Gurdas Maan is a pioneer who single-handedly transformed Punjabi music in the 1980s and 1990s, bringing it to the global stage. Meanwhile, Amar Singh Chamkila is also a legendary singer who remained controversial because of his songs but continues to inspire generations.
Recently, Gurdas Maan 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.”
