Choti Si Umar

Was going through some of the old music folders and came across this beauty sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who happens to be one of my absolute favorite. While listening to the song I was trying to understand the song and the lyrics. The song from the OST of Bandit Queen (1994), is in Rajasthani and in essence it is a wail of a newly wed bride who questions why she had to be married so early. I think, the beauty of the song lies more in the music and words, which in no way means that the voice is not upto the mark. Nusrat is fabulous as always but for me the lyrics and the music steal the show.

Lyrics:-
Chhottie See Umar, Parnai O Babasa
Chhottie See Umar, Parnai O Babasa
Kayi Tharo Karro Main Kasoor? Ohhhh
Kayi Tharo Karro Main Kasoor? Ohhhh

Tha Ghar Jarni, Tha Ghar Kheli
Tha Ghar Jarni, Tha Ghar Kheli
Ab Ghar Bhejo Dooja Sa Ohhhh
Tha Ghar Jarni, Tha Ghar Kheli
Ab Ghar Bhejo Dooja Sa Ohhhh
Moh se kayi Bola, Mora Aansooda Bole
Moh se kayi Bola, Mora Aansooda Bole
Hiwade Bharo Hai Bharpoor Ohhhh
Hiwade Bharo Hai Bharpoor Ohhhh

Thare Pipariye Ki Bholi Main Chidakli
Thare Pipariye Ki Bholi Main Chidakli
Bhejao To Ud Jaun Sa Ohhhh
Thare Pipariye Ki Bholi Main Chidat Ri
Bhejao To Ud Jaun Sa Ohhhh
Bhejo To Bhejo, Babul, Marji Ho Thari
Bhejo To Bhejo, Babul, Marji Ho Thari
Saawan Mein Bulaiyo Jaroor
Saawan Mein Bulaiyo Jaroor Ohhhh

Akhiyan Ch Tu Vasda

You wouldve probably heard the song being used as a background number in Oye Lucky Lucky Oye (2008), one of my fav films in the recent times. Lovely lyrics sung in a melodious and simple way.

Inna Akhiyan Ch Paavan Kive Kajla Ve
Akhiyan Ch Tu Vasda
Har Vele Channa Mera Tere val Muh Ve
Buliyan ch Naa Tera
Akhiyan ch Tu Ve
Jadon Hasdi, Bhulekha menu Painda Ve
Haseya Ch Tu Hasda

Lamiyan si Vaatan Channa
Nere Nere Aaea Tu
Akhiyan De Raahi Aa Ke
Dil Ch Samayeya Tu
Jadon Puchdi aa Piyar Diyan Gallan Ve
Hauli Hauli tu dasda
Inna Akhiyan Ch Paavan Kive Kajla Ve
Akhiyan Ch Tu Vasda

Masa Masa Jindari Main, Pyar vich Rangi Ve
Aj Menu Jaapda Main, tere Naal mangi Ve
Aj Khushiyan da Ho Gea Savera Ve
Gam Saathon Door Bhajda
Inna Akhiyan Ch Paavan Kive Kajla Ve…

Aaj Rang Hai

Ghulam Hussain Niazi and party performed on the 7th of March at Chaunsath Khamba, Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti, to a mixed audience from eight to eighty year olds. Jashn-e-Khusrau celebrates the sufiana kalaam (mystical poetry of Islam) of Amir Khusrau (1253 - 1325).

The forecourt of Chaunsath Khamba, a 17th century Mughal Tomb, bathed in a hue of yellow stood witness to the redention of qawwalis for 3 nights by some of the biggest names in Qawwali world.

The mehfil ended in the very popular Chhap Tilak and finally Aaj Rang Hai.

The fest picks up on 10th and runs till 14th so you can still catch on some poetry reading, walks, talks, film screenings and qawwali performances. Details can be seen by downloading the festival brouchure. (Rapidshare link)

Toomba By Sai Zahoor

I really wanted to share this one with you all. Recently came across this amazing Sufi singer through the coke studio recordings on Youtube and this track has been playing continuously for the last 3 days on my laptop along with a few other melodious beauties by the same singer - Sai Zahoor.

He isn't someone famous, acclaimed or oft-heard, but the rustic and earthy tones of his voice have def struck a chord.

Lyrics:-

Ooooo…(Alaaps)

Ooooo….(Alaaps)

Jeevein Saiyaan…

Mein sadke pak Quran toon

Mein sadke pak Quran toon

Jind waaran Nabi di shaan toon

Jind waaran Nabi di shaan toon

Jina haq da rah dikhaya hain

Ohna jhoot mana farmaya hain

Sai Zahor deewana kehnda hain

Jehda naam Allah da lehnda hain

Allah Allah Allah, Toomba kehnda hain

Allah Allah Allah, Toomba kehnda hain

Haq, Allah Allah Allah, Toomba kehnda hain

Allah Allah Allah, Toomba kehnda hain

Allah Hoo… X 4

Ooooo……(Alaaps)

Ooooo……(Alaaps)

Jeevein…Bulleya…

Toomba Shah Latif wajaya

Toomba Shah Latif wajaya

Jise Sindh wich kadam tikaya

Naara paak Ali da laya

Padh kalma te akh sunaya..

