Latest news with #MaliniAwasthi
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
India is witnessing a cultural revival: folk singer Malini Awasthi
New Delhi, Folk songs that have been buried for years are now making a comeback just like old traditions, says renowned singer Malini Awasthi, who has worked for years on documenting and popularising the genre in India and beyond. India is witnessing a cultural revival: folk singer Malini Awasthi The Padma Shri awardee, a classically trained musician, is famous for her mastery over folk songs in dialects such as Braj, Bundeli, Awadhi, Bhojpuri and Kashika - a mix of Bhojpuri and Hindi spoken in Varanasi. She can easily traverse through complicated classical ragas, ghazals and songs in folk traditions like kajri, chaiti, dadra, phaag and sohar. "I feel very happy that folk songs that were buried for years songs that people knew but weren't sung anymore are now being listened to around the world... Folk songs are an integral part of our culture and carry the memory of our people. For example, if you go to villages, every wedding has at least 50 different kinds of songs connected to its rituals. "India is witnessing a cultural revival and old traditions are being accepted again and that's true for folk songs as well. Fame, money, work that's ok but the satisfaction that you get when your purpose is fulfilled is different," Awasthi told PTI in an interview. The singer, 58, started at a time when the scene was dominated by vulgar songs, especially in Bhojpuri. And it has taken her four decades to establish an alternate identity as the folk queen of India, she said. "Our language has given us so much respect and dignity, and yet, some artists turned it into something vulgar. People who didn't know the depth of the language would judge it based on just these songs. My competition was with a kind of singing where women were more often seen as products. "But what I was doing was different - I was singing about farming, songs related to sowing and harvesting seasons, about rains and lack of it, songs that children sing when they play, songs about childbirth and festivals. That took time to change." Awasthi, who has sung only a limited number of Bollywood songs despite many offers over the years, said it was hard to resist the temptation. "Who doesn't like to sing for films? But the strength to say no that the lyrics are not good enough, so I won't sing it that kind of strength in a singer is rare. Most performers don't think too much. They feel, 'It's just a song and it does not matter how it is shot.' But I drew a line." Growing up in a family of doctors in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, Awasthi said she always had a fondness for music and her mother, though not a singer, recognised her talent early. "And that was such a blessing. She encouraged me a lot — I was around five or six years old and started learning classical music under the guidance of Ustaad Rahat Ali Khan sahab. There was a beautiful musical atmosphere around. Her father, a doctor, would often be visited by Bhojpuri-speaking patients and a young Malini would pick up the dialects from them. "So when I sing classical music, ghazals — and especially when I sing folk songs — it all flows naturally.' Awasthi said she slowly veered towards folk music despite her classical training as she realised that while people loved her rendition of classical songs, she would see their eyes change when she sang folk songs. She started performing professionally from the age of 19 that gave her a sense of independence from an early age whether it was opening her own bank account, earning money or performing with seniors. "I learned to read audiences: what they liked, what they didn't understand, when they were with you and when they weren't. That was tremendous training," she said, adding that her pace slowed a bit with marriage, kids and responsibilities but she never let the music go. And that's why, she has learned to keep pace with times when it comes to technology. "If I want the younger generation, glued to phones and screens, to listen to old songs, I have to be tech-friendly. Whether that's social media or uploading songs to YouTube — I had to evolve.' Awasthi said she never prepared a list for the songs that she performs at concerts. They all are dictated by audience demand. "Our gurus told us to memorise everything because in times of need, the diary won't help... As I gained experience and could read audiences better, I learned that it's both easier and more challenging to flow with them. That confidence only comes when you have 200-300 songs ready in your memory bank.' "I believe music — especially folk music — should flow like a pure, natural stream. It needs a heart and mind, not a script or a notebook.' What's the next goal for her now? Teaching and documentation of folk is her reply. "These traditions shouldn't disappear. Yes, they are in books, but we need documentation of 'surs' too. That's why I do workshops every year. We teach folk songs... many married women see me performing regularly, and they realise they too can have a career in music and live a life beyond family," said Awasthi. The singer runs non-profit organisation Sonchiraiya, which is dedicated to promoting and preserving Indian folk and tribal arts. Awasthi said when she is singing in a foreign country be it South Korea or Spain, she always tries to convey the emotion behind the folk song that she is about to perform through an interpreter and sometimes on her own in English. