Latest news with #RekhaBhardwaj
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rekha Bhardwaj: Dilli mein maine sangeet seekha, yahan gaake sunana toh banta hai
Rekha Bhardwaj live in concert "Rekha ji aao!" chanted the crowd at Bharat Mandapam on Sunday as a slight delay built anticipation. Rekha Bhardwaj took the stage, opening with Naina Thag Lenge, her voice drawing the audience in from the first note. Dressed in a brocade skirt and magenta jacket, with alta on her hands, the singer twirled with one arm raised, echoing a dervish's dance. She explained the Sufi gesture: the upward palm receives from existence, the downward one gives back – a way to seek blessings for all. She added, 'Jab aas paas itni ashanti ho, aur hum ek khoobsurat shaam guzaar paye, it's a great blessing.' The singer twirled with one arm raised, echoing a dervish's dance Her love for Delhi came through in every interaction. 'Dilli dil walon ki hai, main bhi Dilli se hoon,' she said, even swapping 'Raipur' for 'Dilli' in Genda Phool. Midway through her set, the singer added, 'Dilli mein maine achcha sangeet suna, seekha toh yahan pe gaake sunana toh banta hai. It's the only way to know where I stand and how much I need to work on my craft still.' The evening continued with her renditions of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's ghazals like Humne Dekha Tha Ek Khwab, and Vishal Bhardwaj's composition Dhundh. However, the highlight of the concert was her iconic Namak Ishq Ka, which she called, 'jo safar main kaat ke aayi, jis nagme ki wajah se,' crediting the Omkara song for shaping her journey. Rekha was dressed in a brocade skirt and magenta jacket, with alta on her hands Her voice drew the audience in from the first note
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
(Exclusive) Rekha Bhardwaj: Let's not call an item song a ghazal
Rekha Bhardwaj highlights the shift in focus towards instant success among youngsters, impacting the creation and use of ghazals in films. She notes the pressure to create viral hits often leads to the superficial inclusion of ghazals, sometimes mislabeled as item songs. Youngsters want instant success,' shares Rekha Bhardwaj , emphasising how even if a film includes a ghazal today, it's often just to create an instant hit. At the recently concluded ghazal festival Khazana in the city, the singer spoke about the power of live performances, how ghazals have evolved and why they must be treated with reverence. Excerpts: 'Youngsters want instant gratification and success, toh focus change hota hai' Rekha, who has lent her voice to songs like Phir Le Aaya Dil, Kabira and Genda Phool, among others, points out how the pursuit of virality creates pressure. She elaborates, 'Youngsters want instant gratification, instant success and instant appreciation... toh focus change hota hai. Even if they include ghazals in a film, they will only do so to ensure it becomes a hit. Ek ajeeb sa pressure hai ki gaana hit hona chahiye. Phir toh mushkil hai. There are filmmakers who have used a certain Sufi ghazal in their film, but it's actually an item song. Why don't they call it what it is? If you are making an actress do belly dance on a ghazal, then you should call it an item song.' While she dislikes the idea of using the term 'ghazal' loosely, she doesn't entirely condemn item songs. She explains, 'It's not wrong to have an item song because it's part of our culture — nautanki, kothe pe gaana bajana, it's all part of our culture. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mini House for 60 sqm for Seniors with Toilet and Bath (Price May Surprise You) Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Let's take pride in that. There's nothing wrong with having such songs if the situation calls for it in the film.' 'Ghazal is a facet of love, romance and longing' Rekha feels that what sets ghazals apart is their emotional core. 'Ghazal ek poetry hai jise hum melody ke through express kartein hain. It's a facet of love, romance, longing and shringaar ras. Ghazals are eternal. The best thing is that youngsters are taking up this form, more in the interiors than the metros. But this genre needs more exposure.' 'Aaj ke ghazalon ka, qawaaliyon ka, rang badal raha hai ' The singer believes that there has been a generational shift in creative focus in movies and music. She says, 'Yes, there aren't many ghazals in film albums, but there are composers like Pritam, Vishal (Bhardwaj), who do include ghazals in their films. The only thing is that aaj kal ghazalon ka, qawaaliyon ka, rang badal raha hai, and ab aesthetics ke hisab se hota hai.' She adds, 'Youngsters apne exposure ke hisab se hi ghazal banayenge. If you take Urdu words from Google and put them in a ghazal, woh toh kam hi padega na.' "Youngsters want instant gratification, instant success and instant appreciation... toh focus change hota hai. Even if they include ghazals in a film, they will only do so to ensure it becomes a hit." - Rekha Bhardwaj
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Weekend Planner (July26-27): Delhi-NCR residents, you must check this out!
