Gayati. Live. Breathe. Sing! Informal singing by Gauri Varma
Largely untrained, I sing because....I am! To express my inner being. To connect with a rainbow of universal thoughts and emotions through informal, solo renditions of some favourite songs in varied languages and genres (semi-classical Bandish, Sufi compositions, Ghazals, traditional wedding songs, folk songs in Hindi dialects/other Indian vernaculars, Bhajans, Sanskrit Stotra, Hindi film songs, popular English songs etc as the fancy takes me). I sing raw, without accompaniment or with minimal instrumental accompaniment.
Episodes
Shiv Bhajan 'Gal Bhujang Bhasm Ang' (my rendition of the Shiv Prayer sung by Pt Chhannulal Mishra)
I have attempted a favourite Shiv Bhajan, a beautiful version of which has been liltingly sung by Pandit Chhannulal Mishra of Banaras, based on Raag Des. The lyrics in colloquial Hindi (closest to Bhojpuri) are from Goswami Tulsidas' 'Ram Charit Maanas' and describe Shiv endearingly as the paradoxical ascetic-house holder, oblivious of social conventions, with a snake wrapped around his neck, ash-
Sufi Bandish 'Phool Rahi Sarson' (my rendition of Bahadur Shah Zafar's composition)
Composed by the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar in the 19th century, using his pen name 'Aashiq Rang', this beautiful Bandish pays homage to Sufi Pir Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and at the same time, nostalgically describes the unique beauty of spring in Zafar's beloved homeland of India, a magical time when golden mustard and 'tesu' flowers bloom in lush forests, the mango trees blossom prepa
'Suni Nahi Zamaane Ne Teri Meri Kahaaniyan' (my rendition of the popular Coke Studio song)
I have attempted a haunting love song with tender and sad lyrics. Two people who were deeply in love with an ethereal sort of love are separated by circumstances. But their love stays alive within their hearts and though they will probably never be together in the 'real world', they continue to commune through their thoughts and dreams and remain connected at a subliminal level. Originally sung by
'Hodie Christus Natus Est' (my rendition of the traditional Christmas Chant)
I have attempted a traditional Christian chant that goes back to the early centuries of the Christian era. It is in Latin and rejoices in the birth of Christ. It was incorporated into the formal Catholic liturgy by Poper Gregory but its early renditions predate his time. The chant says that Christ is born today and therefore the angels and archangels rejoice on earth today. All the just and righte
'Hare Hare Baans Kataa More Anganaa' (my rendition of the wedding song composed by Amir Khusrau)
I have attempted a beautiful, traditional wedding song which is rooted in the villages of the North Indian Gangetic Plain. Ascribed to 14th century music maestro, poet and Sufi Khwaja Amir Khusrau, the charming, lilting folk melody and lyrics go back centuries and such songs have been sung in the villages of this region for centuries. Amir Khusrau would have been inspired by current rural wedding
'Aaj Ajodhya Mein Mangal Mai' (my rendition of a traditional Bhojpuri wedding song)
I have attempted a favourite, traditional wedding song, probably sung for centuries by women of the Gangetic plains, especially in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The lyrics describe how that day is an auspicious one for Ayodhya and the joyous preparations that are taking place in that ancient city as Prince Ram is about to become a groom. The inhabitants plaster their courtyards and kitchens wit
'Nit Khair Mangaan Soneya Main Teri' (my rendition of the Punjabi folk-inspired love song)
I have attempted a favourite Punjabi folk song with Sufi tones. A simple rustic woman expresses her deep selfless love for her handsome lover or 'soneya'. She says that she prays daily to God for his wellbeing and wants nothing else. Her lover has given her so much joy that she is filled with gratitude and wants nothing but to live and die at his feet. She wants him to fully enjoy the prime of his
'Play Me' (my rendition of the song by Neil Diamond)