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Folk songs are songs of knowledge and tradition: Malini Awasthi on championing India's cultural legacy
Malini Awasthi, a dedicated folk artist, has passionately championed India's rich musical heritage, preserving regional dialects like Awadhi and Bhojpuri. Trained in classical music, she faced challenges in gaining recognition for folk music but remained steadfast in her mission. Through meaningful collaborations and a commitment to purity, Awasthi is expanding folk music's global appeal while staying true to its essence. Folk artiste Malini Awasthi has long been a powerful voice for India's diverse musical heritage. Trained in classical music under stalwarts like Ustad Rahat Ali Khan Sahib and Padma Vibhushan Girija Devi ji, Awasthi's journey into folk was deeply rooted in the cultural traditions she grew up with—stories, songs, and rituals that embodied the very spirit of Bharat. In an era dominated by fusion and commercial sounds, she has steadfastly preserved the purity of regional dialects like Awadhi, Bhojpuri, and Bundelkhandi, overcoming challenges to bring them into the mainstream. In a candid conversation, she reflects on her artistic philosophy, the inner strength it took to stay true to her calling, and how meaningful collaborations are helping take India's folk music to a global audience without diluting its soul. Excerpts… What drew you to folk music initially? I studied at Banaras Hindu University but received my classical training under great gurus like Ustad Rahat Ali Khan Sahib and Padma Vibhushan Girija Devi ji, in the true guru-shishya parampara . What drew me to folk music was the culture I grew up in—the Bhartiya traditions, folklore, folk tales, songs, and rituals so deeply and beautifully woven by our ancestors. Through folk theatre, stories, and customs, they spoke of a larger idea of Bharat— Seva, Sudehya, Kutumbakam, Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah . I realized that this is what I wanted to dedicate my life to. My education in Sanskrit and history further deepened this understanding. I felt an urgency to bring folk music to the forefront, especially at a time when it was sidelined, seen as something of a bygone era. The scholar, thinker, and artist in me—rooted firmly in Indian tradition—kept telling me that this work was important, that it had to be done. Since I could sing, I had to use my voice to revive and popularize it, especially among the youth, to show them the greatness of our traditions and culture. These songs are not just entertainment. They are songs of knowledge, tradition, and education. They enrich you, make you a better person, and help you understand who we are. I'll give you a small example. In Awadhi, during every puja, we grew up hearing folk stories from our grandmothers, mothers, and later, even from our mothers-in-law. This oral tradition continues even today. At the end of these stories, the women would say, "Jaisa unke din bahure, waise sabke din bahure" , wishing for everyone's happiness—an echo of Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah . I was fortunate—and perhaps very observant—to absorb all this as a child and young adult. It made me realize that whatever I do in life, I must popularize folk songs and traditions because they are the true introduction to our real Bharatiya culture and soul. What challenges have you faced in ensuring regional dialects like Awadhi, Bhojpuri, and Bundelkhandi folk and musical forms receive the recognition they deserve? Yes, it has definitely been a huge challenge to ensure that regional dialects and musical forms not only receive recognition but also the respect they deserve. It all comes from conviction. I was very convinced, but I had to convince my audience too—and the organizers, who firmly believed that folk music couldn't hold attention beyond a point. I worked to change that perception. I created an interesting format, weaving songs into stories and developing a shaili where I explained what I was singing, so the audience could journey with me into the era and essence of each song. It