I was glad that I could take a weekend out of my hectic India trip and visit Bangalore. Arunabha played my gracious host and even took care of booking my flight from Hyderabad.When I landed in Bangalore, he was waiting for me at the airport. We muscled through the crowd and boarded an auto. We started discussing about the meet attendees and Arunabh wished that there were 10 RDB and 5 LP fans among them. I protested at his omission of KA and pointed out that we were surrounded by KA fans referring to vehicles with name plate KA.
The auto manuvored trough the heavy and at times stand still traffic (welcome to Bangalore) and mazed through the lanes and bylanes ( welcome to Indiranagar) to reach our destination, Kastle Grace. True to its name the complex was grand and Arunabha's appartment was cosy. As Arunabh visited me in New York last month, comparision of surroundings featured prominently. When we started walking to Chetan's place on the next block, Arunabh mentioned that he asked Ashok and Chetan to save their best for me. Not that the "deadly duo" needed any incentive :) When we reached Chetan's appartment, it was abuzz with activity. The "deadly duo" greeted us at the door. Kanchan Banerjee, Abhay Phadnis, Manjari Dhamankar, Chiranjeevi Singh, Vivek Dhareshwar and Dr.Khaitan had already arrived. Soon we were joined by our resident CEO Kalyan Kolachala. I settled down with a beer and few pieces of Baadam Burfi. Chiranjeevi started talked about various chief ministers with whom he interacted closely. He mentioned Ramakrishna Hedge among the best Karnataka CMs. Soon discussion drifted to music taste of CMs and it was noted that "tum na jaane kis jahaan men kho gaye" was among his favorite songs. That definetely makes him one of the best CMs, remarked Abhay.
When Chiranjeevi mentioned that Kishore Kumar assisted Khemchand Prakash as an assistant, Ashok had everyone in splits, " Kishore was a good composer but didn't have the talent to become an assistant" I gave a high five to Arunabha as the first salvo has been fired in his favor. As the call for dinner was made attention invetably turned to composers and their assistants. We had a mix of Indian and chinese food for dinner. The menu included what Ashok termed "Meat Balls". It was pure and delicious vergetarian stuff though.
Several aspects that distinguish Hindustani and Carnatic music including improvisation, emotional content were discussed. Chiranjeevi pointed that purists didn't consider MS a classical singer but an exponent of Bhakti Genre. Attention shifted to the recent controversy involving Narayana Murthy and national anthem.Various versions of Vande Mataram were compared. Couple of people mentioned that they always heard " maa thjhe salaam" as "amma tujhe salaam". That was interpreted by Abhay as "Salute to Jayalalitha". The monotonous nature of Rehman's music promted Kalyan to remark that AR in AR Rehman stands for "Always repeating".
With Chiranjeevi around there were several references to Anilda & CR. Ashok pointed to Abhay's post expressing his dislike for "seene men sulagte hain armaan". Everyone started at Abhay Phadnis who looked perplexed and refuted the claim. Ashok cooly commented that he was referring to Abhay Avachat's post.
The popularity of male version in tandem songs was the next item. Arunabha pointed out to the quiz conducted by Aashish Thakker and Yours truly. When Chiranjeevi mentioned that he liked Hemant's versions of "ye bahaaron ka samaa" and "bas ek chup si lagii"; the usually polite and non controversial Arunabha managed to loose his tongue :) He said that he will start doubting Chiranjeevi's judgement from that point. Ashok immediately pounced onto Arunabha's so called "misjudgement" of Bheegi Raat tandem with his preference for Lata's
version over the much more popular Rafi's.
