatched. In a village of mere 1000 population the gathering for his performance was near about 10000. ‘Tere Tile ton…..’ was an amazing performance at the event, which is my favorite also and I sang it once in our college fest.

He left behind a huge legacy of Punjabi folk music which will inspire every singer to be like him. There will never be another singer, performing anywhere close to his benchmark performances.

 “MANAK haad muka geya nawiya kaliyan di……….”