17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Young Malayali ‘chenda' artiste gives percussion twist to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's ‘O Re Piya', video goes viral
A young percussionist from Kerala is winning hearts on the Internet with her cover of O Re Piya, played on the traditional chenda, a percussion instrument unique to Kerala, with roots that stretch back several centuries.
The chenda, a cylindrical drum widely used in Kerala's temple festivals and classical art forms like Kathakali and Theyyam, isn't often heard in Bollywood covers. But Instagram user Samveda M V has changed that with her striking performance of the Rahat Fateh Ali Khan song from the 2007 film Aaja Nachle.
In the video, Samveda brings the soulful melody to life using sharp, syncopated beats on the chenda, creating a unique fusion that has impressed social media users. Shared on her handle @samveda_mv with the caption 'O re piya. Please do ignore the flaws,' the video has clocked 2.8 million views and over 4.3 lakh likes.
A post shared by SAMVEDA M.V. (@samveda_mv)
The performance has earned Samveda an outpouring of praise. One user commented, 'Woowwwww girlllllllllllllll….this made me reallllly sooo happyyyyyyy Keeeeep goinggggggg.' Another user said, 'This is talent.'
One Instagram user wrote, 'Those who liked it after seeing this should see the rest of the post as well. This will hit the first million.' A lot of other users reacted to the video with heart emojis and clapping emojis.
Samveda regularly shares performances of her blending the classical percussion instrument with popular songs. Her skillful use of the chenda, an instrument typically played by male artistes during temple festivals and rituals, is being lauded for bringing visibility to Kerala's folk traditions.
Recently, a talented flautist named Mehboob, from Rajasthan, captured the hearts of many with his impromptu performance at the Raipur airport. He skillfully played a beautiful rendition of Teri Mitti by B Praak and Arko from the movie Kesari. The video quickly went viral.
