Folk music performance captivates audience

MAKING THE STATE of Bengal proud, Delhi-based music director and singer Runki Goswami gave a scintillating live folk music performance at India International Centre. Runki’s phenomenal multilingual show was a pure and joyful celebration of diverse country that we inhabit. Her performance in 18 different languages not only connected all but also left the audience spellbound.

With controlled and mastered vocals, Runki, captivated music lov- ers by setting up a majestic mood with her journey from north to south through a myriad of rustic folk songs of India; thus engaging the audience in musical expression with multiple languages.

The recitals were the mirror image of the unfazed legacy of different states; their culture, customs, beliefs and faith. And that’s not it – every state has more than one kind of a folk – it varies from caste to seasons with changing pattern of rhythms and lyrics.

Uniquely fascinating, the folk songs sung by Runki captured glimpses of this treasure trove. Starting the concert from Rajasthan with its Gorbandh, Jhoomar and Maand singing style, Runki rendered original Mirzapuri Kajri’s of UP, Nakta’s of Bihar and so on. It was a real treat for music lovers as Runki musically hopped in and out of states, seamlessly rekindling the dormant familiarity.

Some well-known songs handpicked and chosen by Runki were – Loomba Jhoomba, Luk Chhip and Kesariya Baalam of Rajasthan, Rangi Saari, Saiya mile and many more from UP and Bihar, Bhedu Paako, Morni’s and many other sounds of the hills. Bihu, Bawl, Jatra, Dandiya, Lavani and South Indian folk were covered in her renditions as well.

Accompanied by Virender Singh on rhythms, Saif Ali Khan and Hemanth Juyal on guitar, Runki mesmerised the audience with some great rustic folk songs in its original form. The performance lasted for an hour and received an overwhelming response from the listeners.