Melody of the Brahmaputra
NANDINI NAIR
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Even after a National Award and hits like `Ya Ali,' Zubeen Garg is not taking his success for granted.
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`Strings' is a love story in the background of the Kumbh Mela
DISPELLING MISCONCEPTIONS: Zubeen Garg has made his debut in Bollywood with `Strings.'
Zubeen Garg has a simple desire. He wants to promote North-Eastern music. He says, "Assam is still a virgin land, I want it in the national focus." He is a household name in his home State. His credentials are now established in Bollywood with songs like `Ya Ali' from `Gangster.'
Most recently, he made his debut in Bollywood as a composer in `Strings - Bound by Passion,' whose music track is now out on the stands.
According to him, "`Strings' is a love story in the background of the Kumbh Mela." The music is earthy and authentic.
"The music demanded North-Eastern beats." Zubeen says he has used "Western themes within limits." He makes special note of the first song, `Piya Milan ko Jaana,' calling it "an 800-year-old prarthna that has been translated into Hindi."
The final track of the album, `Om,' is a 1969 poem by Bihar poet Baba Nagarjuna. The song is mired in controversy as a Public Interest Litigation has been filed against it, but Garg says, "It only portrays the drawbacks of a democracy." His reaction to the opposition is, "It's a beautiful poem and people should know about it."
His solo album, `Pakeeza,' is to be released in September. "It is in Hindi with a lot of North-Eastern influences. I have translated Assamese folk songs into Hindi," he explains.
Regional identity
Zubeen wants a national focus on his regional identity. His entry into "folk culture" was a gradual process. He says in 1992 he was into modern albums but slowly "had the privilege of learning folk elements, like folk tunes, rhythms and instruments."
He wants to dispel popular misconceptions. "People are scared about the North-East because of terrorism but it is one of the most beautiful parts of India and should be explored."
He is not just promoting the music but is also showcasing the beauty of the region in his videos. A forthcoming video has been shot at Majoli, "the biggest river island."
He says, "It is a very important religious place but it is shrinking, and officials are doing nothing about it."
Migration has not been easy for Garg. He says in his first few years in Mumbai he kept returning to Assam because he was homesick.
He is at present finalising scripts for his movie `Chakra,' a 90-minute "political thriller, based on the selfishness of man." Even after having sung 7,000 songs in various regional languages and with a National Award to his name, Zubeen does not take his success for granted.
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