Naren's indie round-up/ July 2022, Ep 3

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Various artistes/ Khoobsurat

Presenter: Raahein By Dear Sunshine 

Rating: ****

Over the past several months, Delhi-based Raahein By Dear Sunshine has released some wonderful traditional tunes featuring medium-sized ensembles performing at heritage locations. The latest is 'Khoobsurat', a ghazal that acts as an ode to inner beauty.

The main singers are Mohd Nizam, Swapnalie Sachdev and Saleem Raja. Written by Ameen Badshah, the lines, "Mohabbat se kaho jaanam, mohabbat khoobsurat hai; khuda ne di hai jo daulat, woh daulat khoobsurat hai" brim with positivity and joy.

The violin, sarangi, sitar, guitar, harmonium, keyboard, bass and tabla combine to add charm to Risshi Sachdev's composition and arrangements. The song grows on repeated listening, and special note must be made to the diction of the singers.

Shillong Chamber Choir/ The Great Indian Train Journey

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

This song was written and composed by Shillong maestro Neil Nongkynrih, who passed away in January. Munna Dhiman and KJ Singh have added Punjabi lyrics, and the tune has been presented by 10 members of the Shillong Chamber Choir.

It's a fun number depicting a train journey, presumably from Shillong, to Howrah. Satish Raj Kasireddi's video has been choreographed rather well, using theatrical elements and psychedelic colour schemes. The music blends vocal harmonies and train talk with lush guitars and basses.

There is mention of chai, coffee, channa, samosa, pakoda, bread omelet, veg cutlet and mishti doi. But the energy filĺs your appetite anyway.

Bombay Jayashri & B Prasanna/ Gagan Dhuan Dhuan

Label: Self-released (B Prasanna)

Rating: ****

Extremely popular in the South, singer Bombay Jayaahri is known among Hindi film audiences for her song 'Zara Zara' from the 2001 film Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. She now appears on the independent track 'Gagan Dhuan Dhuan', composed by B Prasanna, with a video by Sriram Raja.

It's a very soulful number, depicting a lady soaking in natural surroundings in Ooty while nostalgically reflecting on the past. Lyricist Preetika Dixit captures the emotion well.

While Keba Jeremiah plays acoustic and nylon guitars, and ukulele, the song features western classical instruments like flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet and strings. Add to that sounds of chirping birds and gushing water and you have something naturally aesthetic.

Anuj B ft Parvish Sama/ Miqesi 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Chandigarh-based singer-songwriter Anuj B comes out with his eighth release 'Miqesi'. He's joined by Parvish Sama, who's also written and composed the Punjabi song.

The piece has a pleasant melody, an easy hip-hop vibe and controlled vocals. Lines like "Karde ya poore mere dream mere yaar, zindagi jeyonde extreme mere yaar" are relatable among youngsters.

However, Reo Gill's video doesn't go beyond the same few angles, and if there's some variety, it comes in the form of this modern-day Marlon Brando sitting on a sofa with a cap and gloomy expression. A more creative video would have helped.

Stebin Ben & Shreya Ghoshal/ Baarish Aayi Hai

Label: VYRL Originals 

Rating: ** 1/2

In keeping with the trend of TV actors doing non-film videos, we have Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakkash appearing on the 'Baarish Aayi Hai' song film. (Hope I've put all the double letters in the right places).

Anyway, this song is sung by Stebin Ben and Shreya Ghoshal. It has a decent melody, composed by Javed-Mohsin, and good singing, which is but expected. You needn't be Einstein to figure out that Kunaal Vermaa's lyrics are about the arrival of rain.

Aditya Vinay Dutt's video has some picturesque shots. Overall, however, everything is very filmi about the song. Come to think of it, many of these TV actor videos are looking like forced film hangovers. Time to break away from the stereotype.