Music that transcends time; Resurrects Folklore

The smell of the first rain filled my senses as it poured incessantly outside. An infectious giggle spread in the classroom compelling the teacher to stop teaching. I found myself humming a whimsical tune-“ Kyu dikhaye sapne tu sote jaagte...goonja sa hai koi iktara,iktara” which got me thinking as to why had this song become synonymous with rains for me. Iktara is a song from the movie Wake Up Sid composed by a musician who entered Bollywood with the annoying yet catchy “Emotional Attyachaar” from the movie Dev D. Composing peppy, breezy tracks as well as giving the world evergreen melodies, Amit Trivedi has come a long way.

Amidst the cacophony of electronic and mainstream sounds rises a new age music composer whose music is a breath of fresh air. 5 years of venturing into Bollywood , he has collaborated with the right lyricists and directors to come up with a fresh album based on the theme of the movie. Trivedi weaves together a pattern of experimental notes, folk instruments, rustic voices and live recording of his songs which hit the right chord with his audience as well. His ability to mix rhythms and experiment with hip hop or psy-trance is commendable although I believe that it is his adaptation of folklore and folk music which hazily merges with new instruments that does the trick. The smell of scented candles, lush green grass and imagery of carved wooden furniture is bound to take anyone back home. Amit Trivedi brings to us music that restores a intimate warmth and comfort which only our roots are capable of giving us.

“Disha haara kemon boka Monn-ta re..” a line from the song Monta Re which was composed for the movie Lootera translates to-This silly/mad heart of mine, is directionless. It sails to the land of literature geniuses where beauty is expressed through art and nothing limits imagination. This song originally comes from old Bengali folk music. Its composition as well as lyrics are inspired from folk and presented in a polished way keeping intact its original charm.

Sand, Palaces, Turbans and extravagant clothing brings us to the Royalty that is Rajasthan. A land with deep rooted culture and chiming music was wonderfully observed in the song “ Chaudhary” composed  for Coke studio. It gained immense popularity for its blend of Rajasthani folkore and ne instrumentation. 

When it comes to culture, Maharashtrian weddings are known for its simplicity. Marriage is a universal concept and watching your children grow is an emotion understood by parents all across the globe. The emotion attached to the song “ Navrai Majhi” from the movie English Vinglish is relevant even today and its warm music still resonates with people. Similarly, Gujarat’s most celebrated dance, garba, and dandiya is displayed in “ Shubharambh” from the movie Kai Po Che. “ Ras rachilo saanjh sajilo shubh ghadi je aavi..”bubbles with positivity and urges to dance.

Trivedi nails it with “Haminasto” from the move Fitoor. The music is daunting and mellow just like the valleys of Kashmir. Lastly, coming to Punjab there is Londom Thumakda and Ud-daa Punjab but Ikk kudi is a song that is permanently etched in our memories and heart. Originally written by a Punjabi poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi and later adapted in Udta Punjab, Ikk kudi is a soulful song on the brink of sounding dreamy. It transcends a divine sensation and leaves you humming “ Gumm hai..Gumm hai..gumm haii...”

Anything that can make a person feel at home captures their heart. Folk music and folklore is a reflection of plain people and Trivedi excels at it. He churns out songs by using the most ordinary seeking of comfort and its familiarity is what makes it extra ordinary.

The next time you are trying to hush the chaos around you, listen to the rejuvenating “ Zinda hu yaar, kaafi hai”..