FLICK FIX Saturday-Sunday From Rekha Bhardwaj's concert to Teej Mela, and The Fantastic Four movie, this week has a lot to offer. Check out the weekend planner for July 26 and 27. Where: In theatres Time: All day Still from The Fantastic Four: First Steps The Fantastic Four: First Steps Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach Hari Hara Veera Mallu Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Nargis Fakhri, Nora Fatehi, Sonakshi Sinha BITE STOP Saturday 4-Hands Culinary Collaboration 4-Hands Culinary Collaboration Where: Swan, Ward no 1, Kharsra No 1501, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli Time: 7.30pm and 10pm Sunday Celebrate the Monsoon Where: Ikk Panjab, K Block, Outer Circle, Connaught Place When: 12.30 pm to PLAY DATE Saturday Teej Mahotsav 2025 Where: Dilli Haat, Pitampura Time: 11am to 9pm Gifts World Expo Where: Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan Time: 10am to 6.30pm Chekhov Ki Duniya Where: Abhimanch Auditorium, National School of Drama, Mandi House Time: 7pm Sunday Hindwi Utsav 2025 Where: Siri Fort Auditorium, August Kranti Marg, Siri Fort Time: 3.15pm to 9pm GROOVE IT Saturday Master Saleem Live Where: Studio XO Bar, Sector 29, Gurugram Time: 9.30pm Sunday Rekha Bhardwaj Jazbaa Ft. Rekha Bhardwaj Where: Plenary Hall, Bharat Mandapam Time: 7pm POWER HOUR Sunday Kargil Vijay Diwas Half Marathon Where: Vegas Mall, Plot no 6, Pocket 1, Sector 14, Dwarka Time: 5am to 10am For more, follow HT City Delhi Junction
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
(Exclusive) Rekha Bhardwaj: I learnt patience and resilience from Pankaj Udhas Ji at Khazana Festival
Rekha Bhardwaj reflects on her decade-long association with the Khazana Festival, highlighting its impact on her personal and artistic growth. She emphasizes the values and patience she learned from Pankaj Udhas and describes the festival as a nurturing 'joint family' for ghazal artists. For over ten years singer Rekha Bhardwaj has been an integral part of the Khazana Festival that is now into its 24th year. This revered platform founded by Pankaj Udhas along with his friends Anup Jalota and Talat Aziz, has been celebrating the timeless art of ghazals. Reflecting on her journey since 2015, Rekha Bhardwaj shares how the two-day festival that is all set to happen this weekend, has shaped her both as an artiste and a person, and how the values imparted by stalwarts like Pankaj Udhas have left a lasting impression. At one of the rehearsalsls for theupcominging 'Khazana - a Festival of Gahzals' 'Maine itna kuch sikha hai yahan' 'I really learnt patience and resilience from Pankaj Udhas at Khazana Festival,' she reveals in an exclusive chat with Bombay Times. She fondly recalls how Pankaj Ji would patiently listen to every performer, sitting in front with a smile, appreciating each performer wholeheartedly. ''Maine itna kuch sikha hai yahan. There are so many artists who perform, and we go through soundchecks, constantly wondering when it will be our turn to sing. This waiting period is where patience is truly tested. He used to sing at the end of the show, sometimes starting at 2 or 2:15 am, and sing for an hour or more until the wee hours. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Ekdum sukoon se sunte theyy gaana. There used to be complete peace at that time, and his demeanour taught me so much about resilience.' Beyond music, the Kabira singer emphasizes the importance of the values and etiquettes—Sanskar—she has absorbed from the festival and its veterans. 'Khazana is not just about music, it's about these values that stay with you forever.' 