Babbu Maan
| Babbu Maan | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Tejinder Singh Maan |
| Also known as | Maan Saab, Khantwala Maan, Swaggy Jatt, Khantiya, Maana Da Maan, BM |
| Born | March 29, 1975 Khant Maanpur, India |
| Genres | Folk, bhangra, pop, ghazals |
| Occupations | Singer, Lyricist, Music Director,Actor, Producer, Writer |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Labels | Catrack, T-Series, Point Zero, Swag Music |
| Associated acts | Sukhwinder Singh, Jaspinder Narula, Gurlej Akhtar, Monty Sharma, Jaidev Kumar, Harjit Harman, Bhagwant Maan,Gurdas Maan |
| Website | babbumaanonline.com |
Career
Music
A well known Panjabi songwriter, composer and singer, Babbu Maan recorded his first album Sajjan Rumaal De Geya in 1998. Unhappy with the finished product, he went back to the drawing board and re-released most of the songs in his subsequent albums. His first official debut album Tu Meri Miss India, released in 1999 and became an instant hit in India and with Panjabis abroad. In 2001, Maan released his third album Saaun Di Jhadi. It featured several popular songs such as Saaun Di Jhadi, Chan Chanani, Raat Guzarlayi, Dil Ta Pagal Hai, Ishq, Kabza and Touch Wood.
In 2003, Babbu Maan wrote and sang for the Hindi movie Hawayein where he worked alongside reputed Indian playback singers Sukhwinder Singh and Jaspinder Narula. Maan released his fourth album Ohi Chann Ohi Rataan in 2004, followed by Pyaas in 2005, one of the best-selling Panjabi albums of the time and the album that delivered his infamous song Mittran Di Chhatri. Maan released his first Hindi album entitled Mera Gham in 2007, and in 2009, his first religious album Singh Better Than King. A song from the latter, Baba Nanak, a reaction to fake saints and preachers in Punjab, caused various debates about the growing phenomenon in the state. The album went on to sell in millions in India alone. On 4th July 2013, Maan released his new albumTalaash: In Search Of Soul, his first Panjabi commercial album after eight years. Despite receiving mixed reactions from fans, the album stormed to the top of the iTunes World Albums charts in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA.
In addition to Hawayein, Babbu Maan has lent his voice for Panjabi films Waagah and Dil Tainu Karda Ae Pyar as well as for Bollywood productions Vaada Raha, Crook and Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster. He also co-wrote the song Layi Ve Na Gaye with Pappu Dhillon for the Yash Raj Chopra film Chalte Chalte. In 2010, legendary singer Gurdas Maan accepted a PTC music award for the song Challa from Crook on Babbu Maan's behalf, referring to him as "kalakaran da Mirza" (the Mirza of all artists).
Babbu Maan has performed in sell-out shows across Australasia, Europe, North America and the Middle East. In 2010, he performed in one of the largest concerts that India has ever seen: Dirba Live. He owns the music label Swag Music and is keen to promote new talent. Maan is the ambassador for the newly set-up NGO in Panjab: One Hope, One Chance.
Films
Babbu Maan debuted in Hindi films in a supporting role in 2003 with Hawayein. Although banned in India, the film was an overseas success. In 2006, Maan starred in his first Panjabi film as the main lead in Rabb Ne Banaiyan Jodiean. Dissatisfied with certain scenes and the fate of the film, Maan returned to form in 2008 with Hashar (A Love Story). His sensitive portrayal of a heartbroken young man caught up in student politics, remains to be one of his best and most popular performances to date. He has since written, produced and acted in his own home-grown filmsEkam, Hero Hitler in Love and Desi Romeos. Babbu Maan owns Maan Films Pvt. Ltd and in 2010, constructed a film set called Ishqpura in his native village.
