Naren's indie round-up,/ Jan 2026, Ep 2

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Swanand Kirkire/ Aise Na Humko 

Language & genre: Hindi, love song

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

If the song involves Swanand Kirkire, one can be assured that the lyrics are of a high standard. On 'Aise Na Humko', he does the composing and singing too, making this a good all-round effort.

Adding to the aura is Rishi Punjabi's black n' white video, starring the pretty Saiyami Kher and charismatic Gulshan Devaiah. The love song is well-shot and well-rendered, the sound blending ghazal and jazz flavours with a simple ballad-ish style.

Swanand sings, "Aise na humko dekhiye, aise na muskuraiye, jo mil hi gayee hai ab nazar, aankhein ne churaiye". The production by Shrey Gupta and Bharath is subtle, going with the romance of the words and tune. This is Swanand's fifth independent single and it works.

Maati Baani feat. Vela Ghani Bhil/ Mannde Ji Mala

Language & genre: Kutchhi, folk-fusion 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Folk-fusion duo Maati Baani, comprising vocalist Nirali Kartik and guitarist-producer Kartik Shah, team up with Kutchhi folk singer Vela Ghana Bhil on 'Mannde Ji Mala', inspired by a traditional Kabir verse with additional lyrics by Nirali.

The song asks why one has to go to Mecca or Kashi when the Maulana and Ganga, or the real treasures, are within us. Vela Ji's rustic voice contrasts perfectly with Nirali's pleasant timbre, as folk instruments give the song an earthy flavour.

The video, shot by Bioscope at the Dholavira Village Resort, shows the musicians performing live. The film and the tune have a warm folksy feel.

Kavita Seth & Kanishk Seth/ Uss Dilnashi 

Language & genre: Hindi, ghazal

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Singer Kavita Seth and her son Kanishk Seth are soon releasing an EP Dil Safar, exploring four stages of love. The first single 'Uss Dilnashi' captures the feeling of love at first sight.

In terms of sound, the song is reminiscent of the early 1980s ghazal style, but the video, featuring a live performance, has a contemporary look, with the singers standing and performing like they are in an indie band. Again, one wonders why the video features instrumentalists different from the ones who actually played (tabalchi Ashis Biswas being an exception).

The tune is composed by Kanishk. Words are by Kunwar Ranjeet Singh Chauhan, who begins, "Uss dilnashi ko dekh kar hum bas wahin thehar gaye, yeh bhi nahin ke zinda hai, yeh bhi nahin ke mar gaye". Somewhere, one is reminded of the Nikaah film soundtrack of 1982.

Sobit Tamang/ Kaho Na

Language & genre: Hindi, love song

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

A YouTuber from Nepal, Sobit Tamang has amassed a sizeable following on social media through his Hindi mash-ups. He releases an original in 'Kaho Na', a love song with a simple tune and pleasant arrangements.

The words should attract young people, whether they're in a relationship or looking for a partner. Words like "Kaho na, kaho na, mujhse baatein karo na, dil ke yeh ghar mein aake mere raho na" and "Tere kaabil banoo main, karta koshishen kahin" strike a chord.

Add to that a simple video which youngsters will identify with. Looking forward to more originals.

Anand Bhaskar/ The Pact (OTT short film OST)

Genre: OTT soundtrack 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

The talented Anand Bhaskar does the score for The Pact, a short film directed and produced by Lakshmi R. Iyer and written and produced by Apurva M. Asrani. Since the film is on a father-son relationship, one of the two instrumental pieces is 'For My Father'. 

The other 'Yaadon Ka Address' has a nostalgic air. Both pieces go well with the narrative. But the highlight is the rendition of the 'Venkatesha Suprabhatam' by Hamsika Iyer. Called 'Suprabhatam Sunrise' here, it's been rendered fluently, adding a touch of the spiritual to the soundtrack. 




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