Some handful of artists have captured the soul of Punjab and carried its music across generations, and one of those is Gurdas Maan. With a career spanning over four decades, the legendary singer, songwriter, actor, and poet has built an enduring body of work rooted in Punjabi folk, meaningful lyrics, and deeply felt emotions. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, the legendary singer – composer spoke about the changing face of the music industry, the evolving role of playback singers, the growing popularity of remixes, and the responsibility artists carry towards their craft. Excerpts from the interview:The recent controversy surrounding Daler Mehndi‘s performance at an event: how much responsible should an artist be towards their art?An artist’s journey is often more complex than what we see from the outside. We must remember that artists are human too, with personal circumstances and challenges of their own. An artist will always try and do his best for his fans in spite of health issues, personal loss, injuries, etc. We must approach every situation with compassion, give the benefit of the doubt, and allow due process to take its course.About the controversy: Daler Mehndi faced controversy after his performance at Uttarakhand’s Kunjapuri Mela on October 18, 2026. The singer was performing at the event when Subodh Uniyal reportedly questioned his singing and accused him of being intoxicated.Do you think music today is driven more by commercial success and viral trends than by melody, lyrics, and emotion? What do you think of this?Music has always reflected its times, and every generation has its own way of expressing itself. Today, technology has given artists wonderful opportunities to reach people across the world. But for me, the heart of a song remains the same: melody, meaningful words, and emotion. A song may become popular overnight, but the songs that stay with us for years are the ones that touch the heart. Trends will come and go, but the language of the heart never becomes old.What is your take on singers stepping back from playback singing, and do you think playback singers today have enough creative freedom in the film industry?Playback singing is a beautiful part of our musical tradition. It allows a singer to bring life to a character and give a film an emotional voice. At the same time, every artist has a natural desire to explore, experiment, and express their own identity. I believe creativity flourishes when there is mutual respect between singers, composers, lyricists, and filmmakers. When everyone works together with an open heart, the music benefits. Ultimately, the purpose is to create something that connects with people, whether it is for a film or an independent album.Remixes of old classics are increasingly popular. Do you see this as a way of introducing timeless music to younger audiences, or is the industry running short of original ideas?Every generation is entitled to rediscover the music it loves. If a new arrangement introduces a young listener to an old classic, that can be a beautiful thing. But we must remember that a great song is not merely a tune; it carries the emotions, poetry, and experiences of the time in which it was created. A remix should honor that original spirit rather than lose it. I would love to see young composers draw inspiration from our musical heritage and create something new from it. Our roots are not meant to hold us back; they are meant to give us the strength to grow.You have remained relevant across generations. What have you done to stay connected with younger audiences while remaining true to your musical identity?I have never thought of music as something that belongs to a particular age group. A child, a young person, and an elderly person may understand the same song differently, but all of them can feel its emotion. I have simply tried to remain honest with my music and to keep learning from the world around me. My connection with the younger generation comes from listening to them, understanding their times, and sharing the values that have shaped me. My language, my soil, and my culture are my foundation. If you remain sincere with who you are, you do not have to chase every generation; you can grow alongside it.With elaborate stage productions and audiences recording everything on their phones, has the focus of live concerts shifted from music to spectacle?A concert is an experience, and there is nothing wrong with making that experience visually beautiful. Technology and stage production can add a great deal to a performance. But when the lights go out and the music begins, there must be something that reaches the audience beyond what the eyes can see. The real magic happens when thousands of people sing the same words together and feel the same emotion. You can record a performance on your phone, but the feeling of being present in that moment is something else entirely. For me, the voice and the connection with the audience must always remain at the center.Punjabi music has achieved global popularity, but there are concerns about repetitive lyrics and the loss of folk influences. How can the industry balance commercial success with cultural responsibility?Punjabi music has travelled far beyond Punjab, and that makes me very happy. Wherever our music goes, a little piece of our soil goes with it. Our folk tradition carries the wisdom of our elders, the beauty of our language, the rhythm of our fields, and the stories of our people. We should never forget that richness. There is room for modern sounds, new ideas, and commercial success, but our lyrics should also have depth, dignity, and variety. We must give young artists the freedom to experiment while encouraging them to understand the treasures they have inherited. If we keep creating with sincerity and pride in our culture, Punjabi music will continue to find new hearts across the world.What is your advice to young artists navigating an industry driven by streaming numbers, social media trends, and instant fame? What does it take to build a lasting legacy?My advice to young artists is simple: learn your art, respect your elders, work hard, and be patient. The world may measure a song in views and streams, but an artist’s true worth is measured by the place their work finds in people’s lives. Do not be discouraged if success takes time, and do not allow quick success to make you forget the reason you began. Stay curious, keep improving, and remain connected to your roots. Fame can come through many doors, but a legacy is built through honesty, consistency, and love. If your music can bring comfort to someone, give courage to someone or make someone feel less alone, then you have created something that will outlive you.