Attention returned to SDB and his assistants with a discussion on the superior version of Abhimaan :) It was pointed that Lata sings off key in "tere mere milan ki ye raina" to suit the context of the song. A remark that the soundtrack is average and overrated was followed by the comment "RDB may have composed it". On the topic of ghost composing, it was mentioned that Ravi may have tuned "ai baad-e-sabaa" from Anarkali. Hemants touch in some of Salils compositions was also discussed. Several topics including Hemants alleged mispronounciation in "jai jagadish hare", Geeta's Hindi accent in Bengali songs, CR's style of composing, Jaddan Bai and her affair with Mohan Babu, kept us busy till midnight. Most poeple then left leaving behind Arunabha, Chetan and Yours truly.Chetan then showed us the meet commemorative. He played songs that missed the cut on the condition that we cudn't question his exclusion of specific songs. Arunabha and myself then returned to Kastle Grace. As I was about to go to sleep Arunabha said " Close the windows. Else birds will enter the house".
I retorted " Ye Kastle Grace hai ya Chidiya Ghar".
Next morning, Chetan came to Arunabh's place to pick us up. The venue Alliance Franciase de Bangalore was less than an hour away. We also picked up Chiranjeevi Singh enroute. Chiranjeevi talked about his meeting with Anil Biswas and stressed on Anilda's immaculate memory. When we reached the venue, Abhay and Manjari had already arrived. We settled down in the auditorium and set up the music system. Abhay kicked off the proceedings with "aaj milan ki raat hai" followed by the Marathi original "dhundha madhumati raat re". There was a unanimous preference for the Marathi number. The Marathi track of Pinjara and its Hindi counterpart also featured in the discussion. Shantarams movies were next on the agenda. Sandhay's acting ability, rather the lack of it came under scrutiny. Arunabh commented that he liked her performance in " Jal Bin Machli". We were soon joined by Anand Srinivasan, who has been reading RMIM since 1998.
Abhay and Manjari did an audio presentation on CR. CRs style of composing including his preference to get the lyrics first was illustrated. CR typically composed multiple tunes to the lyric and picked the one he liked most. The sample played was a Marathi number expressing a girls love. CR composed 3 different tunes and all the three were played along with his commentary on his final choice. CR rejeted the first due to lack of emphasis on the right words. Second was found to be too blatant an expression of love in the context of a traditional Marathi girl. The third tune was finally selected. This was followed by Last years quiz question. The patriotic composition that brought tears to a PM. The singer was Asha, PM was LB Shastri and the song wasn't "ai mere watan ke logon". It was a chorus number by Asha and was recorded after Indo Pak war. It adressed the widows who gave balidaan of their suhaag. During the show Asha came on stage decorated with Jewelry and at the end of it she donated all of that to relief fund. The song played at the meet was a solo version of the same song. This was performed by Asha at LB Shastri's residence.
Soon we dispersed for lunch. At the mention of the French venue Vivek had earlier commneted that we may end up eating Croissants. However we had a scrumptous India Menu with Rice, Roti, Papad, Kurma, Dal and a couple of sweets including Benaras Khaja. We were joined by Kalyan and Dharam Singh. Kalyan came with a note book and pen and I was expecting a quiz. Kalyan cooly remarked that he never got around writing last years report and will make a combined one of last years and this years. We pulled him saying that he will end up wiriting about RMIM Bangalore meets in his memoirs.
Chiranjeevi introduced us to the Director of Alliance Franciase. He seemed to have got acquainted to India food and music quite a bit. He remarked that he found it harder to appreciate Carnatic music as compared to Hindustanti. He also mentioned an interesting anecdote with Kavita Krishnamurthy. During a breakfast with her and L.Submamanian he mnetioned about his liking for Indian music and asked Kavita to sing a song from Bombay. Only after Kavita sang the song did he realise that she originally sang it in the movie.
We sat on wooden tables under the trees for lunch. I mentioned about my interest in Marathi songs and the recent Bhavgeet concert that I attended in New Jersey. Manjari then sang a few Marathi songs of Asha, Lata and Manik Verma. When we assembled inside the auditorium post lunch Manjari was requested to sing more. She started with another Marathi number. Abhay then commneted that telling Manjari about ones interest in Marathi music is like telling the oldest person in a group about ones liking for Golf.
