
BY DEEPINDER SINGH
LOS ANGELES, CA – Thousands of people had an evening full of fun and frolic with legendary singer and actor, Gurdas Maan, live in concert here at Hansen Dam soccer field on July 26 at an event jointly organized by the Festival of India Association and Punjabi Heritage and Cultural Society.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Thousands of people had an evening full of fun and frolic with legendary singer and actor, Gurdas Maan, live in concert here at Hansen Dam soccer field on July 26 at an event jointly organized by the Festival of India Association and Punjabi Heritage and Cultural Society.
Maan got a standing ovation on entering the stage by the thousands who had gathered there to get a glimpse of their beloved singer. He acknowledged the welcome by bowing and saluting the audience from the stage. Dressed in a brilliant purple traditional Punjabi outfit with embroided jacket and traditional jewelry ‘kentha’, he kicked off the concert with a Sufi song ‘Tere Ishq Da Girdha Penda’ that spoke of the relation between a disciple and a spiritual teacher. This was followed by one of the greatest Punjabi song of all times ‘Challa’, the music for which was produced by the legendary Jagjit Singh. This song, which was used in the movie ‘Long da Lishkara’ had catapulted him to cult status.Maan also sang ‘Bolian’ a form of folk literature expressed as poetic couplets. ‘Mehngi Motor Ton Mera Saasta Cycle Changa’ was another song that spoke of the emotions of a poor lover who could afford and offer only a cycle to his love. ‘Roti’ focused philosophically on the physical and emotional need for food.
He went to perform one of the most popular songs in Punjabi, ‘Aapna Punjab Hove’ that highlighted diminutive things that people can relate to. The audience applauded each move of the singer. On popular demand, he sang ‘Dil Da Maamla that had shot him to fame in the 1980’s. He also sang ‘Ki Khatiya Main Teri Heer Ban Ke’ and ‘Peer Tere Jaan Di’.
Mann came into the lime light in 1980 with his song ‘Dil Da Maamla Hai’ and since never looked back. Longevity in the music industry is a rare thing, with artistes barely lasting more than a few releases. But Maan has stood the test of time and is un-arguably the most notable figure in the world of Punjabi music. Maan has dominated the scene for over three decades and managed to attract and maintain a huge fan base in and outside of India.
Another star who enlivened the show was Satinder Satti, a popular TV anchor, actress, poet, dancer, and singer from Punjab who emceed the event and presented a couple of songs. Satti highlighted Maan’s contribution and service in promoting the culture and traditions of Punjab.
Local singer Sahyba, performed Bollywood numbers, ‘Ram Chahe Leela’, ‘Bidi Jaleyle’ and ‘Dil To Aavne Aavne Aavne Aavne Loot Gya’ and amazed the audience with her all-round talent.
Maan also released two books of poetry, ‘Badalte Raang’ and ‘Dilaan De Armaan’ written by Jaswant Singh Dhillon.
Raman Chadha on the occasion said events like this aimed at promoting Punjabi culture and language among the generation born here. Iqbal Samra thanked the artistes, audience and sponsors for their help and contribution in making the event a success.
He went to perform one of the most popular songs in Punjabi, ‘Aapna Punjab Hove’ that highlighted diminutive things that people can relate to. The audience applauded each move of the singer. On popular demand, he sang ‘Dil Da Maamla that had shot him to fame in the 1980’s. He also sang ‘Ki Khatiya Main Teri Heer Ban Ke’ and ‘Peer Tere Jaan Di’.
Mann came into the lime light in 1980 with his song ‘Dil Da Maamla Hai’ and since never looked back. Longevity in the music industry is a rare thing, with artistes barely lasting more than a few releases. But Maan has stood the test of time and is un-arguably the most notable figure in the world of Punjabi music. Maan has dominated the scene for over three decades and managed to attract and maintain a huge fan base in and outside of India.
Another star who enlivened the show was Satinder Satti, a popular TV anchor, actress, poet, dancer, and singer from Punjab who emceed the event and presented a couple of songs. Satti highlighted Maan’s contribution and service in promoting the culture and traditions of Punjab.
Local singer Sahyba, performed Bollywood numbers, ‘Ram Chahe Leela’, ‘Bidi Jaleyle’ and ‘Dil To Aavne Aavne Aavne Aavne Loot Gya’ and amazed the audience with her all-round talent.
Maan also released two books of poetry, ‘Badalte Raang’ and ‘Dilaan De Armaan’ written by Jaswant Singh Dhillon.
Raman Chadha on the occasion said events like this aimed at promoting Punjabi culture and language among the generation born here. Iqbal Samra thanked the artistes, audience and sponsors for their help and contribution in making the event a success.