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Kuldeep Manak Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 29, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth15 November (sources list 1949 or 1951)

Age60 or 62 at time of death (sources differ)

BirthplaceVillage Jalal, Bathinda district, Punjab, India

ProfessionSinger

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseSarabjeet Kaur

FamilyChildren: Son - Yudhvir Manak; Daughter - Shakti Manak

Kuldeep Manak Biography

Kuldeep Manak, born Latif Mohammed Khan and popularly known as Kuldeep Manak or Kaliyan da Baadshah, was a celebrated Punjabi folk singer renowned for his高

Early life and background

Kuldeep Manak was born Latif Mohammed Khan in the village of Jalal in Bathinda district, Punjab. Sources give his date of birth as 15 November, with two years cited in different records. He grew up in a family with strong musical and devotional ties: several male relatives served as Hazoori Ragis for the Maharaja of Nabha, and that environment shaped his early attraction to Sikh devotional and folk music despite his birth into a Muslim family.

Manak attended Government High School in his native village. Two of his headmasters supported him financially and encouraged his musical development; a local qawwal provided additional lessons after school. The former chief minister Pratap Singh Kairon is reported to have given him the name Kuldeep Manak following a school performance in which the young singer impressed the chief guest.

Career

Kuldeep Manak emerged as a distinctive voice in Punjabi folk music, earning nicknames such as Kaliyan da Baadshah and Lok Gayaki Da Baadshah. He became known for his high-pitched, high-note singing style and for performing with the traditional tumbi. His stage persona included a signature French-cut beard and the ritual of beginning concerts with a tribute to Banda Singh Bahadur.

Manak moved from Bathinda to Ludhiana to pursue music professionally. Early collaborations included work with Harcharan Grewal and vocalist Surinder Seema; at about 17 years old he recorded a first successful song with Seema. He made his recorded debut in 1973 with an EP titled Punjab Diyan Lok Gathawan on HMV, followed by a notable album Allah Bismillah Teri Jugni in 1974. His first long-play record, Ik Tara, appeared in 1976 and featured the popular kali Tere Tille Ton.

Alongside recordings, Manak performed widely on stage and in religious gatherings. He recounted headline moments such as performing at large melas where the crowds were immense; one such occasion required special escort arrangements because of turnout. He generally avoided onstage partnerships with female vocalists, explaining that audiences came to hear him specifically.

Manak also recorded songs for Punjabi cinema. In 1979 he contributed Sathon Nae Majhin Chaar Hundian to the film Saidan Jogi and in 1980 sang Yaaran Da Truck Balliye for Lambardaarni. He produced and acted in the film Balbiro Bhabi in 1981 but subsequently stepped back from acting after suffering financial losses on that project. In 1983 he recorded an LP with Amarjot Kaur; that release included the well-known tracks Ik Mai Hova Ik Tu Hove and Lae Gya Meri Jind Kadh Ke.

Politics and public life

In 1996 Kuldeep Manak stood as an independent candidate in the Lok Sabha election from Bathinda. He lost to the Shiromani Akali Dal candidate Harinder Singh Khalsa. In interviews he explained that the killing of fellow singer Dilshad Akhtar had motivated him to enter politics with the hope of doing something for the music community.

Awards and recognition

Over the course of his career Manak received recognition from Punjab’s Language Department with a Best Singer Award and later a Lifetime Achievement Award from the regional channel ETC Punjabi. His reputation in Punjab as a preeminent folk vocalist remained a defining part of his legacy.

Personal life

Manak married Sarabjeet Kaur on 18 September 1975. The couple had two children: a son, Yudhvir Manak, and a daughter, Shakti Manak. His parents were Nikha Khan and Bachan Kaur; both parents predeceased him. He had siblings, including a brother Siddqui who was a devotional singer and another brother, Rafiq.

Later years and death

Kuldeep Manak’s health declined due to a prolonged illness and complications from pneumonia. He died on 30 November 2011 at DMC Hospital in Ludhiana. Sources list his age at death as either 60 or 62, reflecting the differing birth-year records.

Public profile

Manak was widely celebrated for preserving and popularizing Punjabi folk traditions, particularly the kali form of song. He often credited spiritual influences and blessings for his success, and his performances continued to draw attention for their intensity and vocal range. His work on records, films, and concerts made him a household name in Punjabi music circles.

Latest updates

Kuldeep Manak’s recorded catalog and public reminiscences from peers and fans continue to be referenced in discussions of Punjabi folk music and its development during the late 20th century. His most frequently recalled recordings include the EP Punjab Diyan Lok Gathawan, the LP Ik Tara, and the 1974 Allah Bismillah Teri Jugni album.
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Recent Work

Punjab Diyan Lok Gathawan (EP)

Debut EP released on HMV

1973
Allah Bismillah Teri Jugni

Album recorded in 1974

1974
Ik Tara (LP)

First long-play record featuring the kali "Tere Tille Ton"

1976
Sathon Nae Majhin Chaar Hundian (film song)

Song for the film Saidan Jogi

1979
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Career Highlights

  1. Debut EP Punjab Diyan Lok Gathawan (1973)
  2. Notable album Allah Bismillah Teri Jugni (1974)
  3. LP Ik Tara (1976) featuring the kali Tere Tille Ton
  4. Film songs for Saidan Jogi (1979) and Lambardaarni (1980)
  5. Produced and acted in Balbiro Bhabi (1981)
  6. Contested Lok Sabha election from Bathinda (1996)
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Kuldeep Manak born?

15 November (sources list 1949 or 1951)

What is Kuldeep Manak known for?

Singer

What is Kuldeep Manak’s marital status?

Married

Who is Kuldeep Manak married to?

Sarabjeet Kaur