I have attempted a favourite love song written and sung by Neil Diamond in 1972. Its intense lyrics can be varyingly interpreted: is he singing of an exceptional love between a man and a woman, or the soulful bond between himself and his guitar (music) or then the spiritual yearning and love between the soul and Divinity? I could not provide the beautiful guitarwork that enrichens his song, so cho
'Saawan Ki Aayi Bahaar Re' (my rendition of the song from the film 'Junoon' 1979)
I have attempted a favourite song from the Hindi film Junoon (1979), which evokes some.charming scenes traditionally associated with a North Indian monsoon, especially in rural communities. Set to a lilting folksy melody, the lyrics in the colloquial Hindi of Uttar Pradesh describe the feelings that the dark clouds and cool breezes of the monsoon evoke in a young woman, after the searing heat of t
'Nirvana Shatakam' (my rendition of the Sanskrit prayer to Shiv composed by Adi Shankaracharya)
I have attempted a chant of six sacred Sanskrit verses termed the Nirvana Shatakam or the Atma Shatakam, composed by ancient Indian saint and Guru Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD. The verses describe the profound nature of the Supreme Blissful Consciousness or 'Shiv' that is, in fact, identical with the individual Soul or 'Jiva'. A beautiful poetic exposition of the Vedantic philosophy of
'Agar Tum Saath Ho' (my rendition of the song from Hindi film 'Tamaasha')
I have attempted a favourite song from the Hindi film Tamaasha' (2015) which has beautiful and unusual lyrics by Irshad Kamil. The song in the film is a duet in which a woman expresses her wish to always be together with her lover because his presence completes her and causes any sorrows that come her way to slip away. She is immersed in her longing to be with him through the daily hustle-bustle o
'Paar Channa De Dise Kulli Yaar Di' (my attempt at a Punjabi folk song)
I have attempted this haunting Punjabi folk song which draws on the old legend of Soni and her lover Mahiwal. In simple Punjabi with a lilting melody, it recounts how Soni , who used to secretly visit her lover at night by swimming across the river Chenab, using a large earthen pot to carry her across, is faced with a fateful choice one stormy night. Her sister-in-law, learning of the affair, cons
Ghazal 'Niyat-e-Shauq Bhar Na Jaaye Kahin' (my rendition of the ghazal by Late Nasir Kazmi)
I have attempted a geet-numa-ghazal (a ghazal sung in light, song form) written by Late Nasir Kazmi (1925-1972). In this romantic poem written in simple Urdu, an ardent lover voices both his longing for his beloved as well as the apprehensions this love arouses in his mind. His fears indicate both the depth of romantic love as well as its fragility. He engages in gentle irony by wondering if he ma
'Nahi Saamne Ye Alag Baat Hai' (my rendition of the song from film 'Taal')
I have attempted a favourite song from Hindi film 'Taal' (1999) , written by Anand Bakshi with haunting music by A.R. Rahman. Sung in the film by Hariharan accompanied by Sukhvinder Singh, i have modified it for my simple amateur solo rendition accompanied by the electronic Tanpura. A favourite of mine, the song 's melody bears the stamp of Rahman, with its harmonious fusion of Indian semi-classic
Vindhyeshwari Stotram (my rendition of the ancient Sanskrit hymn to Devi)
On the auspicious occasion of the ninth day (Navami) of Ashwin Navaratri 2022 I have attempted this energizing ancient Sanskrit hymn to the Devi in her form as Vindhyeshwari or Vindhyavaasini: she who resides in the mountains of Vindhyachal. Vindhyeshwari is a very old form of the Goddess refered to in the Mahabharat and various Puranas. She is also called Vanadevi or the Goddess of the forests. A
Sabad Kirtan 'Tu Prabh Daata' (my attempt at the devotional song from Hindi film 'Halla Bol')
I have attempted a beautiful Sabad Kirtan, comprising of couplets composed by Shri Guru Nanak ji in the 15th century. This traditional Bhajan/Kirtan was featured in Hindi film 'Halla Bol' (2008), sung by Sukhvinder Singh. The couplets, set to the traditional lilting melody of popular North Indian devotional kirtans, are composed in an amalgam of mediaeval, colloquial dialects and nascent veranacul
Celtic Ballad 'O Danny Boy' (my rendition of the famous song set to an Irish folk melody)
