Gurdas Maan Recalls Meeting Amar Singh Chamkila, Shares Rural People Liked His Songs: 'Us Waqt Double Meaning Gaane Chalte The'
Gurdas Maan is a pioneer who single-handedly transformed Punjabi music in the 1980s and 1990s, bringing it to the global stage.
Gurdas Maan is a pioneer who single-handedly transformed Punjabi music in the 1980s and 1990s, bringing it to the global stage. His songs, often meditative and rich in cultural meaning, continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Over the years, Maan has won numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Punjabi music and culture, and he is still regarded as one of the most influential Punjabi artists of all time.
In a recent candid conversation on Lallantop, the legendary Punjabi singer opened up about his memorable encounter with the iconic Amar Singh Chamkila. The meeting, which took place during the early days of their respective careers, offers a rare glimpse into the relationship between two trailblazers who have left an indelible mark on Punjabi music.
Gurdas Maan on meeting Amar Singh Chamkila
Gurdas Maan, known for his soulful, culturally rooted songs, recalled meeting Chamkila at the home of renowned Punjabi music producer Charanjit Ahuja. "Yes, I met Chamkila Ji. It was at Charanjit Ahuja Ji’s house. It was around 5 in the morning. He had stopped by, and we were recording at the time. Chamkila had come to meet Charanjit Ji while we were working on our recordings at HMV in Daryaganj, Delhi," said Maan.
This was a pivotal period in Gurdas Maan's career, marked by the recording of some of his most famous early songs. "That was where it all started for us. Songs like 'Dil Da Mamla' were recorded there, followed by hits like 'Masti Aayi' and 'Dil Hona Chahida Jawaan.' There was one song, 'Dil Saf Hona Chahida' – the lyrics resonated so much with people back then."
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Gurdas Maan on Chamkila's singing style
While both Maan and Chamkila revolutionised Punjabi music in their own ways, their styles were starkly different. Amar Singh Chamkila, often referred to as the "Elvis of Punjab," was known for his bold and controversial lyrics, often with double meanings. Chamkila's music spoke directly to the rural masses and became immensely popular, especially in Punjab's villages. His provocative songs, touching on topics like love, infidelity, and social issues, made him both a beloved figure and a controversial one.
In contrast, Gurdas Maan's music was deeply rooted in Punjabi culture and tradition, drawing inspiration from folk legends like Asa Singh Mastana and Surinder Kaur. His lyrics were often poetic and philosophical, reflecting the emotional and spiritual essence of Punjabi life.
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Maan said, "आजकल मुंडे कुड़िया सब माफ होना चाहिए क इसलिए पूछ र था ये सवाल क्योंकि उनके गाने और आपके गाने बहुत जमीन आसमान का फर्क है बोल में उस वक्त जो चलता था ना जी गाने चलते थे थोड़े से डबल मीनिंग चलते थे Back then, songs with double meanings were quite common. When I started my career, people used to say, ‘This is how Punjabi songs are supposed to be,’ referring to the style of Chamkila’s music. But I believed in a different kind of music—songs like those sung by Asa Singh Mastana and Surinder Kaur, which had a strong cultural foundation."
He acknowledged that Chamkila's songs, despite their boldness, were loved by the rural folk, who found joy in their playful wordplay. "The rural folk enjoyed Chamkila’s songs in their own way, as there was no other form of entertainment available in the villages. They found joy in the playful wordplay and innuendos," Maan added.
Despite the differences in their musical approaches, there was mutual respect between the two legends. Gurdas Maan fondly recalled an amusing incident where a producer asked him to create "spicy" and "edgy" songs in the style of Chamkila. "I was once asked to sing songs with sharp and spicy lyrics, but I politely declined. I’ve always stuck to my own style, and that’s how I’ve continued."
This incident reflects the integrity Maan brought to his music—a commitment to staying true to his values and the kind of songs that resonated with his soul. Even as Chamkila's fame rose with his more provocative approach, Maan maintained his own path, building a legacy that would come to define modern Punjabi music.
Amar Singh Chamkila, despite his tragically short career was assassinated in 1988 at the age of 27—left behind a legacy that continues to influence generations of Punjabi singers. His raw and fearless music remains a cornerstone of Punjabi folk, and his songs are still played at weddings, functions, and public gatherings.
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