MELODY MATTERS
Trained in Hindustani classic music, Sona Mahapatra is an artiste and singer who has delivered electric performances. Apart from working on her own original albums and singles, she has collaborated with international music icons and bands such as David Bowie, and INXS among others. Sona is not just a singer. With husband Ram Sampath, Sona revamped the Closeup
Pass Aao song. We chat with Sona Mahapatra about her musical favourites: One song on repeat on your iPod these days: Dasht-e-tanhai by Meesha Shafi from Coke Studio Pakistan Five songs in the soundtrack of your life: Ud Jaayega Hans Akela by Pt. Kumar Gandharva for its philosophy. Sinnerman by Nina Simone for her incredible storytelling. Boom Boom by John Lee Hooker for the magical blues.
Tu Mera Dil Tu Meri Jaan by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for it’s understated romance .
Beeti Naa Bitaayi Raina by Pancham and Gulzar for Lataji (Mangeshkar) and Bhupinderji’s (Singh) sheer brilliance. A song you love to listen to when you’re: Happy and upbeat: Gloria by Laura Branigan. Really low: Paiyyada by Aruna Sairam with Ram Sampath. Working out: Instrumental EDM works just fine. Music that you used to love as a kid or a teenager that you’re now embarrassed by: Hero Number 1 was my jam in engineering college. I unapologetically still love it. You would describe your taste in music as: Rootsy and earthy. Favourite time to listen to music: During a bath is when I really love to blast music. One band/musician you’d want a private concert from: Girija Devi.
One live act you would love to see at
least once in your life? Myself, because I've never seen what it feels like to be at one of my shows! —As told to Aarti Bhanushali