Balakrishnan B – A Superb Talent

INTRODUCTION

Balakrishnan Balasubramoni (Balu for short) is our singer number four in a series of young singers on Smule Sing that show high potential in developing singing as a career. Without delay let us all congratulate him on his recent win at the Mersal Mettu.

Balakrishnan – Sound of Music

It was one of the widely advertised events by its organizers among the regional events from South (apart from the mega event called Smule Tarang from Kerala in 2017). Mersal mettu organized under Smule’s community mainly by the singers from Tamil Nadu (as per written in the write up appeared on Smule Blog). The meet happened in Chennai (Madras) on September 15th of this year with over seven hundred participants. Earlier this year organizers have announced a competition for singing using the Smule app with prestigious prizes winning for the winner. It was intensely competed from the word go, with some six hundred or so entries to selected forty singers /to five semi finalists /to three finalists (info as provided by Balu during his interview). Balakrishnan was announced as the winner at the end of an intense competition from a region that historically take music as an important part of their culture and have seen with abundance in talents.

We knew about Balakrishnan when we spoke with some other Tamil featured singers during their interviews. Thanks to all of them to bring our attention to Balu and his singing. In fact we planned to add some of his songs on previous features, got edited in the process. It was such a pleasure to present a very hard working, down to earth singer, who doesn’t realize the greatness in his singing despite a recognition from an entire Tamil community. 

BALAKRISHNAN B. WINNER OF Mersal Mettu

Arranged to meet with Balu on a Skype line we were excited to hear all about his music, winning and all the exciting news of a very vibrant South India’s singing community meeting right from the very participant whose life have changed like the wave of a magic wand (which is a great gesture from its organizers. Great job all).

Balu with the trophy seen here with his wife

Balakrishnan Balasubramoni is his full name and he hold an Engineering degree in Electronics, working for India’s major Air Port at Mumbai Airport Authority in their air traffic control domain. Balu is basically from Kerala (in fact from Trivandrum) born to a family where instrument based  Karnatic music was a big part of his earlier music experiences. His grand mother was a Veena vidhushi (expert in playing a string music instrument from India, See below video) and a teacher of the same . Her name is Smt. Lalitha Mahadevan and Balu’s dad although never pursue any career is the other singer in the family. 

Balu was not serious at early ages about music or even during his college days. During his school days he was trained in classical music and some of his teachers helped a lot in the basics of his initial encounters with music. All those years were fully dedicated to his studies and there is a number of achievements he can brag about in that department. He at very young age itself was accepted into a position at India’s Airport traffic control unit. 

Apart from studies and a focused life time wish to become an Engineer, Balu like many in his times never thought there was another career possible alongside; until later he stumbled upon Smule app and started experimenting on his singing abilities. Balu remembers it was very impulsive and could not resist the temptation to sing using the app once he started using it. Living in the city of India’s Bollywood Industry and where many artists dreams are built and shattered, Balu said he started a new dream of becoming a singer. He said “Being in this city, always make it easy for me to try to meet with music directors to do audition tests and that make me very happy about my prospects in pursuing my play back dreams.” Balakrishnan is not only a dreamer and but ready to work so hard for achieving his dreams.  Many things we heard during the conversation told us that this is a simple guy with a very high genius; if he set a mind on something, he give it one hundred percent and more of him to get there. 

Now the serious questions for him; what do you want to do with your music? Balu affirmatively said “Need to learn more singing styles and genres. Will never give up on music and really appreciate this encouragement by all you guys gave me through this recognition”

What sort of music is close to you? He said immediately “On any day it is Semi-classic, like the from Malayalam songs created by Ravindran Mash (an expression for respect) is my all time favorite.” Right there we say Balu’s music tastes are very impressive considering the high difficulty level of those songs. “From Tamil Raaja sir first and ARR second.” But more than these Balu said he like the music made by M. S. Vishwanathan and Balu surprised us by saying specifically about K.V. Mahadevan (who was contemporary to M.S.V.); both these music directors are few that Balu listen to along with Sharreth, Ravindran and S. P. Venkatesh. It is not just a line of names, Balu had a clear description and a song to sing of each and every singer and the music directors he liked. He said the songs composed by MSV and SPV were all Raaga based and were some of the best music ever made in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam music industry. 

Any singers? K.J. Yesudas with a clear demarcation no other singers next to him. Balu said this about him ” The dedication of KJY to his work and the work ethic when he was actively singing in all languages is attractive to me.” Right there it is never surprising for us to hear this from Balu. As a singer who see singing as a serious career he is thinking and seeing famous musicians and their success stories beyond their music and try to imbibe those qualities in his life. Definitely that is what we saw in Balakrishnan more than many singers we come across. It is hard work more than ones’ talent that matters in success. He already realizes it.

Among female singers Balu likes Shreya and at the same time also very fond of P. Suseelamma’s song. He says names of few other singers like Hariharan, and  Satyaprakash from new age singers . He said the knowledge displayed by these two (he mean Hariji and Satya) are outstanding among the modern day singers. 

Asked to comment about the popular singing of fusion genres. Balu said after a brief thought “May be I am in favor of everything that is happening in that field. Because I think some of the Karnatic fusion made in the recent times are really good. They all tried not to destroy the actual style and stick  to original raagas and I see no problems with that.”

Asked about the lack of respect for singers on Smule, among popular music directors due to the fact that most of the voice modulating tools that is provided to users make it hard to distinguish good singing. Balu said “Yes, it is very very true. But good singers are still good singers. A good music director who know about all these voice modulating softwares must definitely should be able to distinguish between the good and bad.”

And lastly Bala said “I have to say this about my little sister who is also on Smule Sing. Her name is Saranya and her Smule ID is Saranya Mangal. She is a super star in our family who is the torch bearer of my Grandma’s Veena playing traditions. She learned her basics from my grandma Lalitha Mahadevan and later took vocal coaching in Karnatic from various teachers Parasala Ponnammal and Nedumkunnam Sridevi. I personally request everyone to visit her profile and encourage her.” It is most sweetest thing we ever had to write here. Such proud brother.