Sai Zahor deewana kehnda hain

Jehda naam Allah da lehnda hain

Allah Allah Allah, haq Allah Hoo

Allah Allah Allah, Toomba kehnda hain

Allah Hoo… X 4

OOoooo…..(Alaaps)

OOoooo…..(Alaaps)

Jeevein Saiyaan…..

Toomba Bulley Shah… wajaya

Toomba Bulley Shah… wajaya

Bhand kanjeri te bhaes wataya

Bhand kanjeri te bhaes wataya

Jihne nach kay yaar manaya

Dera wich kasoor delaaya

Sai Zahor deewana kehnda hain

Jehda naam Allah da lehnda hain

Allah Allah Allah, Toomba kehnda hain

Allah Allah Allah, Toomba kehnda hain

Allah Hoo… X 4

Hoooo……(Alaaps)

oooo……(Alaaps)

Jeevein…Bulleya

Toomba pa kalandar waari

Toomba pa kalandar di waari

Jithey jhukdi khalqat saari

Jithey jhukdi khalqat saari

Katti jandi dukh beemari

Sai Zahor deewaana kehnda hain

Jehda naam kalandar da lehnda hain

Allah Allah Allah, Toomba kehnda hain

Allah Allah Allah, Toomba kehnda hain

Allah Hoo… X 4

Lyrics available here have been tweaked as per what I feel is right. Corrections welcome.

Swar Hi Ishwar Hain

(Pic:- www.musicalnirvana.com)

“Swar hi Ishwar hain…. Through sound u can reach God….Sound is above Song, which is affected by language, story, state, literature etc” – Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.

I might be forgetting some of his words here but I cant forget the music which is still playing in my head. Today, I went for a concert of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, at the Vice Regal Lodge, Delhi University, organized by SPICMACAY. The concert started at 6 pm with Ust Amjad Ali Khan giving a few thoughts about swar and explaing the audience the difference between the Indian n Western music. He started off then with Raag Ganesh Kalyan. This raag was formed, as he fondly remembered, using a tune he was humming one day. He first sang the tune n then played the raag. The audience comprised of people from all ages, both Indians and foreigners. The Vice Regal Lodge lent an air of Victorian era to the ambience. The sound system and acoustics of the venue were good. The raag had many moments where the audience burst into clapping applauding the artists. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan was accompanied by Mithilesh Kumar Jha and Fateh Chand, both on the tabla.

The second raag of the evening was Raag Durga which is also known as Pahadi and is based on the folk songs of Himachal Pradesh. Between the raags he took a break and explained the audience why he needs to file his nails during a performance. The sarod strings are strung on a board made of stainless steel and does not have frets like the sitar or the guitar, much like the violin. He explained that the violin was played using finger tips and then demonstrated how the sarod would sound if played by the finger tips instead of nails.

Raag Durga was a very melodious with the distinct folk feel to it. In between he also indulged in a jugalbandi with the tabla artists who were equally talented. His histrionics left the audience in splits when he deliberately missed a note or two to which the tabla players had already committed.

From where I was sitting I had a very good view of Ustadji and it was a delight, not only to hear the music, but to watch him play as well. The movements of his head which matched the tempo of the music, the encouraging glances to the other artists and the little bits of info he gave about music.

The evening ended with a bhajan - ‘Vaishnav Jan’ which was played beautifully .. as if the sarod was speaking the words. Towards the end he also played ‘Raghupati Raghav’. I think I enjoyed this part of the performance the most. The songs were known and hence I could relate to them more easily as compared to the earlier ragas.

With thunderous applause the concert came to an end. The evening totally rocked. The event was dedicated to Ustad Bismillah Khan.

Happy Birthday Panchamda

(Pic Source: http://www.rediff.com)

Rahul Dev Burman (June 27, 1939 - January 4, 1994), music composer and singer whose songs have entertained each and everyone of us. And is still providing bread and butter to most 'DJ Remix'walas.

Here are a few of the genius' songs, categorized into several random categories. Such was he versatility of this musician that anyone would find it hard to pick 1 song from each category. Here is my attempt:-

1) ROMANTIC

Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki Kahani, The Great Gambler (1979)
This song is an all time favorite. Very melodius and romantic. Some songs which came close are:- O Hansini - Zehreela Insaan (1974), Kitne Bhi Tu Karle Sitam - Sanam Teri Kasam (1982), Tu Hai Vahi Dil Ne Jise - Yeh Vada Raha (1982).

