Kuldeep Manak Biography 
Kuldeep Manak was a popular Punjabi singer, known for singing a rare genre of Punjabi music, Kali (also known by the name kalian or kaliyan in plural form). During late 1970’s and early 1980’s, his career was at its peak and was the best Punjabi singer worldwide during that particular period. His high pitched strong voice was unique and instantly recognizable also. Kuldeep Manak's ancestors were the Hazoori Raagis (designated cantors) of Kirtan for Maharaja Hira Singh of Nabha.
Manak was born as Latif Muhammad on November 1951 in Punjab. His father Nikka Khan was a singer. His brothers – Siddqui was a devotional singer and Rafiq, a famous tantric. He completed his matriculation from the village school. He was a kabaddi player too. From a younger age, he was inclined towards music and his teachers asked him to sing qawwali. He took formal training in Hindustani music from Ustad Khushi Muhammad Qawwal of Firozpur. In his early career he became the baadshah of kaliyan. Gadeya millade sohne yaar, Tere tille ton and Dulleya ve tokra were among his early hits. He was married to Sarabjeet and had two children. His son, Yudhvir now follows the footsteps of his father.
Manak, after formal learning in classic music, left his village to pursue a career in singing. He went to Ludhiana where he started singing with the duo Harcharan Grewal and Seema. At Delhi, he was spotted by a music company and recorded a duet, Jija akhian na maar ve main kall di kurhi with Seema at the age of 17. Songs like Laung karaa mittra and Machhli paunge maape were runaway success. His first EP, Punjab Dian Lok Gathawan was released by HMV in 1973. He also acted and sung in many Punjabi films like 'Saidan Jogan' (1979), 'Lambardaarni' (1980) and Balbiro Bhabi (1981). He had a brief stint in politics, though was not successful.
Published: N/A
Updated: December 24, 2013