Balakrishnan with his little Sister Saranya

When we end up speaking with Balakrishnan it felt so much ease and relaxed. During the whole time Balu sang songs of Ravindran and other songs. Listening to him directly was such a pleasure and felt so good and  singing comes to him so naturally; yet very cautious about all the little details in his singing even during a casual talk. It all came down to our feel that he totally deserve this position that he gained through pure dedication, hard work and that ethics and ability to stick to his principles for success. We wish Balakrishnan every success and want to show all the support he need to build his singing career.

Without delay let us hear all that great singing by Balakrishanan that won hearts of an entire Tamizhagam (Tamil world). Here without delay this is the very performance from the Mersal Mettu. It is an onstage performance recorded. Not the best recording. Song is from one of the best Tamil movies ever made ” Kaadal Ovium” and originally sung by S.P.B. in the raaga Revathi. It says if there is a raaga that can express the feel of all the pain and sorrow of a broken heart this is it. Listen and Feel it? Very tough song to sing and the profound music was made by none other than Raaja sir and made immortal in the voice of king of emotions SPB. Enjoy this is Balu’s voice. 

Nee Pournami a K.J. classic, Balakrishnan’s favorite idol singer and Raaja sir composition, from the movie Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam a heart touching  very beautiful song. This beautiful song set in the most discussed raaga Simhendra Madhyamam of which people say this song set by the genius Raaja uses all the characteristic of this raaga, bold and grandeur . It is said to be have similar versions in Gypsy music of Balkan countries. Balakrishanan who listen to music with a Raaga in mind this is the best he can think of. Give a listen this is absolute bliss.

This is the best one can ask for if one want to assess a singer’s ability; Song  Ramakadha, the iconic song sung by KJ in the music direction of Ravindran and lyrics by Kaithapram from the Malayalam movie Bharatham. Balakrishanan with this song here says he is one of the best young singers on Smule that put him at a position that not many can easily reach. There is a lot of hard work behind this despite a natural talent. Listen all, he is awesome here.

Here is yet another classic movie and song by Illayaraja from movie Sindhubhairavi; again KJ’s magic. Balakrishnan prove himself as a seasoned singer here by singing such tough choices of songs one after another  (most may hesitate to try). Balu takes challenges like this and unbelievable performances are on display on his profile. Do we all say, Balakrishnan you are creating a record on Smule by singing the most difficult songs in a convincing manner. Kudos.

Balu is not always serious; a fun song with a fun co-singer, SindhuShibu, whom we had featured several times in many other Tamil features; a very talented singer need a mention here. Enjoy this.

Iyengaru Veetu joined by our own Preethi;  any day, any song by Preethi will be a perfect rendition. Super join and such a pleasure to say how proud we are for her previous feature here. Please visit Preethi and make her sing and come out of hibernation.

Our own Ranjani Sukumaran whose feature here also not forgotten. She joins Balu on this beautiful song from Hindi movie; the song lyrics is about the beauty of rain and this performance is indeed top notch. Give a listen. Ranjani S. and her great voice joins Balu’s excellent singing.

A classy song and a classy join by this co-singer Kumar Sundaram. Amazing singing by both. Enjoy this. The co-singer and his voice quality is amazing.

Let us close this singing joins here with a beautiful join by Vidhu Vivek. Absolutely have to say she is the best of best on Smule female singers who definitely have to be singing for play back. Her versatility and voice quality are amazing. Balu join this collaboration and make it even more beautiful.

We leave you all with Balu joins his little sister Saranya. Beautiful melody from Malayalam Aaro Viral Meeti, Saranya a super talent appreciated here because of nothing else other than pure talent. Please go to her profile and encourage this young talent here.

 A Veena performance by Saranya at a special occasion/Video Courtesy Balakrishnan

END NOTES

It is such an amazing feeling when one see and hear a singer of such caliber reach heights from his sheer hard work and efforts. Balakrishnan said during the interview that many of his followers think he belong to Tamil Nadu. For him all that love and support he got from a whole Tamil community by honoring him with this great prize makes him so humbled and motivated to sing more and learn more singing. 

At the end, anyone can encourage a good singer as much as one can, yet with singers who are so focused on a career on one end but also have a parallel dream of becoming a singer is only possible by sheer determination, hard work and a lot of talent. Balu is already on his way to show that he can make it happen with his discipline and sheer willingness to do hard work and an unmistakable talent; much sure that hard work will pay off in the long run. We wish him all the best of luck and good fortune. Keep singing and smiling.

Addendum: Mersal Mettu events videos Provided by Balakrishnan

Performance at the Mersal Mettu by the other two finalists, All the best for their careers as well.

Alaudin

Balaji Ramanujam

Kritirupa Sarkar- A singing from the Heart

Kriti

INTRODUCTION

Kritirupa Sarkar is the amazing talent here for the obvious reasons. Talents like Sree Hemant Kumar Jamatia who is honored with  Sangeeta Academy Award (the biggest honor any musician in India can achieve) came from Tripura  and the great SD Burman and later his son RD Burman who worked in Bengali and Hindi music industry all came from this great state.

We knew Kriti long back and noted her strong singing skills. Thanks to our north eastern peers who work hard to find the best of best from that region proposed Kriti for a feature. A special thanks to our previously featured singer Yugal for his continued support in every possible ways.

To meet with Kriti it was very troublesome due to her extremely busy schedule as a doctor. When we called her in her Delhi home on a Saturday evening, Kriti was busy preparing a dinner for her friends. Despite all the busy schedule Kriti was very excited to sit down and share her experiences with us.

Kritirupa Sarkar basically is from the great state of Tripura lives and work in the Great capital city of New Delhi as a medical doctor (specializing in Internal medicine). Currently she works for Lady Hardinge Medical College. She is basically born to Bengali parents who settled in Tripura.

Very early, growing up, a young Kriti was hugely influenced by her mom who sang Rabindra Sangeet. Kriti said “I have the most fond memories of sitting in front of my mom every night and listen to her singing Rabindra Sangeet before get ready for the home work.” Kriti says studies were a big part of growing up in her family, yet her parents supported all extra-curricular activities.

