Star Buzz EXCLUSIVE!! Chak Jawana: Gurdas Mann in GTA!

In coversation with Gurdas Mann

I had the privilege to recently meet the God of Punjabi Entertainment: the singer, songwriter, director and acclaimed actor Mr. Gurdas Mann. He was in town for the release of his latest movie ‘Chak Jawana’, a movie based in a village in Punjab where the youth have fallen prey to drug addiction. The turmoil of the parents seeing their children wasting their life and affecting the village atmosphere is portrayed in the movie. Then shows up Captain Gurjeet Singh (played by Mann) of the Indian Navy to save the day and put the disillusioned youngsters on the right path. ‘Chak Jawana’ has been scripted by the debutant director Simerjit Singh with Rupinder Chahal and has music by Jaidev Kumar.

I asked Mr Mann about why he wanted to make this movie, and what message he wanted to give to the youth with this movie. To my question he quickly corrected me by saying that this movie isn’t merely for the youth but for everyone, as the parents and loved ones of an addict are all together involved in both making an addict and helping the addict to leave the vice. The movie gives a message to everyone and their roles are important. The problem of the drug Doda that affects the GTA has deeply saddened Mr Mann and he urges the GTA community to go watch his film. Mr Gurdas Mann says that ‘Chori, yaari, nasha chupaya nahi chupda.’ (even though one might try to hide addiction and bad deeds, no one can really hide it for long).

I don’t follow Punjabi but I doubt there is anyone who doesn’t know Gurdas Mann and his catchy songs like ‘Dil da Mamala’. Mr Mann has popularised Punjabi music and songs from the early 80’s. He introduced us to his vibrant melodies, enriched with the soil of Punjab in every word. This Punjabi munda was born on 4th January, 1957 in Giddarbaha, Muktsar District, Punjab, India.

Gurdas Mann was educated in Malout and gained a Master’s Degree in Physical Education from the National Institute of Sports, Patiala. He competed in many athletic events and won medals including a bronze at the National Championship. He is also a black belt in Judo. Mann took part in youth festivals and it was here, upon seeing his performance in a play, a producer of a Jalandhar TV station approached him for a TV recording of his song ‘Dil da Mamala’, which Gurdas reluctantly agreed to. When the song was aired on December 31, 1980 it stormed the nation and Gurdas Mann became a household name. The overwhelming success of the song grabbed the attention of HMV who wanted to record the song and from this came his second album in 1981. He starred in the hit film ‘Shaheed Udham Singh’, and ‘Des Hoyaa Pardes’.

Gurdas has produced over 27 albums and has written over 200 songs. He also wrote and directed TV programs like POP Time for Doordarshan Delhi. The ever-popular "Apna Punjab hove" track has surpassed all other songs by Gurdas Mann. This track has received awards for The Best Song, Album & Best International Artist of the Asian Pop and Media Awards held in Birmingham in 1998. This song was originally written by Makhan Brar, who lives here in Toronto. As Gurdas Mann was performing in his concert in Toronto, Makhan Brar handed this song to him. It became a hit at that concert. Later on Gurdas Mann added a last verse to this song "marjaane Maana kion Punjab Janda khind da" and included it in his forthcoming album.

When I asked Mr Mann about his 30 year career in entertainment and the struggle he had to go through to achieve what he has now, he simply states that “Struggling is a part of life. It doesn’t matter what profession you are in; what matters is how you deal with the situation you are in at that particular time. If one is bold and has the ability to fight he shall overcome any situation he is put in; all you need is confidence in yourself and a little faith in the almighty.”

I asked him about the different caps he has worn through the years and which cap he finds the most challenging. To this he very eloquently said “I love to be on the stage and have that one-on-one interaction with my audience. With the mood of my fans I change and decide what songs to play; at times I change the line up on-the-spot because what’s important is that my fans enjoy their time with me. To understand them and please them during live performances is what I find most satisfying.”

Well, it was a pleasure for me to meet this wonderful gentle man who was kind enough to sing me a song from Chak Jawana before I took my leave. Not only did he sing it, but knowing that I don’t follow Punjabi completely he explained it to me as well. Do make sure you watch Chak Jawana and listen to his music. I know I will! A pleasure meeting a legend of Punjab! Here is to another 30 years of Gurdas Mann entertaining us! Click here to hear a song from Chak Jawana

Singing a song from Chak Jawana

Remembering CK Nayudu...

Remembering CK Nayudu...

Recently I met up with Sangeeta Kanjani and her husband Ram who own ARTeFAC Inc. Sangeeta’s mother is such a wonderful lady; having spent some time with her I knew what my next article would be about! Mrs. Leela Vidyasagar (Sangeeta’s mom) moved to Mississauga with her late husband ten years ago. Meeting Leela ji, I realised how important family and their legacy means.


Talking to Leela ji I come to know of her fond memories of her father - Cottari Kanakiya Nayudu, often known as C.K. Nayudu, who has the honour of being the first ever captain of the Indian Test Cricket team. He is also famous for being the first Cricket player of India who was bestowed with the Padma Bhushan award.

Nayudu was born in Nagpur, Maharashtra on 31st October 1895 where he spent his childhood as well. It was here that he first started playing cricket and also went on to captain the cricket team of the Hislop Collegiate High School, Nagpur. C.K. was selected by the Modi Club and later on became its captain. In 1916 he debuted in First Class Cricket, playing for Hindus against the Europeans. In 1923, Nayudu was made Captain of the army of the ruler of Holkar; he went on to hold the position of Colonel and made Indore, Madhya Pradesh his home.

C.K. Nayudu will always be remembered in Indian Cricket history for he lead the Indian cricket team in its first test cricket match, played against England in 1932. Even though in this match C.K. injured his hand while fielding, he still managed to make the highest runs of the innings. Overall, he scored 1,842 runs and grabbed 65 wickets during the whole tour.

Nayudu was blessed with a tall and well-built physique, and was quite good at driving the ball as a batsman. Apart from this, he was also an accomplished fielder and slow-medium paced bowler.

Nayudu played his last Ranji Trophy cricket match for Uttar Pradesh in the year 1956-57 at the age of 62, wherein he scored 52 runs. He died a graceful death on the 14th of November 1967 in Indore.

Sipping tea in their warm home, Mrs. Leela recollects the life of her father. “Nana (Telugu for Father) always taught all of us children to be humble and that no work should be measured to be big or small…whatever you do, just do it with all your heart and dedication.” Leela ji herself was very good in sports, having represented her state and college in badminton and table tennis, and her shelves of trophies are witness to those glorious days of her life. Leela’s sister, Chandra Nayudu, went on to create another first for India by becoming the first woman cricket commentator! Chandra also wrote a book, ‘C.K. Nayudu, a Daughter Remembers…’.

Way before the IPL or T20s there was test cricket and C.K. Nayudu, and way before Mandira Bedi there was Chandra Nayudu! Leela ji has lived on the principles of her father and carries his legacy with her. She tells me that she used to go watch all her father’s matches as she does her grandsons Rohan’s and Rishi’s these days. She has immense hope for her grandson to carry on the legacy of her father. The Nayudu Family has given a lot to Indian cricket history…here is hoping Rohan and Rishi will enrich the Canadian cricket history! To the Kanjani family, thank you for opening your doors to me and our readers and sharing your story.

The Column in the Paper