Music from Maharashtra- A symphony of romance and courage
The change in music patronage post monarchy:
After the patronage from monarchs and aristocrats went on the decline musicians from Maharashtra had to shift base from the interior to Mumbai and other parts. Public performance became a critical part of the music performers routine. The phenomena also fueled the inflow of talent into a concentrated area of cities led by Mumbai, Pune and Kolhapur that housed recording studios and shooting floors.
Being home to Bollywood and its wonderful music treasure maybe the most prominent symbol of Maharashtra to the outside world but that would be leaving the whole reservoir of music unattended… an avoidable oversight.
Maharashtra has been blessed with a stunning music heritage that has influenced the various periods of its history. A bright musical tapestry to bring to light the genres seeded and nurtured in this land of festivals and pilgrimages can be woven through time to the delight of the performer and the audience.
Some of the most revered genres of music include the
Lavani, a traditional song and music combine that touches upon a multitude of themes. Though its popularity could be associated with romance there also is an element of socio-political awareness perpetrated through fast paced rhythms that marks the Lavani form. Bright saree- clad women vocalize and dance to enact this exhilarating performance. “Bugadi Majhi sandali ga” is one of the unforgettable Lavanis with a compelling hook.
Koli Geet, song and dance performed by the fisherman or the Koli community has a unique appeal that moves fans with their upbeat, vibrant rhythms set to catchy tunes eulogizing life at the sea. Mi Dolkar, Raja Saranga, Asa Bebhan Ha Vara are the forever and ever favorites of impassioned koli geet followers
Abhang, a genre of devotional music has been the running melody for over centuries with its popularity getting wide patronage and universal appeal every day. Saint poets from Maharashtra like Tukaram, Namdev have given a surreal appeal to the Abhang that in later years was popularized by legends like Pt.Bhimsen Joshi, Lata Mangeshkar among others whose renderings of. Indrayani Kathi, Bheti Lage Jeeva respectively never fail to arouse listeners.
Another glorious chapter in the music of Maharashtra is this amazing theatre art form Natya Sangeet. Natya Sangeet, has a crew of actors who are essentially accomplished singers perform in full length plays of over three-hour length.
Musical compositions based on classical ragas punctuate the drama and have enthralled millions of theatregoers for years on end. Katyar Kaljat Ghusli, Man Apman, Sangeet Sharada, Shakuntal, are some of these plays. Such is there enduring appeal that they keep reappearing on the silver screen even today.
Film Music or Chitrapat Sangeet, is another area of interest for the music loving gentry of Maharashtra. Over the period since music became a major part of the film-going experience film music has been a binding force across rural and urban Maharashtra. With iconic playback singers shifting base to Mumbai there was a deluge of music talent that set foot on the shores of Mumbai. Notable music composers among the film-folk included names like Sudhir Phadke, Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Ram Kadam, Vasant Desai and others. The composer duo of brothers Ajay-Atul, today, have a whole generation rooting for them. These music maestros are adept at composing unforgettable melodies to the myriad situations that film composing demands and have gone on to generate a legion of followers that go the extra mile in utilizing the streaming services of the day to tune in their favorite tracks. Soundtracks of films like Pinjra, Sairat, Umbartha have a ready fan base of all kinds of listeners.
With the era of independent musicians upon us there is also an array of new age musicians and bands hovering over music circles. The discerning listener though is warming up to the new offerings.
The clear picture emerging from the musical winds blowing across Maharashtra gives ample weightage to the fact that music will always be a major draw with the music-crazy buffs renewing their demand for more musical panache in their lives.
Vibhav Rao