Legendary Punjabi folk singer Kuldeep Manak died at here on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. The last rites would be performed at his birthplace and native village Jalal in Bathinda on Friday.

Manak had celebrated his 62nd birthday on November 15. His illustrious career in music began when the 17-year-old was chosen to sing alongside famed vocalist Seema in 1968. This proved to be his lucky break and he went on to forge a successful career in the music industry. He is credited for popularising the traditional Punjabi songs called kaliyan. His hits songs include "Tere Tilley Ton", "Chheti Kar Sarwan Bachcha" and "Garh Mughlane Dian Naaran".

"Kuldeep Manak was a strong pillar of Punjabi music industry, and to me, a father figure. Whatever I am today is all because of him. His demise has left a void in our lives," said Jazzy B, who visited the singer's residence in Housing Board Colony near Rajguru Nagar soon after the news of Manak's death spread. Among others present there along with Manak's fans were Punjabi singers Surinder Chinda, Daljeet Dosanjh and Ranjeet Mani.

"His death is a great loss to the Punjabi music industry," said Punjabi Sahitya Academy president Gurbhajan Singh Gill. Dosanjh added, "He will continue to be an inspiration for all Punjabi singers."

Manak is survived by his wife and two children - son Yuhdhvir and daughter Shakti. Yudhvir had been following his father's footsteps but his progress was stunted after he suffered a brain hemorrhage.