Usha Mangeshkar's Hindi output was then discussed. Manjari sang "mungda, main gud ki dali". The role of the movie Jai Santoshi Maa in popularising the Goddess was discussed. The discussion on Usha's duets diverted to Asha-Lata's duets and when "man kyuun behka" was mentioned I cudn't help saying "16th good song of LP". (On Friday night Chiranjeevi challenged Ashok to list 20 good songs of LP and Ashok came up with 15. Chiranjeevis point was that one has to make an attempt to recall good songs of LP).
It was then the turn of Abhay's quiz. Hints on preludes were given ( lyrics different from Mukhda sung before the song, musical preludes and lyrics recited were excluded) and the mukhda had to be identified. This had 4 rounds.
1) Translators round: Prelude words in English are read out.
2) Part of the prelude lyrics are read.
3) entire prelude lyrics are read.
4) Audio of prelude is played
The quiz mainly cenetred around femaled singers and majority of songs were by Lata. Inspite of the presence of quite a few Lata bhakts the quiz was quite difficult as many songs were obscure. Most of the right answers came from Ashok, Arunabha, Chiranjeevi, Manjari and Dr.Khaitan. One of the clues was an SJ composition and Abhay gave an extra hint that the track was discussed on Friday. No one cud crack it and Abhay mentioned that it was from Aurat. Kalyan, who mnetioned the track on Friday, came up with an excuse for forgetting. "I got married, had a kid and started a compnay since I last heard Aurat". Thankfully Kalyan hasn't forgotten his wit and it was on display several times.
Gulzar winning the best lyricist award for 2005 and 2006 was mentioned. As Chiranjeevi hasn't heard "Kajraa re" a snippet of the song was played. While we were on Gulzar, the question of the lyricists first song was raised. Ashok mentioned last years Bangalore meet was attended by Hamraaz's publicity agent and he set the record straight. Everyone was curious as to who this person was. Ashok stumped everyone by saying " Surjit Singh" !
Abhay then played several songs including the ones sent by Nani. These were the numbers from which "dheere se aa jaa ri akhiyan men" was inspired. An interesting anecdote about "ye zindagi usi ki hai" was mentioned. CR told in an interview that this song was inspired by a Marathi number. The composers son wanted to clarify with CR as the Marathi song in question had a different tune. CR remarked that his father used to hum the Marathi song in the bathroom "out of tune". That sounded sinmilar to ye zindagi usi ki hai. Another incident involving G.D Madgulkar and Sudhir Phadke was also mentioned. Gadmia's wife once asked Sudhir Phadke " My husband gives you so many different lyrics. But you seem to compose the same tune for them". She was referring to Gadima singing the songs in Bathroom. Ashok retorted "All Marathi songs sound the same" :)
Abhay then played "kacchi hai umariya" and Chiranjeevi pointed out the different parts of the song that were based on Bihari, Tamil and Bengali folk. Other songs of chaar dil chaar raahen including "intezaar aur abhi" and "o stella, o baby" were also discussed. It was then the turn of the commemorative. The compilation was a rehash of the 1996 Rare Classical songs tape, with a few additions and omissions. An mp3 cd from the collection of
Surjit Singh and ML kapur was also distributed. This had 200+ songs from 1930 to 1937.
We vacated the auditorium around 7:00 pm. Anand, Chiranjeevi, kanchan, Dharmendra and Dr.Khaitan left. The rest of us assembled at Chetans place. Anilda was again the topic of discussion. People expressed their opinion on Anilda not being considered an important figure in Bengal. Kalyan pointed out that when he approached Bengali associations with a proposal on Anilda's tour to US there was lukewarm interest while artists of much lesse stature were given importance. Arunabha pointed out that Anilda not composing Bengali songs was a factor. Also Anilda didn't have much box office success post 50's and his name faded away from public memory. Kalyan and Vivek soon left.