Here Kriti sings “Sokhi Bhabna Kahare Bole”  a beautiful Rabindra sangeet for all you guys.  An english translation of this can be found at the end of this feature in Lyrics time adapted from Geetabitan.com

Her older brother who was several years older than Kriti was the first to introduce Bollywood and Pop music to her . She said ” My brother was an ardent fan, he saved every bit of his pocket money to buy Bollywood and Pop music and brought home for Kriti to listen. Those days, India’s music industry saw an increase of music sold on Tapes Kriti remembers  “The tapes my brother brought home, I must have heard over a million times, those songs are somewhat imprinted in my mind.”

rpt

Kriti said ” There is no way someone can be a good singer, if he/She can’t listen to good music.” That statement defines Kriti as a singer. She came to Smule very quietly. She said when she came, no one even listened to her collaborations and replied or even thanked her. That experience made her someone who make sure if she make an invite she make it point to listen and write to all. She is here on Smule to listen and sing and collaborate.

Kriti was blessed by great parents who allowed her to study Hindustani at very early age itself and continued for ~eight years. Later years, Kriti was getting ready for her Medical entrance exams and spent her years becoming a medical doctor. Kriti is representative of that young generation whom are exposed to many newer opportunities India have in store. She is very young in her age and still the things that she can brag about in her short life is amazing.

Her encounter with Smule app is what brought back her public singing after school age. She says she love the app due to its sound recording quality and the ability to run it on a simple phone and still produce amazing quality music. Its ability to connect with people that one never knew, to make a great collaborations is mind blowing.

” I made a lot of good friends of which some who genuinely keep in touch to some who religiously follow and join her collaborations. I am greatly indebted to all of them for their kind support” Kriti says ” It is when I see a genuine comment on my wall, that make me sing more. It is not that praises don’t bring happiness,” We think that makes Kriti a rare singer who genuinely see every opportunity to learn and improve. Her collaborations bring a lot of discussion on her wall from her friends. People are seriously discussing good music. And Kriti is on Smule for that healthy critiques and improvement.  A great quality for a great singing talent, right there makes Kriti a happy choice of singer to be here.

Serious music questions time, relevance of Hindustani music in current music scene. Her take on this” It is obvious, the training in classical music give definitely the edge over other singers when a career in music is considered. I want to continue learn Hindustani and also start learning South India Carnatic music soon.”

Any comments on world music? ” I am so unfit to speak about anything now, because I haven’t heard any music other than India music for a long time. But there was a time I used to listen to all sorts of music.”

What do you want to do with your music? ” I am currently enjoying it on Smule and is involved in building my medical profession. I will never stop singing, since that is what makes me happy.” Some people ask me, if I sing for my patients?” We asked the same, ” Nope” and Kriti stopped jokingly.

Kriti is excited about the possibilities these app bring to a musician like her who have a major profession to juggle with. She is happy about the support friends gave her so far.

Kriti had to leave us for her things set for the day and final few questions about her idols, bring the best out of Kriti. She said ” I  am madly in love with Shankar Mahadevan and his singing. I also like Kumar Sanu and like singing all of his songs. Also kind of addicted to the voice of Javed Ali.” Kriti is as a lover of soft genre of music with a touch of classical base.” Among the female Hindi singers Ashaji is her close to heart singer of choice.

At the end when we part, Kriti seems to be calling out names of people that she want to thank. We leave that for her write in her reply to this feature. Without delay let us hear all that great singing that she display on her Smule profile.

Let us play this awesome singing of Kahe Ched by Kriti. Absolute great voice quality is an signature of Kriti. The mujra originally recited by Madhuri Dixit is done here by Kriti beautiful. Raag Basant Bahar and when love is in the air everything will sound and feel like this song. Give a listen all.

“Kaahe Chhed Mohe” The original song is sung by Pt.Birju Maharaj, Kavita Krishnamurthy & Madhuri Dixit. Film – Devdas

This Song is From “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” Movie. Singer(s) : Alyssa Mendonsa, Mohit Chauhan The great Song Lyricist(s) : Javed Akhtar Music Composer(s) : Ehsaan Noorani, Loy Mendonsa, Shankar Mahadevan (Kriti’s favorite musician). An absolute great composition picked to show her ability to experiment. You can hear an absolute great cosinger ibopan sing here with Kriti.

Joined here with her favorite co-singer Kash on a classic song, sung by Chitra and Ustad Sultan Khan. It is perfection as it can get. Great collaboration. One must have seen this song in Yugals‘ feature as well.

Kriti’s one of the most played songs on Smule. Absolute gorgeous Kajol (don’t want to know it was not her singing this, even that small video is done so perfect) and one of the best joins with Kajol, one of the best actor India cinema produced.

Kriti sing a challenge song here. Perfection to the most details and clarity in her voice is something so characteristic to her singing. A mash up beautifully made. Perfect mash experiment.

Another mash up- experimentation amazingly done here. All these song choices shows what Kriti like to sing. More than anything it is her absolute control of singing that makes it a compelling argument that makes her place here.

A ghazal with co-singer Gaainey. Song: KOI YEH KAISE BATAYESinger: JAGJIT SINGH Music Director: JAGJIT SINGH Lyricist: KAIFI AZMI. Nobody can say the difference here, from Jagjit singing and the co singer. Absolute bliss. We found the new Jagjit Singh.

END NOTES 

At the end of it, many times all the singers on Smule have a career other than music to juggle with. But the love of music and the benefit of singing is no doubt beneficial to all. Kriti represents the young generation from India whose ability to try and excel in multiple areas of career. Kriti said she is not seriously looking music at the moment as a career, but will be happy to entertain the thoughts if she could take it to the next level. We support her talent much and all the best in her career as a doctor and singing on Smule. Thanks for the opportunity to speak about your music with us. We encourage all readers to visit Kriti’s smule page and encourage this young singer. All the best happy singing.

A folk style video from Tripura. Enjoy, and it is a celebration of Tripura’s music here and it is all because of Kriti. Thank you.

