A karaoke music video for an Indian classical bandish in English. As a third generation Indian classical musician, Kiran Phatak never really got the lure of musical genres like Rap, Rock, and Pop. Around 5-6 years back realisation dawned upon him and he concluded that it is the English language that these mostly western musical styles are sung in, that stops him from fully appreciating the music. By way of extrapolation, he also inferred that in order for Indian classical music to become relevant and popular amongst the youth of the world, he would need to sing his Bandishes in their language of choice – English. He promptly penned down around 20-25 Bandishes in English; some of them direct translations of traditional ones and a few originals that tackled modern themes such as smartphones running out of battery and putting an end to the nightly conversations between two lovers.
His first rendition of these English Bandishes was a huge hit and the hall where he performed was houseful. Still, there are lot in the music world who oppose his experiment. They believe that he is destroying their centuries old traditions and want him to put an end to this musical Frankenstein. But Mr. Phatak believes that music is a dynamic art and it needs to continually evolve in order to stay relevant. In his words, ‘If we stop new ideas from flowing into the ocean of sounds then it would slowly dry into a puddle of static, muddy water’.
Lyrics: O naughty Krishna, tell me how I shall go? O naughty Krishna, tell me how I shall go? When my In-laws hear all this They will keep me out of home How I shall go? O naughty Krishna, tell me
When I go to fetch the water When I go to fetch the water Standing there my dear When I go to fetch the water Standing there my dear Having something in his mind Doesn’t want to share Having something in his mind Doesn’t want to share Snatches earthen pot of mine Wasting all my milk and cream Doing mischief, I am helpless O naughty Krishna, tell me Dha ma dha ma da ni sa ni sa ni sa re sa ni dhaa O naughty Krishna, tell me Sa ni dha pa dha ma pa ga ma re sa Oooooo Naughtyyyyyyyyyyy
Kiran Phatak's take on Hindustani classical music will get stuck in your head. Classical singer and teacher Kiran Phatak has an unusual take on Indian classical music. He has taken it upon himself to translate the classical bandishes he's learnt into English, and write new ones in English. Singing melodious praises to Lord Krishna in Raag Hameer and the beautiful weather in Raag Kedaar is just the start. He firmly believes that modern-day issues like mobile phones and dating should also be incorporated into classical music to make it more relevant to the youth today.
It all began when Phatak couldn't enjoy Western forms of music such as rap, rock and pop because he couldn't understand the language. He also realised that the reverse must be true. Since then, he's written over 25 'bandishes' in English, and is even training a new generation of singers in his new-found form.
Sing along with the music video of this Hindustani classical music track. In English. Kiran Phatak wants to bring Indian classical music to the global audience. And the best way to do that is to ensure that people around the world and understand the lyrics. Sing along with this karaoke version of his bandish 'What A Cool Pleasant Atmosphere', sung in Raag Kedar.
As a third generation Indian classical musician, Kiran Phatak never really got the lure of musical genres like Rap, Rock, and Pop. Around 5-6 years back realisation dawned upon him and he concluded that it is the English language that these mostly western musical styles are sung in, that stops him from fully appreciating the music. By way of extrapolation, he also inferred that in order for Indian classical music to become relevant and popular amongst the youth of the world, he would need to sing his Bandishes in their language of choice – English. He promptly penned down around 20-25 Bandishes in English; some of them direct translations of traditional ones and a few originals that tackled modern themes such as smartphones running out of battery and putting an end to the nightly conversations between two lovers.
His first rendition of these English Bandishes was a huge hit and the hall where he performed was houseful. Still, there are lot in the music world who oppose his experiment. They believe that he is destroying their centuries old traditions and want him to put an end to this musical Frankenstein. But Mr. Phatak believes that music is a dynamic art and it needs to continually evolve in order to stay relevant. In his words, ‘If we stop new ideas from flowing into the ocean of sounds then it would slowly dry into a puddle of static, muddy water’.
Lyrics: What a cool pleasant atmosphere here What a cool pleasant atmosphere here Warm and cool breeze gives me a pleasure What a cool pleasant atmosphere here Sky is black and clouds are rumbling Sky is black and clouds are rumbling Sky is black and clouds are rumbling Sky is black and clouds are rumbling Darkness occupying Each and everything And suddenly started drizzling Singing Dancing, what a scene all over What a cool pleasant atmosphere here What a cool Pleasant atmosphere What a cool pleasant atmosphere What a cool pleasant atmosphere Atmosphere Atmosphere