Ashok, Abhay, Chetan, Arunabha, Manjari, Myself then went to an indian restuarant for dinner. Ashok and Yours truly ordered North Indian mini meal while the rest ordered Pav Bhaji. The mini meal was quite heavy and we needed others help top finish it. While we were enjoying the meal, power went out and Abhay remakrked "Andher Nagari". I added "Choupart Raja". We asked Manjari on Anilda being a household name in Maharashtra. She attributed it to the extensive books on HFM in Marathi and that several writers had high regard for Anilda and wrote articles on him.
After dinner Abhay and Manjari left. Arunabha and Myself were accomanied by the "deadly duo" on our way home. I have been grilled by the "deadly duo" since 1999 and this was no exception. The allegations this time were more serious and included betrayal. We reached a mutual agreement and the case was adjourned till next meet. Ashok and Chetan then left to Chetan's place while Arunabha and Yours Truly returned to Chidiya Ghar (Kastle Grace).
Abhay and Manjari did an audio presentation on CR. CRs style of composing including his preference to get the lyrics first was illustrated. CR typically composed multiple tunes to the lyric and picked the one he liked most. The sample played was a Marathi number expressing a girls love. CR composed 3 different tunes and all the three were played along with his commentary on his final choice. CR rejeted the first due to lack of emphasis on the right words. Second was found to be too blatant an expression of love in the context of a traditional Marathi girl. The third tune was finally selected. This was followed by Last years quiz question. The patriotic composition that brought tears to a PM. The singer was Asha, PM was LB Shastri and the song wasn't "ai mere watan ke logon". It was a chorus number by Asha and was recorded after Indo Pak war. It adressed the widows who gave balidaan of their suhaag. During the show Asha came on stage decorated with Jewelry and at the end of it she donated all of that to relief fund. The song played at the meet was a solo version of the same song. This was performed by Asha at LB Shastri's residence.
Soon we dispersed for lunch. At the mention of the French venue Vivek had earlier commneted that we may end up eating Croissants. However we had a scrumptous India Menu with Rice, Roti, Papad, Kurma, Dal and a couple of sweets including Benaras Khaja. We were joined by Kalyan and Dharam Singh. Kalyan came with a note book and pen and I was expecting a quiz. Kalyan cooly remarked that he never got around writing last years report and will make a combined one of last years and this years. We pulled him saying that he will end up wiriting about RMIM Bangalore meets in his memoirs.
Chiranjeevi introduced us to the Director of Alliance Franciase. He seemed to have got acquainted to India food and music quite a bit. He remarked that he found it harder to appreciate Carnatic music as compared to Hindustanti. He also mentioned an interesting anecdote with Kavita Krishnamurthy. During a breakfast with her and L.Submamanian he mnetioned about his liking for Indian music and asked Kavita to sing a song from Bombay. Only after Kavita sang the song did he realise that she originally sang it in the movie.
We sat on wooden tables under the trees for lunch. I mentioned about my interest in Marathi songs and the recent Bhavgeet concert that I attended in New Jersey. Manjari then sang a few Marathi songs of Asha, Lata and Manik Verma. When we assembled inside the auditorium post lunch Manjari was requested to sing more. She started with another Marathi number. Abhay then commneted that telling Manjari about ones interest in Marathi music is like telling the oldest person in a group about ones liking for Golf.
Usha Mangeshkar's Hindi output was then discussed. Manjari sang "mungda, main gud ki dali". The role of the movie Jai Santoshi Maa in popularising the Goddess was discussed. The discussion on Usha's duets diverted to Asha-Lata's duets and when "man kyuun behka" was mentioned I cudn't help saying "16th good song of LP". (On Friday night Chiranjeevi challenged Ashok to list 20 good songs of LP and Ashok came up with 15. Chiranjeevis point was that one has to make an attempt to recall good songs of LP).
It was then the turn of Abhay's quiz. Hints on preludes were given ( lyrics different from Mukhda sung before the song, musical preludes and lyrics recited were excluded) and the mukhda had to be identified. This had 4 rounds.
1) Translators round: Prelude words in English are read out.
2) Part of the prelude lyrics are read.
3) entire prelude lyrics are read.
