To divert the younger generation of Uttarakhand, which is fast drifting towards pop, Bollywood and Western music, to regional folk music, the need of the hour is to incorporate fusion music in the traditionally rich folk culture of the hills.
This was suggested by renowned Uttarakhandi folk singer Sangeeta Dhaundiyal who said youngsters should develop interest in folk music which is in dire straits in the state owing to people drifting away from their culture as well as the mass migration of people in the hilly regions.
Talking exclusively to The Tribune, while on a commercial assignment in Haridwar, Sangeeta, who has to her credit 1000-odd songs, urged young aspirants to practice for hours daily as nothing comes easy in this field. Understanding “sur”, “ragas” and other elements of vocal music needs patience.
Hailing from Baijro in Pauri Garhwal, Sangeeta lamented that owing to the lack of support from government and an organised film or music industry, the interests of the regional artistes, be it those related to cinema or music, had been hurt.
Sangeeta terms veteran folk singers Narendra Singh Negi, Hira Singh Bisht and Jeet Singh Negi as legends. She said just by listening to them she has learnt singing.
The versatile diva, who is equally trained in thumri and ghazal and sings proficiently both Kumaoni and Garhwali songs, says fusion is an aspect which can change the traditional folk scenario in the state as changing with time is the essence of nature.
“Today, when I see youngsters having platforms like ‘Jhumigo’ music talent show and various other singing competitions its evident that there is no dearth of talent in the state,” she said.
It’s just honing their skills and providing them right guidance what they need. A decade ago when I was a struggler the scenario was quite different with a few opportunities available to aspirants, said Sangeeta, a graduate in music from Gandharva Vidyalaya, Delhi, who has also made her mark as a versatile anchor in Uttarakhand’s first teen musical television talent show, “Jhumigo”.
She also cites piracy as one of the reasons why music industry is not surviving in the state. She, along with other artists, met the Chief Minister and the state police chief and urged them to take stringent steps against those who are pirating music albums.
Having performed in Muscat, Dubai, Bahrain, the USA and other foreign countries, Sangeeta now eyes Bollywood as she reveals that to become a playback singer of a Bollywood movie is her dream and if she gets an opportunity to sing along with Lata Mangeshkar and Udit Narayan it will be a dream come true.
Signing off the singer said Uttarakhandi music needed experimentation, changes, usage of new instruments apart from the traditional “dhol damau” as per the taste of audience.
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