JODHPUR: Maand, the popular classical style of singing employed in folk songs of Rajasthan, has found a passionate advocate in an Indo-French teenager whose soulful renditions captivate audiences.
Parveen Sabrina Khan, 18, delighted listeners with her “Maands” at the first day of the five-day Rajasthan International Folk Festival 2011 that opened at Ghanta Char Bazaar (Clock Tower Market) here on October 13.
Parveen sang about a queen’s longing for her king’s return and about a farm woman describing the eagerly awaited monsoon. The singer was accompanied by her father Hameed Khan Kawa, on the tabla and Sardar Langa on the sarangi.
With over six generations of Maand musicians behind her it was but natural to follow suit, says the teenager whose mother is French.
“The ‘maand’ “‘AbadiJo’, which describes the queen waiting for her king to return has been passed down in my family for six generations,” says Parveen who introduces her songs briefly in English.
“If the audience doesn’t understand the lyrics or the basic premise of the song, they might lose interest. I’ve noticed that if people have a general idea about what the song is about, they can relate to it and enjoy it much more,” says Parveen.
RIFF Festival Director Divya Bhatia said, “Parveen has volunteered for RIFF and played the role of interlocutor between foreign artists and folk musicians in some of the interesting collaborations that music lovers will enjoy at the five-day festival.”
The singer’s father Hameed Khan Kawa, is a musician who leads three bands, the Kawa Brass Band, Musafir and Kawa Circus. Moving to India from France at the age of four, Parveen says she got an opportunity to learn classical Indian music and Rajasthani music from talented musicians and folk artists living in remote villages.
“My father took me to different villages in Rajasthan where our ancestors and relatives lived. These folk artists taught me Maand and other folk forms of singing.”
Like any teenager, Parveen was scared of peer pressure at school and hid her talent from her friends. “I didn’t want my friends to know that I was learning classical music, I did not want to stand out,” she said.
“However, now I’m really proud of it, and I feel because of my background, I can connect with different types of audience really well.”
Meanwhile, a variety of folk performances marked the opening concert with Jumma Mewati, a poet social commentator receiving the most applause from the audience as he sang and played the bhapang, a one-string instrument.
Children aged between 8 to 12 years old from the Langa community were also a hit with the audience. Beat boxer and sound artists Jason Singh from UK collaborated with morchang Rais Khan Manganiyar to give a riveting performance.
Mohini Devi showcased the Mewar tradition of Maand, while Sufi singer Kavita Seth gave an all-accoustic performance at the historic Mehrangarh fort.
The night was brought to a close with collaboration between Dutch Saxophonist Yuri Honing’s Wired Paradise and Rajasthani folk artists with dholak, khartal and harmonium.
Festival director Divya Bhatia said, “Over 4000 people attended the concert.”
“As a beginning to this event, we were very glad to be allowed to engage with this city in this manner. The response this time has encouraged us to plan more such concerts for the local populace here in the future.” PTI
