Naren's indie round-up/ Sep 2025, Ep 3

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Sonam Kalra/ Chaleya Momin

Label: Self-released

Rating; ****

Delhi singer Sonam Kalra and the Sufi Gospel Project are known for songs that blend many voices through poetry, prayer and music to create a universal language of faith. On her latest song 'Chaleya Momin', she reiterates that God is in every being, and that kindness and compassion are the only true religion.

Sonam has herself written the song in Punjabi, besides composing the piece. Saptak Chatterjee provides backing vocals and arranges the song, with Deepak.Ramola writing additional lyrics. The word 'momin' means 'believer', and the main line is 'Chaleya momin chaleya, chaleya momin Makke'. Later, she sings, "Na main Hindu na Musalmaan, main te rab da banda", which is like a summary of what the song conveys.

For the visualiser, Sonam has teamed up with Iranian visual artist Faezeh Sepehrsadeghian and Indian artist Gopika Chowfla. There's some very creative animation and artistry that blend with the words and voice naturally. The song's serene air makes it special 

Charu Suri/ Shayan 

Label: Amala Records

Rating: *** 1/2

Based in New Jersey, Indo-American pianist Charu Suri has been creating music blending Indian classical raags with jazz. On her new album Shayan, she has created tunes based on Mohanam, Jog and Durga.

On the title track, she uses raag Kalyani to create a mood that is serene and meditative. While her piano drives the tune, Anita Lerche's vocal chants add to the aura.

Flautist Premik Russell Tubbs, cellist Tess Rumy-Schumachet and harp player Peter Sterling complete the line-up, giving the piece a good mix of raag music, jazz and ambient flavours.

Siddhant Bhatia feat Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & Madi Das/ Ram Ram

Label: Universal Music

Rating; ****

The album Sounds Of Kumbha, as its title suggests, is a thematic record focusing on the Kumbha Mela in Uttar Pradesh. One of the tunes 'Ram Ram', composed by Siddhant Bhatia, begins with a recitation by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, before various musicians present the Ram mantra.

The main chant is 'Rama Rama Rama Rama Rama naam tarakam, Rama Krishna Vasudeva bhakti mukti dayakam". Vocals are by Siddhant and Madi Das, who are joined by Adnan Khan on sitar, Pravin Godkhindi on flute, Kala Ramnath on violin, Jim 'Kimo' West and Vinod Arora on guitar, and Hritwiz Tiwari on piano, besides many percussionists.

The video, directed by Suman Adhikary and shot by Premal Raval, features Bharatnatyam dancer Tanya Saxena. It also has shots of the musicians, the Ganga and crowds at Prayagraj , before Sri Sri Ravi Shankar provides an apt conclusion.

Tsumyoki & Gini/ Don't Even Text

Label: Gully Gang Records 

Rating: ****

Goan rapper Tsumyoki teams up with rising indie star Gini on 'Don't Even Text', blending English and Hindi, hip-hop and rhythm n' blues Though they appear in the same frame only towards the end, PostGuru's video shows them as natural performers.

The song is like a conversation between the two, with Tsumyoki rapping in English, and Gini responding in both Hindi and English. It has a very youthful vibe, with Tsumyoki handling production himself.

The last lines are, "I know you cannot commit, now I know that I gotta dip". There's fabulous vocal coordination all through, and teenyboppers will love singing along.

Rito Riba/ Bas Tera

Promoted by: Play DMF

Rating: *** 1/2

A talented singer from Arunachal Pradesh, Rito Riba has developed a steady fan base with his expressive voice and melodious songs. His latest song 'Bas Tera' is another gem, boosted by a youth-friendly video featuring him and Sukruti Airi, and directed by Sanjay Chetry.

Rito sings Siddhant Kaushal's words, "Kaafi hai bas tera hona, par chaahoon mein tera hona, koi ho ya ho na, tum toh ho na". While he's composed the song by himself, production is by Rishabh Kant.

It's the kind of song one will sing along to at shows or while playing on a drive. And the rhythm makes you tap your feet.





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