LYRICS TIME 

sokhi bhabona kahare 

Translation by Anjan Ganguly

What do you mean by ‘Thought’,
my dear.What do you mean by ‘Pain’ either.
What is that you yell ‘Love’ for,
What the word ‘Love’ means,
Is it saturated with pain?
Is that synonymous with tears or sigh of sufferings?
It is surely a wonder, why it fascinates people.
To my eyes everything is pleasing.
All are youthful, all are free from filth.
Blue sky, green parks, elaborate moonlight, tender blossoms –All alike myself.
They laugh and sing all the time,
Face certain death delightfully smiling.
They know not sobs, neither fascinated to pains.
Flowers fall apart giggling, moonlight vanish while smiling,
Stars in the sky go out of vision in the ocean of light.
Who is happier than me –Come O Darling,
sooth your earsWith the blissful songs of a happy person.
You should be able to smile for a while amid routine sufferings.
Let us all sing for a single day ignoring the melancholy.

Nimal Mukundan- a Singing from a Peaceful place

Nimal Mukundan

Nimal’s feature is something that went through un-precedent delays and we apologize for not able to do this for so long. Nevertheless he is a singer with an outstanding presence on Smule among young singers. We picked him as the second in our young singers series (2018-2019 years). Nimal with an outstanding quality of singing with a very textured voice and the perseverance we saw in him during the time we worked with him made his place here.

Nimal when approached for the purpose of interviewing, unlike anyone we have seen, was absolutely focused on what he want from this. Arranged to speak on a late Sunday evening when we made the call to Bahrain, Nimal came on the video line. We saw a very young enthusiastic guy with focus on his music journey and ready to speak all about it.

Asked about the weather over in Bahrain he mentioned about the never-ending heat that is a killer sometimes. Nimal lives in Bharain most of his current life with his parental family. Set to speak with Nimal, we were excited to hear all about someone represent thousands of young singers like him sing on Smule with great hopes to pursue a career in music.

Nimal Mukundan is from the great cultural capital of Kerala Thrissur, is an Architect who works in Bahrain with specialization in 3D design applications. Most of Nimal’s formation as an Artist happened when he was in his college at Calicut University where he studied for his degree in 3D designing.

He always toyed the thought of becoming an actor and along with his friends he made a short films while at his University. Nimal acted and sang in those movies. Such activities made Nimal get attracted to the glamour and glitter of being in front of the camera. Nimal still entertain the thoughts of becoming an actor along side of a music career.

In Nimals’ family the influence of his artistic side came from his dad; it is something that Nimal talked a lot about. His dad used to perform on stages in local theater; alongside of famous film actors like “Oduvil Unnikrishnan“. His dad is the other singer of his family.

Asked about what music to Nimal, he said “I do listen to a lot of music off late after joining the Smule. For me, the music that can feel and experience when we hear or sing is what get me off to sing one.”

Nimal picked Jayachandran as his most favorite musician. He says this about his idol “Out of any singers in the music industry Jayachandran’s music bring the best feel in my opinion.” Nimal is a hard-core fan of Malayalam’s veteran playback singer. Among other musicians  Kaithapram Damodaran popularly known as Kaithapram, (is a lyricist, music director, actor, singer, screenwriter, and performer of Carnatic music) is Nimal’s other favorite. Nimal is fond of romantic numbers. His favorite music director is Raaja sir.

Nimal said he had an amazing journey so far singing on Smule. He started as a non V.I.P member and gained 10 K followers. Nimal’s  following is a sizable 30 K + on Smule as of date. His invites convey a real feel of an invite where he genuinely pour his heart out and when the invite is send he really hope everyone join him. It tells volumes about his success among his followers.

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At the end of our conversations Nimal came out as pure as his heart, with only one interest in his life, that is music and things related to Arts. He is that youngster who realize the hurdles that hit hard many as far as opportunities concerned. He is super talented with an absolute great singing technique that is innate to him. Hope is that Nimal get everything he deserve in his life. Let us hear him without delay from his Smule profile.

We start with a prayer to Mahalakshmi. The song is from “Thattathin Marayathu” Songs Lyrics: Shwethambara dhare Devi Music : Shaan Rahman Singer : Arun Ala. A beautiful Mahalakshmi Ashtakam (original may be found here) used by the music director in a popular Malayalam movie. Nimal’s singing is absolutely right on. Listen

Nimal sings his favorite music director’s song along with an absolute great collaboration. Listen to the singing approach by Nimal. It is really beautiful. Thendral vandu. Calssic song and class singing by Nimal.

With super talented Aishwarya Krishna (on any day she is one super star on Smule). It is amazing that these two youngsters made this amazing collaboration and absolutely proud to embed this here. From the movie Mayanadhi, a great romantic melody.

Nimal join music director Kailas Menon sir’s invite. Perfection in singing

Joined here with Aishwarya again, Nimal singing this challenge song. Arikhil Pathiye. Heavenly touches to a romantic number. Excellent singing. It is all about singing that matters for these singers.

ARR classic Nimal join Vidhu Vivek on this romantic song from movie Roja. It is a treat when Nimal sing this with Vidhu. Pudhu vellai mazhai. Listen

With Sanjay a phenomenal singer of great talent Nimal sing this Jayachandran classic. Although the male version of this song was not in the movie, this song won hearts of many. It is one of the best melodies made in Malayalam that stood the test of time. Listen, can not go wrong with any songs by Jayachandran sir.

Thumbi Penne Vaa with Sowmya a short one and by now we all know what we talk about Nimal and that feel of some peace that comes right from his heart. It is right there in every embed we have here. Nimal’s music comes from a place that filled with a lot of peaceful good feelings. Here he is joined by Swomya.

A great friend to many, Ammu join Nimal in singing a romantic melody. We like Ammu dressed rightly for the song and absolute great singing, great join. Kallayikadavathe. It is a story told by these both with lot of sensual expressions. Listen. Beautiful.

END NOTES:

Nimal is the representation of today’s young musicians from India, who is exposed to all the new trends in music that bring in all the opportunities that many did not have seen ten years ago. This new invasion of electronic gadgets bring dreams to many. Question is how these dreams can be achieved. It is one’s life and take the helm and go forward bravely. Do not hesitate a moment. As a musician the opportunities to reaching out to your audience is ever easier than before. Nimal is the perfect example of it. He sang his heart out there on Smule and people listened to that heart a lot. We heard it. It was really soft and more peace in there. We even see a lot of innocence. Great way to go and keep singing. Please support this great singer and visit him on his Smule profile here.