'Mujhe Khazana hamesh ek badi joint family jaise lagti hai' Describing Khazana as 'a big joint family,' the singer celebrates the camaraderie and encouragement that thrives on this unique stage. ' Mujhe Khazana hamesh ek badi joint family jaise lagti hai. There are so many singers and musicians who come here purely for the love of ghazals. We meet so many young talents who are great singers. And we encourage and appreciate other singers too. Jo taan Pratibha Singh Baghel lagatien hain woah mere se nahi nikalti. ' The festival, Rekha Bhardwaj says, is a remarkable platform that goes beyond performance. 'Sitting on the Khazana stage and singing a ghazal is a different experience altogether.' She credits the legendary founders for nurturing this musical tree: 'Pankaj Ji planted the seed, and with Anup Ji and Talat Ji, it grew into a plant. Now, it's a big tree that all of us are watering and caring for together, helping it grow so everyone can sit in its shade and enjoy, uske chaav mein baithke uska lutf le sakein.' 'Over the years I realized that I just want to be part of Khazana, in whatever capacity possible' Looking ahead, the singer expresses her heartfelt desire to deepen her involvement with Khazana beyond just singing. 'I would love to do something regular with Khazana Festival, especially with the thalassaemic kids. Even half an hour or an hour spent with them, monthly or quarterly, would be so meaningful.' She envisions engaging with these children through music and art journaling, bringing supplies and sharing creative moments. 'I want to be part of Khazana in whatever capacity possible. I may or may not sing every time, but I will definitely be present.'
Hindustan Times
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
'I've no qualms about singing item song, it doesn't imply that I become cheap': Rekha Bhardwaj opens up on singing Namak
Singer Rekha Bhardwaj has opened up about her hit song Namak from the 2006 film Omkara and how she 'wasn't getting much work' before its release. Speaking with News18, Rekha said that she is comfortable singing any genre of song, adding that lending her voice to an item track "doesn't imply that I become cheap". (Also Read | Rekha Bhardwaj reveals how late Jagjit Singh once made her feel 'so small', said her voice had lost its 'chamak') Rekha recalled the time before she sang Namak. The singer said, 'It took me very long to rediscover that mischievous, naughty side of me through song. I had lost all confidence when I was first asked to sing it. But Vishal [Bhardwaj] believed in me. He played back a recording of me singing it casually one night and said, 'Only you can sing this.' That gave me the push I needed. Until that point, I wasn't getting much work. That song made me realise my potential." Citing the example of Lataji Mangeshkar's Aa Jaane Jaan, she said that a "song can be sensuous and still be dignified". "If it is not aesthetic, I would not like to sing a track. Other than that, any form is good to me. I have no qualms about singing an item song; it doesn't imply that I become cheap or anything of the sort. Item songs are part of our cultural expression too. It's not about the form- it's about how it's executed. A song can be sensuous and still be dignified. Just look at Lataji's Aa Jaane Jaan – those kind of songs had grace, not vulgarity," she added. Rekha has sung many other hit songs such as Laadki, Genda Phool, Mat Aana, Nikat, Aise Kyun, So Ja So Ja, Sakhi Ri, and Yeh Ishq Hai. She also lent her voice to Teri Fariyad, Dum Ghutta Hai, Zinda, Mileya Mileya, Hamari Atariya Pe, Pehli Baar Mohabbat, Mora Jiya Lagge Na, Oye Boy Charlie, Ghagra, Kabira, and Mat Aana and among others.