hasn't been easy—it's taken decades of hard work, perseverance, and an unshakable belief that this could be done. Today, when I perform and see 10-year-olds to 80-year-olds, women and youth alike in the audience, it fills me with happiness. I feel I have been able to achieve what I set out to do. In an era where fusion music is becoming mainstream, you have remained a purist. What motivates you to stay true to folk traditions, and how do you balance authenticity with evolving audience expectations? Yes, I have remained a purist, and it has been a big challenge—after all, who isn't tempted? As an artist, you're surrounded by offers to do things that may not always align with your values. I've had moments when I was asked to sing film songs where I wasn't comfortable with the lyrics, and I had the courage to walk out of studios without recording. If you truly believe in maintaining purity, you have to learn to say no—and I have said more no's than yes's in my career. Every refusal made me stronger, more certain that I was on the right path. There were many temptations early on—to do fusion, to sing what wasn't expected of me, to collaborate with artists I wasn't comfortable with. I consciously chose my stages, my songs, my events. I didn't mind traveling miles to sing at a school or a village health initiative if it meant preserving the purity of folk traditions. But I refused to join the popular bandwagon of random experiments—and today, I'm glad I stayed true to my calling. Your collaborations with artists like Ricky Kej , Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, and Vishal Mishra have brought folk music to newer platforms. How do these collaborations help in expanding folk music's global appeal while keeping its essence intact? Definitely, I agree—collaborations help music travel beyond boundaries. I'm very happy that young, brilliant minds like Ricky Kej and Amaan-Ayaan Ali Bangash approached me to collaborate. It's interesting because Ricky is a Grammy-winning artist, and Amaan and Ayaan carry such a rich legacy—they know exactly what they are doing. I thoroughly enjoyed taking myself beyond my own boundaries and doing something new and meaningful with them. While you are known for preserving folk music, you have also lent your voice to Bollywood songs. How do you approach singing for films compared to performing traditional folk music? I've been fortunate to lend my voice to many Bollywood songs—working with Pritam, Anu Mallik ji, and recently Jatin ji (Jatin Pandit) for a song that should release this year. Most of my Bollywood work has been rooted in folk. Bollywood's reach is massive, and I'm very aware that when I'm approached, it's for the raw, earthy essence I bring. I always try to stay true to that spirit. I feel happiest when the songs are also picturized with the same purity and innocence that folk music carries.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
An ode to Ayodhya's rich heritage and culture
(L) Prasoon Joshi (R) Malini Awasthi (BCCL/ Aviral Saxena) Organised by Yatindra Mishra and Minhal Hasan recently, the Timeless Ayodhya Festival , celebrated the centuries old traditions, art & craft, culture and cuisine of Ayodhya along with its heritage, food and religious practices. The festival assembled notable scholars, experts, creative artists and cultural performers from across India. (L-R) Ashutosh Tiwari, Binod Kumar Singh and Puneeta Singh (L) Aparna Joshi (R) Aviral Saxena Yatindra Mishra with UP CM Yogi Adityanath Mayank Saksena (L) & Minhal Hasan 'Ayodhya, deeply rooted in ancient tales and historical significance, stands as a significant sacred site and represents India's cultural and religious heritage. The city's spiritual atmosphere is evident through its peaceful Sarayu ghats and impressive temples, which reflect deep religious devotion, traditional knowledge and artistic excellence,' shared Yatindra. (L) Manjari Chaturvedi (R) Chandra Prakash Dwivedi Vidya Shah (L-R) Puja Arora, Asha Kedia, Ekta Agarwal and Manjari Mishra (L) Rupal Shabnam Tyagi (R) Vikram Sampath The festival presented captivating cultural shows, intellectual discussions and participatory narratives, highlighting Ayodhya's eternal significance whilst offering visitors an opportunity to engage with its rich cultural heritage . The event saw a remarkable group of creative minds, including poets, writers, historical experts, musical performers, and artisans, fostering conversations that celebrate Ayodhya's rich cultural heritage. The participants included the renowned poet and songwriter Prasoon Joshi, researcher and author Vikram Sampath, director Chandra Prakash Dwivedi, and danseus Manjari Chaturvedi, among many others. The event also showcased performances by folk artist Malini Awasthi, classical vocalist Vidya Shah, and poet Vijayrajamallika.