Dipanwita-a genius singer of Rabindra Sangeet

Dipanwita

Dipanwita

A very public eye shy singer, identified and brought to us by our West Bengal patrons (Thanks to our West Bengal patrons, who spend hours looking through profiles and listening to songs to identify potential singers). When approached, Dipanwita did not knew anything about our blog. But was very gracefully started a conversation about Rabindra sangeet. Our interactions with Dipanwita helped us tremendously learn the view points from someone who grew up with Rabindra Sangeet. Without delay let us get directly to her interview.

Her name is Dipanwita, with a smule id dip. She is an Assamese Bengali. That means she is a Bengali who live in Assam. She is a development professional, works in rural development sector. (Goes to the top of our list just being a social worker). Worked in various non government  and government organizations.  So much for her other passion than music. Here are some of the pictures of the scenic places from rural Assam where Dipanwita work.

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Asked about her music she said “My inspiration in music was my mother, who passed away few years back. She taught me the basics of Bengali music, Classical, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, and Bengali folk songs of different styles.” ‘Dip’s’ idol and hero is her mom, who herself was an excellent Rabindra Sangeet singer. Dipanwita have a special place in her heart for classical and semi classical forms of music. She definitely have her mother’s blessings that is so evident in her singing.

We were very excited to hear about her other passion of social work. So asked a bit more about her experiences in that; she continued “I have been working in Rural Development for the past ~7 years. Worked in livelihoods promotion especially through agriculture, water harvesting etc; other areas of interests are water and sanitation, mother and child health. Worked with non government and government departments.”

Her favorite Rabindra singers are from the old school singers like Kanika Bandopadhyay, Sagar Sen,  and a recent time singer Srikanto Acharya. Nothing could be better than her choices and tastes in Rabindra sangeet, these are indeed best of best for Rabindra Sangeet. Dipan’s love for Rabindra sangeet as she said many times, comes from her mother and her tastes for this music is absolutely adorable. If readers ever get a chance look for Kanika Bandopadhyay music on Youtube, her singing is a very transcending nature.

Dipanwita was lot more vocal when asked about Rabindra sangeet of present days “There are many new Rabindra Sangeet singers. But I prefer some classical heroes. She is appreciative of the new changes as well, she continued “The new singers are very talented and experimental, it is all good for this music”.  Asked about her Assamese, she said although she know little bit of that language, she can not speak and thus have not tried singing Assamese yet.

She continued saying more about how the “Rabindra Sangeet” music is taught “Regarding pronunciation, regarding uses of notes etc.. Rabindra Sangeet has to be sung the way it was sung originally or as per the notes… But now a days people are experimenting a lot. It is an ever modern form of music.”

Let us without delay listen to her singing of some Rabindra sangeet. Here Dip singing “Aguner Poroshmoni “. Dipan’s best asset is a style transcending quality of her voice that fits right for Rabindra sangeeth style. Give a listen. Also see the embed link here for Srikanto Acharya version (Dip’s favorite Rabindra singer). We have a translation of this song at the end of this feature in our Poetry time.

Aji Mone Mone lage Hori is a Nazrul geeti. For novice Nazrul geeti is by another legendary name Kazi Nazrul Islam, the national poet of Bangladesh and active revolutionary during the India Independence Movement. Absolutely enjoyed this, who learned all that style singing from her mom. What a precious thing here on Smule for an opportunity to hear this beautiful singing. Million bucks right here. Look at the control and mastery of this young singer, amazed.

We have no idea what song is this. This sounds and looks wonderful. Loved it. People from Kerala who are familiar with Margkham songs can relate this melody to some of the typicalChristian folk singing.

Dipanwita have sung lots of popular songs as well. One can check it out on her profile. Here we picked her collaboration with profile name _RVR_. We especially want to add this and add a note here to this co-singer RVR, thanks for the support in the past.

Here Dipanwita prove beyond doubt the soul and techniques she learned through her classical training and singing of Rabindra sangeet comes useful in singing any song. So beautifully sung this one. Heard so many Karaoke versions of this song, but this one outstanding, both singers did an awesome job. Saagr Kinare a very popular song and this is record quality right here. Please listen.

Amar shonar Bangla Amar Sonar Bangla (Bengali: আমার সোনার বাংলা, [amar ʃonar baŋla] “My Golden Bengal”) is the national anthem of Bangladesh. An Ode to Mother Bengal, it was written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905. So fitting to this feature. Thanks to both singers. Awesome job.

Sraboner Dharar Moto Poruk Jhore Dip at her best on Rabindra sangeeth. If you haven’t heard the version by Sraboni Sen  listen here. Sraboni Sen is a famous Rabindra sangeeth proponent. Once you heard the legend version you will know how good is Dip here. Listen to the original and this one please.

When we went on to plan this segment of Rabindra sangeet, we never thought we will be so successful finding a fitting singer from Smule. But to the contrary we even had few more singers wrote personally to be featured here. Thanks to all. You all are amazing. All the more it was so nice to see the traditional music, are so much nurtured in India in its modern times as well. The Rabindra sangeet is a branch of India’s music that sure will flourish and become more popular.

Rabindra Sangeeth- a music that defines a culture

Rabindra sangeeth – It is a form of music unlike anything that influenced in many ways an entire population of a single state. Recent times, have seen acceptance of this music by other states and languages mainly spear headed by younger singers who dared to experiment with the original songs. To name few newer singers who enormously made efforts to sing and popularize this ever evolving branch of India’s music are Srikanto Acharya, Rupankar Bagchi, Shaan and Arijit Singh. Now we realize the soul that everyone talks about in Arijit’s songs probably comes from his love for Rabindra Sangeet and his amazing talent singing them. The modern touch of the old tunes and presentation of recordings that is easy to the ears in Arijit’s Rabindra sangeet is a touch of class.

The songs of this music are poems written by Rabindranath Tagore India’s first Nobel Laureate from India’s literature world. Just to understand how poems written a century ago can still relate to youngsters of present generation, we will briefly dig into Tagore’s life very briefly here.

