Gurdas Maan on his honorary degree

Punjabi music legend Gurdas Maan has told of his pride as he collected an honorary degree from the University of Wolverhampton.

Billed as the modern day equivalent of Elvis, Maan was awarded a doctorate of music.

The popular musician, actor and choreographer has a huge international following and has performed at the city's Civic Hall several times.

Several other stars from the world of Asian music were in the audience at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre to watch him pick up the award yesterday afternoon.

Singer Sardara Singh Gill, Bhangra record producer and singer Sukshinder Shinda, singer and songwriter Jazzy B and Shinn, of UK Bhangra band DCS, all looked on.

Speaking to the Express & star before the graduation ceremony, Mr Maan, aged 53, said: "It is a great honour for me and my country.

"I would like to thank the Wolverhampton people who have given me so much respect and love."

The singer also revealed he has spent much time in the city and even visited Molineux to watch Wolves take on Southampton a few seasons ago, despite being an avid Manchester United fan.

Mr Maan, who has more than 25 films, 30 albums and 200 songs under his belt, has also announced a UK tour next year.

He revealed he is returning to the Civic Hall on a date to be confirmed next April.

Yesterday, he took time out of his busy schedule to collect the degree before heading back to India last night.

Interest in his honorary degree was so great, a special press conference was called at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Monday.

John Pymm, dean of the university's school of performing arts and leisure, said: "He has an enormous following of people who will queue quite happily outside the Civic Hall for his autograph."

Mr Maan is one of 16 people awarded honorary degrees from Wolverhampton University.

Last week, drum and bass musician Goldie picked up an honorary degree of doctor of design, while Wolves chairman Steve Morgan, boss of Redrow, will be made an honorary doctor of letters on Friday.