Kuldip Manak, born as Latif Mohammed Khan on November 15, 1951, was a legendary Indian Punjabi singer best known for his soulful renditions of Punjabi folk music. His profound voice and the purity of his musical expression made him a beloved icon in the Punjabi music industry. Manak hailed from the village of Jalal in the Bathinda district of Punjab, India, and began singing alongside his father at a young age, which nurtured his profound connection with the cultural and musical heritage of his homeland. Over the course of his illustrious career, he specialized in singing a genre known as Kaliyan (ballads of historical warriors), a specialization that earned him the honorific 'Kaliyan Da Badshah' (King of Ballads). His vocal mastery and the emotional depth of his performance cemented his status as one of the most influential figures in Punjabi music.

Manak’s music carried the rustic charm and narrative tradition of the Punjab, often depicting tales of love, valor, and sorrow. His repertoire included an impressive range of historical ballads, romantic melodies, and Sufi spiritual tracks that spoke to the heart of the Punjabi diaspora. Some of his most revered tracks are from albums such as "Rare Punjabi Songs Of Kuldip Manak," "Punjabi Folk Songs," and "GT Road Te." Through his work, Kuldip Manak not only popularized traditional Punjabi music but also influenced many contemporary artists and helped to keep the Punjabi language and cultural practices alive through his enchanting music. Although he passed away on November 30, 2011, his legacy lives on through his timeless music, inspiring new generations and sustaining the cultural fabric of Punjab.