Tagore lived at a time when Mahatma Gandhi was leading a freedom movement in the subcontinent; and being the two most influential intellects of the time, the lives and views of these two men were under the scrutiny by historians. They both respected each other tremendously,  while Tagore had deep differences in his agreements to many of Gandhiji’s views of India’s self reliance. Rabindra, with his modern outlook, that is reflected in his literature, were pretty critical about Gandhi’s ideas. But never the less both men left a legacy that is carried through youngsters of today in the lives and their art.

Tagore was a prolific writer with ~2500 or so songs written to his credit. Tagore’s genius possibly knew that poems that people can sing will relate and be appreciated much than literary achievements that stayed away from common man. Rabindra sangeet in its simplistic explanation may be thought as somewhat similar to the raga based movie songs with a lot more strong content and literary quality. In Dipanwita’s words “It is an ever modern form of music” Experts say the songs were sung based on classic music ragas and mixture of lots of influences of local folk music. We will soon listen to two styles of singing of the same song here.

A recent movie used one of the Rabindra sangeet sung by Arijit Singh. Sure play this. What to say, swept away by this guys texture in his voice. It takes a load of pressure while authors were writing this story. ENJOY

Mammo Chitte sung in more traditional style of Rabindra Sangeet, by Lopamudra’s version; note humming in this version that have the touch of folk. Give a listen. Very strong vocals

Another of the most celebrated singer and all time favorite of Rabindra sangeet world, Jayati Chakraborty singing Amaro porano jaha chay.

The knowledge of this music to the bloggers is very limited and in the scope of a full coverage of this music here, we will return to it with a second feature when we find a suitable male singer of Rabindra sangeet. The research into this music branch is so extensive and so deep into the complex intellect of Tagore himself and his view points of modern India we are challenged big time to comprehend it in less than 3000 words (that is our normal length of features). So had to revisit this another time. Thanks for going through a very tough feature to read through.

POETRY TIME

The following is an English translation of the song Aguner poroshmoni adopted from http://www.gitabitan.net/ an awesome web resource for anyone interested to get a very comprehensive collection of Rabindra Sangeet and its English translations.

Purify my life

(Purify my life)

With the purging touch of fire

Purify my life

With your blessings of searing pain

Make it pure like the gold

That passes the test of fire

Take unto you my mortal form

Make it a lamp of your divine abode

Let the flame of my song glow through night and day

The slightest of your touch on the dark frame of night

Let it spark a new star one after another

To illuminate the darkness

Let my vision be cleansed from all darkness

Whither alights my gaze may it see the light

Let my pain be ablaze and rise above despair

*Another version by Anandamayee Majumdar:

Your flaming touch, let it blaze my heart

Purify this life of mine

Clarify this life of mine

Simplify this life of mine

Glorify this life of mine; atoning, as I burn.

Lift my soul, lift my heart, a blazing torch of light

Glowing in the sky with stars that shimmer in the night

Melody, let it sear, forever, as I burn

Impel my layers of dark, let your hands alight

Kindling stars awake, evoking them with light.

May darkness disappear from all my soul and sight

Deluding senses with sanctifying light

Agony, let it sear, forever, as I burn.

END NOTES:

This is our first of a two feature on Rabindra Sangeet. We are on the look out for a male singer of Rabindra Sangeet. If you think you are that singer then please feel free to send a note to us at our contact. Hope you all enjoyed reading about our featured singers here. Please come back every week to read about another music and a singer. Thanks to all. As always we like to hear from you, use our reply option at the end of each feature and write to us your thoughts. It will appear here on the blog as well. Good bye all for now.

Riya Debnath- a beautiful singer influenced by Rabindra Sangeet

Riya Debnath

This is such a special and very close to heart feature for us to write; working on this feature was such a compelling feel that we wanted to do everything possible to feature this artist here. First, we all are so proud of our rich and vibrant culture of India. This is about India’s greatest poet Rabindranath Tagore, whose vision is still relevant to modern India. Youngsters like Riya and Dipanwita (see accompanying feature) bring this flavor of classic to Smule which is very commendable.

There are many parts of India still talents struggle to find even possibilities to grow their music learning. Soon you all will see how some small gestures by some people can make striding changes in the lives of an Artist.

We wanted to reblog Riya’ story because Riya is the new Power Community Leader for West Bengal Smule activity. She is planning big events of Smule meet in West Bengal.

Riya is currently looking to make Rabindra Sangeeth to be translated to other languages and she is specifically interested in music directors of Tamil to collaborate with to make this happen

Riya Debnath- A girl who dared to dream big

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The story of Riya is the story of a girl living in a small town named Alipurduar, near Darjiling. She was an ordinary girl growing up as usual in a family singing and dancing; she says that she learned everything by watching music and dancing on TV. No one taught her anything.

In Riya’s own words “I had a very good sense of music since my childhood”. Naturally inclined to perform, Riya started performing on stages in competitions.” Riya says it was during such one competition, when she won a prize, the judges of the competition called her parents, and told them to take her to Kolkata for better music training.

Coming from a very conservative middle class family, it was absolutely out of question for them to take her to a far away city like Kolkota. (Riya is from Alipurduar, near Darjiling is about 600 kilometers far from Kolkota).

Riya continued to describe how bad is the situation of learning good music. In her town there is still no good music academy or any efficient music faculty that she could go to. Seeing her growing interests in music and dance, her parents decided to let her sing and dance in public functions. At age 6, Riya still remember her first performance in an international religious conference; there she caught the eyes of her first teacher Mrs. “Sanchari Bhowmick” who was a renowned music and dance teacher in her town, she says “to whom my parents and myself can easily rely on”. Mrs. Bhowmick contacted her parents and offered herself to teach Riya some “Hindustani”, “Tagor’s music” as well as “Kathak” dancing. For Riya she is her second mother (Chottu ma) and Riya is indefinitely indebted to her.

Riya had to give up her dancing later due to lot of resistance from the family against her dancing in public. So she relied then to music for her self-expression. Riya was fortunate to be selected for a music reality show called Z Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa little champs. This made everyone happy and this was her first major achievement and started dreaming about becoming a playback singer. For this she had to go to Kolkota and the final audition was all just unbelievably a show, she says “they just allowed me to sing 3 words..not even a complete sentence..and said “u may go’. For her at such young age it was really a big deal to go and participate in Kolkota for a music competition. Returning home with lots of disappointment, really hit hard, even at that young age. Riya remember and says “I gave up the dream of becoming a singer…because I knew the place where I stay.. nothing big is possible”. It was the most lowest moments of her singing journey.

