RAGHU DIXIT TO PERFORM AT CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
I want everyone to have a good time. Maybe we’ll make the French sing in Kannada with us. The singer plans to make the audience at Cannes groove to desi music
Singer-songwriter Raghu Dixit has his bags packed, and his music set ready and in tune, as he looks forward to adding ‘desi’ musical touch to the upcoming edition of Cannes Film Festival. But The Thimmarusu Song (2021) singer is waiting for his visa to arrive.
“I didn’t want to announce it myself, until we got our visa in hand. I have sent my application, but haven’t heard back about the date for the interview or any such thing. That’s why I didn’t want to say anything. But yes, if my visa arrives, I am going to the festival for a special performance,” says the 47-year-old.
The lead vocalist of the popular band, The Raghu Dixit Project, quips, “My life has taught me a lesson that we should not celebrate beforehand. Also, we shouldn’t count the chickens before the eggs hatch, so I am waiting for the eggs to hatch.”
Nevertheless, all the preparation for the performance scheduled for May 21 is in place. “We are prepared because we are performing almost every day. But unfortunately, we are not going with the full band. It’s going to be a fivepiece band this time; right now, my band is nine-piece,” says the singer, who has made the noble ‘lungi’ a style statement through his performances.
Over the years, Dixit has gained global recognition by presenting a blend of Indian ethnic music with a touch of humour.
He performed at the British Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations with his band in 2012, and broke into an impromptu gig with Coldplay frontman, Chris Martin in Delhi in 2015. This time, he intends to tell stories rooted in India with his performance at the 75th edition of the film festival.
“The idea is to tell stories of India, which our songs convey naturally. Our Kannada [songs] are all loaded with philosophy. And when it comes to India, we are the first destination for spirituality. And our songs have that [essence as well]. So, I want to give them a good time and make them dance,” Dixit says.
During his one-hour performance, he wants the crowd to have a great time and forget all their worries. “When they go back home, I’ll give them their worries back,” he jokes. “On a serious note, I want everyone to have a good time and make them sing along. Maybe we’ll make the French sing in Kannada with us,” signs off the singer.