4) Audio of prelude is played
The quiz mainly cenetred around femaled singers and majority of songs were by Lata. Inspite of the presence of quite a few Lata bhakts the quiz was quite difficult as many songs were obscure. Most of the right answers came from Ashok, Arunabha, Chiranjeevi, Manjari and Dr.Khaitan. One of the clues was an SJ composition and Abhay gave an extra hint that the track was discussed on Friday. No one cud crack it and Abhay mentioned that it was from Aurat. Kalyan, who mnetioned the track on Friday, came up with an excuse for forgetting. "I got married, had a kid and started a compnay since I last heard Aurat". Thankfully Kalyan hasn't forgotten his wit and it was on display several times.
Gulzar winning the best lyricist award for 2005 and 2006 was mentioned. As Chiranjeevi hasn't heard "Kajraa re" a snippet of the song was played. While we were on Gulzar, the question of the lyricists first song was raised. Ashok mentioned last years Bangalore meet was attended by Hamraaz's publicity agent and he set the record straight. Everyone was curious as to who this person was. Ashok stumped everyone by saying " Surjit Singh" !
Abhay then played several songs including the ones sent by Nani. These were the numbers from which "dheere se aa jaa ri akhiyan men" was inspired. An interesting anecdote about "ye zindagi usi ki hai" was mentioned. CR told in an interview that this song was inspired by a Marathi number. The composers son wanted to clarify with CR as the Marathi song in question had a different tune. CR remarked that his father used to hum the Marathi song in the bathroom "out of tune". That sounded sinmilar to ye zindagi usi ki hai. Another incident involving G.D Madgulkar and Sudhir Phadke was also mentioned. Gadmia's wife once asked Sudhir Phadke " My husband gives you so many different lyrics. But you seem to compose the same tune for them". She was referring to Gadima singing the songs in Bathroom. Ashok retorted "All Marathi songs sound the same" :)
Abhay then played "kacchi hai umariya" and Chiranjeevi pointed out the different parts of the song that were based on Bihari, Tamil and Bengali folk. Other songs of chaar dil chaar raahen including "intezaar aur abhi" and "o stella, o baby" were also discussed. It was then the turn of the commemorative. The compilation was a rehash of the 1996 Rare Classical songs tape, with a few additions and omissions. An mp3 cd from the collection of
Surjit Singh and ML kapur was also distributed. This had 200+ songs from 1930 to 1937.
We vacated the auditorium around 7:00 pm. Anand, Chiranjeevi, kanchan, Dharmendra and Dr.Khaitan left. The rest of us assembled at Chetans place. Anilda was again the topic of discussion. People expressed their opinion on Anilda not being considered an important figure in Bengal. Kalyan pointed out that when he approached Bengali associations with a proposal on Anilda's tour to US there was lukewarm interest while artists of much lesse stature were given importance. Arunabha pointed out that Anilda not composing Bengali songs was a factor. Also Anilda didn't have much box office success post 50's and his name faded away from public memory. Kalyan and Vivek soon left.
Ashok, Abhay, Chetan, Arunabha, Manjari, Myself then went to an indian restuarant for dinner. Ashok and Yours truly ordered North Indian mini meal while the rest ordered Pav Bhaji. The mini meal was quite heavy and we needed others help top finish it. While we were enjoying the meal, power went out and Abhay remakrked "Andher Nagari". I added "Choupart Raja". We asked Manjari on Anilda being a household name in Maharashtra. She attributed it to the extensive books on HFM in Marathi and that several writers had high regard for Anilda and wrote articles on him.
After dinner Abhay and Manjari left. Arunabha and Myself were accomanied by the "deadly duo" on our way home. I have been grilled by the "deadly duo" since 1999 and this was no exception. The allegations this time were more serious and included betrayal. We reached a mutual agreement and the case was adjourned till next meet. Ashok and Chetan then left to Chetan's place while Arunabha and Yours Truly returned to Chidiya Ghar (Kastle Grace).