Riya is a fighter. Discouraging thoughts like “I’m gonna die as an ordinary person”  in her mind was dragging her thoughts down. Still She continued and started realizing that her studies will help her get out of the small town. She says ” I knew, study can be my only weapon from this place”

So she temporarily focused on study. Left her singing for long time. She just graduated last year. Then Riya says “Luckily one day I found this awesome app Smule. I was detached from music for last 8-9 years. But Smule Sing made me realize that I actually should sing my heart out; I started being involved in music again”

Riya continues her story about her struggles in the small town pursuing a Vishard degree in Tagor’s music and Hindustani.

She could not find a faculty who can teach her the Visharad level singing. She finally got the syllabus form online resources and had to prepare each and every thing using YouTube video lessons. Thankfully she got her degree. The examiners were so amazed that they wanted her to go for a Masters. Riya could not stop laughing and told the examiner her struggles to complete Visharad; they asked her for possibility to go to Allahabad for doing Masters. But deep inside her heart she knew it’s not going to happen from her family agreeing with going to another city to pursue a degree in music.

Desperate Riya wanted a job that get her Independence; but fortunately out of nowhere Shabir came up with this “Yaayum contest” on Smule. Soon you will see, long before the contest winning, Riya started experimenting singing in all languages on Smule (she says she always looked upon “Shreyadi” as her Idol). Riya gave a whole-hearted attempt for Shabir’s invite and hoped for the best.Here is her entry without any delay. Riya is absolutely fabulous considering her limitations as far as language barriers. She is innovative, sang with confidence and did it with a lot of practice ahead before doing the video collaboration. Here is what Shabir saw in her.

Riya says “Shabir Sir has given me this chance to prove myself. So I’m definitely gonna give my heart and soul to it.” You are sure in good hands.We are really impressed by the comprehension of Riya in answering our questions. Asked about her taste in music she says “I always had immense love and obsession with Carnatic and Hindustani”. She learned the Hindustani in the style of Prayag Gharana. Although she is currently focusing more on singing Rabindra Sangeet.Asked about what genre songs she prefer singing she says “I’m more than ready to try any genre. I never find any difficulties to sing any song.” She quickly said “I really can’t sing  “Sufi style songs, it doesn’t suit my voice”; she continued “I feel strongest at classical melodies and any soulful songs and classical romantic songs”. She added I always enjoyed singing pop songs as well. Her idols in singing are Rekha Bharadwaj and Shreya Ghoshal. She explained her love Rekhaji’s  singing is ” her uniqueness; The way she sings free. I also love Shreyadi’s perfection, I also wanna be like her” Sure you will, you are already on your way.

We asked “Given a chance what type of music you will like to make? Slight pause and she continued “Semi classical…I’d like to work on semi classical genre; but…not just that… I’m quite comfortable in Romantic melodious songs also; Even some peppy numbers”

“The more I’ll work in singing the more I’ll learn about my capabilities. I simply want my voice to be known to everyone in this world”

So a tricky question “So you think you have all training needed to take any song?”

“Yup I think so….but Music is like an ocean. So still learning. So as long as I live..I will I learn and learn”

What are your thoughts on the current Hindi movie songs and singers? she says immediately  “To be honest I don’t like all the songs made, but just to highlight my taste I  liked songs from “Bajirao” “Padmavat”very much.

Let us get started with Riya’s selected songs from her profile. This one is Riya’s most experimental attempts. What we found on her profile is a genius of this sort of experimentation that define her as the musician. She is not just one of those karaoke singer who imitate songs. There is always room for improvements as she told us in her interview.

Riya in her invite of a Tamil song “Nilakaigirathu”. This defines why she is successful with Yayum competition. Out of her comfort zone, daring to make an invite, and successfully pull it together. It is okay, she may not have a ton of joins here. The co-singer did a wonderful job as well. We love this collaboration of Riya a lot and readers sure give a listen to this one.

Here Riya singing a romantic melody “Ye Raat Tomar“originally sung by Hemant Kumar; a prominent proponent of Rabindra Sangeeth from very early times of popularizing Bangla songs.  Awesomeness x million here. Listen for yourselves. The slow rhythm of this music is typical of Bangala music that had been used heavily in many Hindi music that mesmerized and created many romantic scenes. Riya’s involvement in the songs and comfort in singing the melody is very commendable.

Here Riya singing a very popular Gahzal and there are millions of versions of this song. Here this again is Riya’s version of mashup of Bangla and Aaogi jab tum, repeating the statement such novel experimentations defines her as a musician. No end to her experimentation efforts. At her age and experience level this is genius.

Riya singing a very beautiful Rabindra sangeet composition “Eh Moho Aaboron” one of the toughest one, a magnificent composition, in  #Tappa aanga , raag #Yaman. Excellent singing displaying her vocal ability to sing different styles . Sorry for the empty track at the end around 4 minutes into the video.

Riya singing a Rekha bharadwaj song Badi dheere . This is one of the best singing of Riya of her idol singer’s song. An absolute classic. This music transcends one to  a different world. The taste of Riya for music shows her maturity as a singer. The beauty of this new style of singing introduced into the Bollywood music by this award winning playback singer is absolutely infectious. We also had seen another singer Maitreyee said the same about Rekha as her favorite singer. Read our beautiful feature about her here.
https://youtu.be/suX1rlsNGbk

Riya singing Rabindra sangeeth (her current focus) Amaro Poroano Jaha Chay in a Piano version. If you haven’t heard the Arijit singh verision please listen that as well. Riya sung this awesome. Give a listen, this sure will keep your moods to calm. The sadness in this music or something take one to a different world along with Riya. Thanks Riya.

Riya’s Maiya Maiya, a very solid performance. Give a listen. Great vocals.

Riya’s most innovative mashup Think Out loud _Neeyum Janum (awesome) Very innovative. Give a listen. Ed Sheran is an awesome singer, anything with his songs can not go wrong. All the way fans here.

