Singer Malini Awasthi thinks that folk songs is now able to connect with the audience, it has arrived a long way and have attained much respect and recognition within music lovers. The Padma Shri awardee has sung in films including Durgamati (2020), Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015) and Agent Vinod (2012).
“I have been singing the folk song Saiyan Mile Ladkaiyan for ages now and I am very happy to share that music composer Sandesh Shandilya has recorded it for a film. I am doing a song for an OTT show for young composers Amol-Abhishek and have already done one for another project,” avers the singer.
Awasthi further adds, “Sometimes I feel that I am not doing enough film songs. Still, I keep getting offers for films. This is because of my conviction to follow my heart that is inclined towards folk and semi-classical music! I continue with my quest for old traditional songs in their original avatar but with contemporary musical treatment.”
In the past few months, Malini has travelled to a four-country tour last year. “Be it in India or abroad, largely my audience is youth. I do events in colleges and professional institutes and one will be surprised to know that more than film songs, the youngsters request Saiyan Bane Ladkaiyan, Banna bulaye or Railiyaa Bairan. Today’s youth is very open-minded and ready to adapt. Also, I feel people are exploring everything which is connected with our roots.”
“People have not only started accepting folk songs but also respecting them. Now, it’s our responsibility to expose them to our folk, culture and traditions. I see an urge for curiosity amongst youths and there is a need to educate them. Like, when I perform, I tell them how folk is an integral part of our Bollywood songs — Door koi gaye (Baiju Bawra, 1952) is inspired by our folk Banna bulaiey, banni nahi aave and has been composed by our own Naushad saheb! Trust me, soon remix versions of folk songs will have its place in discs,” she wraps up.
