India is witnessing a cultural revival: folk singer Malini Awasthi
Hema Sharma Turns Heads at Airport
Folk songs that have been buried for years are now making a comeback just like old traditions, says renowned singer Malini Awasthi , who has worked for years on documenting and popularising the genre in India and beyond. The Padma Shri awardee , a classically trained musician, is famous for her mastery over folk songs in dialects such as Braj, Bundeli, Awadhi, Bhojpuri and Kashika - a mix of Bhojpuri and Hindi spoken in Varanasi.She can easily traverse through complicated classical ragas, ghazals and songs in folk traditions like kajri, chaiti, dadra, phaag and sohar."I feel very happy that folk songs that were buried for years -- songs that people knew but weren't sung anymore -- are now being listened to around the world... Folk songs are an integral part of our culture and carry the memory of our people. For example, if you go to villages, every wedding has at least 50 different kinds of songs connected to its rituals."India is witnessing a cultural revival and old traditions are being accepted again and that's true for folk songs as well. Fame, money, work -- that's ok but the satisfaction that you get when your purpose is fulfilled is different," Awasthi told PTI in an interview.The singer, 58, started at a time when the scene was dominated by vulgar songs, especially in Bhojpuri. And it has taken her four decades to establish an alternate identity as the folk queen of India, she said."Our language has given us so much respect and dignity, and yet, some artists turned it into something vulgar. People who didn't know the depth of the language would judge it based on just these songs. My competition was with a kind of singing where women were more often seen as products."But what I was doing was different - I was singing about farming, songs related to sowing and harvesting seasons, about rains and lack of it, songs that children sing when they play, songs about childbirth and festivals. That took time to change."Awasthi, who has sung only a limited number of Bollywood songs despite many offers over the years, said it was hard to resist the temptation."Who doesn't like to sing for films? But the strength to say no -- that the lyrics are not good enough, so I won't sing it -- that kind of strength in a singer is rare. Most performers don't think too much. They feel, 'It's just a song and it does not matter how it is shot.' But I drew a line."Growing up in a family of doctors in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, Awasthi said she always had a fondness for music and her mother, though not a singer, recognised her talent early."And that was such a blessing. She encouraged me a lot - I was around five or six years old and started learning classical music under the guidance of Ustaad Rahat Ali Khan sahab. There was a beautiful musical atmosphere around.Her father, a doctor, would often be visited by Bhojpuri-speaking patients and a young Malini would pick up the dialects from them."So when I sing classical music, ghazals - and especially when I sing folk songs - it all flows naturally."Awasthi said she slowly veered towards folk music despite her classical training as she realised that while people loved her rendition of classical songs, she would see their eyes change when she sang folk songs.She started performing professionally from the age of 19 that gave her a sense of independence from an early age -- whether it was opening her own bank account, earning money or performing with seniors."I learned to read audiences: what they liked, what they didn't understand, when they were with you and when they weren't. That was tremendous training," she said, adding that her pace slowed a bit with marriage, kids and responsibilities but she never let the music go.And that's why, she has learned to keep pace with times when it comes to technology."If I want the younger generation, glued to phones and screens, to listen to old songs, I have to be tech-friendly. Whether that's social media or uploading songs to YouTube - I had to evolve."Awasthi said she never prepared a list for the songs that she performs at concerts. They all are dictated by audience demand."Our gurus told us to memorise everything because in times of need, the diary won't help... As I gained experience and could read audiences better, I learned that it's both easier and more challenging to flow with them. That confidence only comes when you have 200-300 songs ready in your memory bank.""I believe music - especially folk music - should flow like a pure, natural stream. It needs a heart and mind, not a script or a notebook."What's the next goal for her now? Teaching and documentation of folk is her reply."These traditions shouldn't disappear. Yes, they are in books, but we need documentation of 'surs' too. That's why I do workshops every year. We teach folk songs... many married women see me performing regularly, and they realise they too can have a career in music and live a life beyond family," said Awasthi.The singer runs non-profit organisation Sonchiraiya, which is dedicated to promoting and preserving Indian folk and tribal arts.Awasthi said when she is singing in a foreign country be it South Korea or Spain, she always tries to convey the emotion behind the folk song that she is about to perform through an interpreter and sometimes on her own in English.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
US singer Chris Brown pleads not guilty to ‘bottle attack' charge at London nightclub
Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown on Friday pleaded not guilty to a charge that he beat and seriously injured a music producer with a bottle in a London nightclub in 2023, reported PTI. The American singer-songwriter and dancer pleaded not guilty to one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent in Southwark Crown Court. While, Brown's friend and fellow musician Omololu Akinlolu – performs under the name 'Hoody Baby' – pleaded not guilty to the same charge. Earlier, prosecutors had alleged that Brown and Akinlolu assaulted producer Abe Diaw at a bar in the Tape nightclub in the swanky Mayfair neighbourhood in February 2023. The prosecutors stated that Brown allegedly launched an unprovoked attack on Diaw and hit him several times with a bottle and then punched and kicked him. The attack was caught on surveillance camera in front of a club full of people. Brown was arrested at a hotel in Manchester, northern England in May after returning to Britain for the first time since the incident two years ago.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Diana Penty opens up on ‘Chhaava' success, says 'I'm a huge critic of my own work'
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Actor Diana Penty , who portrayed Mughal princess Zinat-un-Nissa Begum in the blockbuster 'Chhaava', says she welcomes both praise and criticism. The historical action drama, which stars Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, grossed over Rs 600 crore at the Indian box office, becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year. Despite its commercial success, 'Chhaava' also attracted backlash for its portrayal of certain historical events. "I'm a huge critic of my own work' Speaking about the mixed reactions, Diana told PTI, 'It's important to have both sides so that actors or makers can do better next time. I'm a huge critic of my own work.' 02:37 Detective Sherdil Trailer: Diljit Dosanjh, Diana Penty, Boman Irani, Chunky Panday and Banita Sandhu Starrer Detective Sherdil Official Trailer Diana Penty revealed that her role required minimal dialogue, which was a new challenge for her. 'There was so much power in the silences, and that's not easy to do,' she said. The actor focused on expressing emotions through subtle gestures and internalized feelings—something she hadn't done before. While some praised her nuanced portrayal, others were less convinced. Still, she found the experience enriching: 'I looked at the positive side of it.' Other projects On the professional front, Diana Penty will be next seen in the upcoming movie 'Detective Sherdil', which is directed by Ravi Chhabriya and starring Diljit Dosanjh in the lead. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The movie is scripted by Sagar Bajaj, Ravi Chhabriya and Ali Abbas Zafar. On the other hand, Diana Penty also played a pivotal role in 'Azaad' which earned a decent 3 star rating from ETimes with our official review reading, "'Azaad' struggles to maintain consistent tension. The film underutilizes the potential of depicting the British officers' brutality, which could have heightened audience investment in Govind's climactic horse-riding challenge. Director Abhishek Kapoor's restrained approach results in a film that feels partially realized, missing its full potential. While 'Azaad' has moments of grandeur, it is overshadowed by an overall lack of emotional and narrative payoff. It is a grand spectacle with noble intentions but leaves a muted impression."
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Mohanlal gets a grand welcome at the Sri Lankan parliament, calls visit 'truly unforgettable'
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal recently received a warm reception at the Parliament of Sri Lanka during his visit to the island nation. The veteran actor shared his gratitude on Instagram, posting photos of his interaction with key political leaders, including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, and Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih. 'Truly unforgettable' Accompanied by his close friend Ishantha Ratnayake, Mohanlal described the visit as 'truly unforgettable,' thanking the hosts for their generosity and the meaningful conversations that left a lasting impact. In his caption, Mohanlal wrote: 'Deeply honoured by the gracious welcome at the Parliament of Sri Lanka. It was a true privilege to meet the Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih, and my dear friend Ishantha Ratnayake.' He went on to express his heartfelt appreciation for the warmth and hospitality extended to him. Mohanlal added, 'I remain deeply grateful for the warmth, generosity, and meaningful conversations that made this visit to Sri Lanka truly unforgettable.' A legendary career spanning four decades Mohanlal, aged 64, has been a cornerstone of Indian cinema for over 40 years, acting in more than 400 films. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What She Did Mid-Air Left Passengers Speechless medalmerit Learn More Undo He has received some of India's highest civilian honours. It includes the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2019. Mohanlal was also conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army in 2009, becoming the first Indian actor to receive such a distinction. What's next for Mohanlal Kannappa - Official Kannada Trailer Mohanlal was most recently seen in 'Thudarum', a gripping crime thriller directed by Tharun Moorthy. If you are planning to watch the movie, check out our ETimes review, which reads, 'Tharun, whose last film Saudi Vellakka won a National Award, could have done better to have created a more subtle story; this very much has an ''80s-'90s feel. For Mohanlal fans, his raw magnetism might be exciting, but with its loud and overwritten scenes, the acting lacks nuance all around. '