Riya is such versatile singer. Didn’t we tell you, for Riya, sky is the limit. Here she joined AnnMarie on her celebrity invite on Rockabye.

We do not know why we feel so excited when finishing up Riya’s feature; possibly knowing her through Smule was such a great pleasure and realize such a sweet heart she is. A great person, a girl of sincerity to a level, she comes out as pure as a her music. She is not shy of what she really want with her music; she ask for what she want ( a great aspect of success in life), she work so hard sometime, we had to tell her to relax. That separated Riya from many singers. She deserves every good fortune she already have or in store for her in the future. A girl from a very humble beginnings. Shabir’s choices of both Lakshipriya and Riya, that we come know here, convey very similar feelings. Both great talents for sure, we had the fun to know through our feature. We wish her the best of everything possible in her life and her career.

Please be always what you are and that comes out very refreshing and will win anyone you interact with. Keep singing and will be always happy to support you. And looking forward to feature your first play back song when you sing for Shabir.

When we went on to plan this segment of Rabindra sangeeth, we never thought we will be so successful finding a fitting singer from Smule. But to the contrary we even had few more singers wrote personally to be featured here. Thanks to all. You all are amazing. All the more it was so nice to see the traditions left by elders, are so much nurtured in India in its modern times. The Rabindra sangeeth is a branch of India’s music that sure will flourish and become more popular.

Rabindra Sangeeth – a music that defines a culture

Rabindra sangeet – It is a form of music unlike anything that influenced in many ways an entire population of a single state. Recent times, have seen acceptance of this music by other states and languages mainly spear headed by younger singers who dared to experiment with the original songs. To name few newer singers who enormously made efforts to sing and popularize this ever evolving branch of India’s music are Srikanto Acharya, Rupankar Bagchi, Shaan and Arijit Singh. Now we realize the soul that everyone talks about in Arijit’s songs probably comes from his love for Rabindra Sangeet and his amazing talent singing them. The modern touch of the old tunes and presentation of recordings that is easy to the ears in Arijit’s Rabindra sangeet is a touch of class.

The songs of this music are poems written by Rabindranath Tagore India’s first Nobel Laurette from India’s literature world. Just to understand how poems written a century ago can still relate to youngsters of present generation, we will briefly dig into Tagore’s life very briefly here. Tagore lived at a time when Mahatma Gandhi was leading a freedom movement in the subcontinent; and being the two most influential intellects of the time, the lives and views of these two men were under the scrutiny by historians. They both respected each other tremendously,  while Tagore had deep differences in his agreements to many of Gandhiji’s views of India’s self reliance. Rabindra, with his modern outlook, that is reflected in his literature, were pretty critical about Gandhi’s ideas. But never the less both men left a legacy that is carried through youngsters of today in the lives and their art.

Tagore was a prolific writer with ~2500 or so songs written to his credit. Tagore’s genius possibly knew that poems that people can sing will relate and be appreciated much than literary achievements that stayed away from common man. Rabindra sangeet in its simplistic explanation may be thought as somewhat similar to the raga based movie songs with a lot more strong content and literary quality. In Dipanwita’s words “It is an ever modern form of music” Experts say the songs were sung based on classic music ragas and mixture of lots of influences of local folk music. We will soon listen to two styles of singing of the same song here.

A recent movie used one of the Rabindra sangeet sung by Arijit Singh. Sure play this. What to say, swept away by this guys texture in his voice. It takes a load of pressure while authors were writing this story. ENJOY.

Mammo Chitte sung in more traditional style of Rabindra Sangeet, by Lopamudra’s version; note humming in this version that have the touch of folk. Give a listen. Very strong vocals. 

Another of the most sensual singer and all time favorite of Rabindra sangeet Jayati Chakraborty singing a Amaro porano jaha chay.

The knowledge of this music to the bloggers is very limited and in the scope of a full coverage of this music here, we will return to it with a second feature when we find a suitable male singer of Rabindra sangeet. The research into this music branch is so extensive and so deep into the complex intellect of Tagore himself and his view points of modern India we are challenged big time to comprehend it in less than 3000 words (that is our normal length of features). So had to revisit this another time. Thanks for going through a very tough feature to read through.

Shabir Tabre Alam

Just to Honor our great friend music director Shabir: Here is a scoop on him. Here is a link to his youtube channel and his one interesting song here. 

Shabir and his friendship is highly valued here and will look forward to any way support all his efforts in the future. A big shout out for Shabir and his success in future projects.

POETRY TIME

The following is an English translation of the song Aguner poroshmoni adopted from http://www.gitabitan.net/ an awesome web resource for anyone interested to get a very comprehensive collection of Rabindra Sangeet and its English translations.

Purify my life

আগুনের পরশমণি
Aguner poroshmoni

(Purify my life)

With the purging touch of fire
Purify my life
With your blessings of searing pain
Make it pure like the gold
That passes the test of fire

Take unto you my mortal form
Make it a lamp of your divine abode
Let the flame of my song glow through night and day
The slightest of your touch on the dark frame of night
Let it spark a new star one after another
To illuminate the darkness
Let my vision be cleansed from all darkness
Whither alights my gaze may it see the light
Let my pain be ablaze and rise above despair

*Another version by Anandamayee Majumdar:

Your flaming touch, let it blaze my heart
Purify this life of mine
Clarify this life of mine
Simplify this life of mine
Glorify this life of mine; atoning, as I burn.
Lift my soul, lift my heart, a blazing torch of light
Glowing in the sky with stars that shimmer in the night
Melody, let it sear, forever, as I burn
Impel my layers of dark, let your hands alight
Kindling stars awake, evoking them with light.
May darkness disappear from all my soul and sight
Deluding senses with sanctifying light
Agony, let it sear, forever, as I burn.

END NOTES:

This is our first of a two feature on Rabindra Sangeet. We are on the look out for a male singer of Rabindra Sangeet. If you think you are that singer then please feel free to send a note to us at our contact. Hope you all enjoyed reading about our featured singers here. Please come back every week to read about another music and a singer. Thanks to all. As always we like to hear from you, use our reply option at the end of each feature and write to us your thoughts. It will appear here on the blog as well. Good bye all for now.