Monday, March 17, 2014

Holi Re Holi..

Holi has been a festival closest to my heart. Something in the weather - just turning cold to warm - also brings out the warmth amongst ourselves, while making us drop all our pretensions and open up our heart. It is a festival that brings out bohemian of most of us. A festival like this, naturally also opened up the possibility for Pancham to unleash his creativity most effectively. No wonder he has a number of songs centered around Holi.

Beginning from Kati Patang to Sholay, I can remember at least six movies where Pancham had composed a s
ong for Holi. Each of these have remained amongst the playlists for the Holi parties.

My favourite, of these, is from a movie - Paraya Dhan, released in 1971. The movie, starring Rakesh Rohan & a very beautiful Hema Malini, alongwith Balraj Sahni & Ajit was shot for a major part in the valley of Kullu. Its composition had a different flavour altogether, something like the sound from western curry classic meeting the music of the valley. The fusion was simply brilliant as most of the songs went on to become classics over the year.

For example, this Holi song, lyrics for which were written by Anand Bakshi. It has a rhythm that is unlike a normal Holi song. Even the instruments are not really the traditional instruments.Asha Bhosle & Manna Dey add their brilliant vocal rendition to the composition. The result is a song which conveys the mood of this festival of colours in a perfect manner.

Wishing you a very happy Holi, as you listen to this gem from Pancham:

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