2) MALE SOLO

Aur Kya Ahede Wafa, Sunny (1984)
I somehow like the Suresh Wadekar Song MUCH more than the Asha Bhonsle version. Other songs in this category :- Aanewala Pal Jaanewala Hai - Gol Maal (1979), Agar Tum Na Hote - Agar Tum Na Hote (1983), Diye Jalte Hain - Namak Haram (1973), Tujhse Naraaz Nahin Zindagi - Masoom (1983).

3) FEMALE SOLO

Mera Kuchh Saamaan, Ijaazat (1988)

The way this song has been rendered with so much pain and hurt in the voice, is just phenomenal. Other good songs in this category:- Aaja Piya Tohe Pyar Doon - Baharon Ke Sapne (1967), Aaj Kal Paon - Ghar (1978).

4) QAWWALI

Hum Kisise Kum Nahin, Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977)
Very hep and youithful qawwali if I may say so. Other good songs in the category: - Jina To Hai Usika, Adhikar (1971).

5) GHAZAL

Huzur Is Kadar, Masoom (1983)
The comic timing of Naseer and the shokhi of Shabana make this ghazal a treat to watch as well as hear.

6) CLASSICAL BASED

Mitwa Bole Meethe Bain - Parichay (1972)
The choice for this category very difficult with songs such as Abke Na Sawan Barse - Kinara (1977), Beeti Na Bitai - Parichay (1972), Meethe Bol Bole - Kinara (1977), Raina Beet Jae - Amar Prem (1971) in contention. I had earlier chosen the song Ab ke na sawan barse but changed my mind later on.

7) SEDUCTION / CHED CHAAD

Jane Do Naa, Saagar (1985)
This is inarguably the best seductive song for me. The effect may be more due to the visual appeal pf the song than the musical but it just rules. Other songs in this category:- Ek Chatur Naar Karke Sringar - Padosan (1968), Yeh Ladki Zarasi Diwani Lagti Hai - Love Story (1981).

8) SAD

Meri Bheegi Bheegi Si, Anamika (1973)
Other songs in this category are:- Kya Hua Tera Wada - Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977), Raah Pe Rahte Hain - Namkeen (1982), Yaad Aa Rahi Hai - Love Story (1981).

9) DHINCHAK / MASTI

Pyar Hamen Kis Mod Pe, Satte Pe Satta (1982)
This song tops the categoryundisputed. Other songs:- Dekha Na Hai Re Socha Na - Bombay To Goa (1972), Dum Maro Dum - Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971), Gol Maal Hai - Gol Maal (1979), Ye Jawani Hai Diwani - Jawani Diwani (1972).

10) HIS OWN VOICE

Mehbooba O Mehbooba, Sholay (1975)

Duniya Mein Logon Ka, Apna Desh(1972) or Dil Lena Khel Hai , Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai (1982) would be close, but not quiet. (ROT in hell Himesh Reshamiya)

11) CLUB / ITEM NUMBER

O Haseena Zulfowali, Teesri Manzil(1966)
So many lovely songs to choose from:- Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyar Tera - Teesri Manzil (1966), Duba Duba Nashe Mein - Drohi (1992), Jaane Jaan O Meri Jaane Jaan - Sanam Teri Kasam (1982), Jahan Teri Ye Nazar Hai - Kaalia (1981), Khatooba Khatooba - Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1980), Piya Too Ab To Aaja - Caravan (1971). I hope u agree with my choice. This also happens to be RD's first Hit film and then there was no looking back.

12) CHILDREN'S SONG

Lakdi Ki Kathi, Masoom (1983)
Now who hasnt sung this song as a child (errr... people who were grown ups in 1983? :P ). Other songs in this category:- Bada Natkat Hai Yeh - Amar Prem (1971), Lalla Lalla Lori - Mukti (1977).

13) FOLK BASED

Chadti Jawani Meri Chal Mastani, Caravan (1971)
Though it is not exactly folk based but it has the use of colloquial words or the lyrics are a touch less refined and give the feeling of a village belle singing it rather a city girl. Other songs:- Bechara Dil Kya Kare - Khushboo (1975), Ghar Jayegi - Khushboo (1975), Goriyan Kahan Tera Desh Re - Caravan (1971).

14) SENTI

Roz Roz Aankhon Tale, Jeeva (1986)
Another of my favs. Other songs in the category:- Yeh Shaam Mastani - Kati Patang (1970), Tujhse Naraaz Nahin Zindagi - Masoom (1983), Is Mod Se Jate Hain - Aandhi (1975).

PS: Will update the post tomm. Its already 28th June in some parts of the world including mine.