I have attempted this famous song which belongs to the Celtic folk ballad genre, lyrics of which were ironically composed by English lawyer-songwriter Frederic Weatherly, in 1910. They were set to the tune of a haunting old Irish melody called 'Londonderry Air' in 1913, which is supposed to have been discovered in the mid-19th century by a collector of old Irish music, Jane Ross, but the roots of
'Saare Jahaan se Achcha Hindostan Hamaara' (my rendition of Iqbal's ghazal venerating India)
I have attempted this well -loved patriotic Ghazal composed in 1904 in honour of India by poet Mohammad Iqbal, who was at the time, a believer in a united India, historically a land of many communities. In this 'Taraana-i-Hindi' (Song in honour of Hind), composed as an expression of opposition to British Rule and an expression of pride in India's unique identity and culture, the poet proudly notes
Eternal Mantras Medley (my rendition of some favourite Sanskrit Mantras invoking the Divine)
I have sung a medley of some of my favourite sacred Sanskrit Mantras invoking the Divine. Starting with the popular prayer to Lord Ganesh, remover of obstacles, who allows all tasks to be accomplished, the medley includes selected mantras for blessings, universal well-being and protection addressed to the Mother Goddess, the powerful Gayatri Mantra praying for the Divine Light to illuminate our mi
'Aaoge Jab Tum Saajna' (my rendition of the song from Hindi film 'Jab We Met')
I have attempted this lovely song from the film 'Jab We Met'(2007). Sung by Ustad Rashid Ali with music by Irshad Kamil and heart-tugging lyrics by Samir, it is based on Raag Tilak Kamod with variations. A woman awaiting her beloved sings of how the courtyard of her home and her body, too, will bloom when her long-awaited lover finally arrives. The monsoons will shower rain on the couple as they m
Chaiti (my rendition of a North Indian Folk Song) 'Sejiya se Saiyan Rooth Gayi le'
I have attempted this traditional North Indian folk song, a 'Chaiti' (Chait: Indian lunar month of early summer) which was beautifully rendered in light semi-classical style by maestro Pandit Chhannulal Mishra ji of the Banaras Gharaana. It draws on the traditional slow lilting melody and Bhojpuri lyrics of the rural Chaiti which has been sung for centuries in the villages of Uttar Pradesh and Bih
(Sanskrit Hymn to Devi) Tantroktam Devisuktam
This ancient Sanskrit hymn to the Goddess is found in the sacred text 'Durga Saptashati' and has been sung for centuries in India by devotees. It is sometimes described as a concise version of the long and powerful Sanskrit epic narrative in praise of the Devi (Chandi Paath) that comprises the Durga Saptashati. This hymn was sung by the Devas to invoke Devi as only she could protect them from the
'Ambua Na Kaatyo' (my rendition of an Awadhi Folk Song)
I have attempted a folk song from the Awadh area of Uttar Pradesh, India which has very sweet lyrics in the rural colloquial Hindi dialect (Awadhi). It reflects the deep respect for Nature that has been a feature of traditional Indian rural culture. Indian culture views Nature as 'Prakriti', a form of the Mother Goddess (Devi) and all living beings are seen as interconnected and nurtured by Prakri
Ghazal 'Mujhse Pahli Si Mohabbat' (my rendition of the Ghazal by Faiz Ahmad Faiz)
My attempt is inspired by the famous semi-classical version of this poignant ghazal sung by Ghazal Queen Noor Jahan. Aptly sung for the first time by her in front of Faiz after his release from a term of political imprisonment in Pakistan, the ghazal is bitter-sweet in its message to the poet"s beloved. He tells her that while he is still drawn to her and loves her, there are many tragedies and in
Hori Bandish 'Kaanha Bhar-Bhar Maare Pichkaari ' (Holi festival song, semi-classical composition)
I have attempted a lively, traditional song celebrating the colourful festival of Holi. This Hori Bandish (North Indian semi-classical short composition or 'Chhoti Bandish'sung on Holi) is based on Raag Bihag, in playful romantic mood ('Shringar Ras'). In the colloquial rural Hindi dialect of Uttar Pradesh (Khadi-Boli), it describes the youthful Lord Krishna's mischievous antics during Holi in Bri
Shiv Tandav Stotram (ancient Sanskrit Hymn in praise of Lord Shiv, composed by Raavan)
My attempt at the powerful ancient Sanskrit hymn in praise of Lord Shiv, composed by Raavan, ruler of Lanka. Raavan was a scholar, expert in many disciplines and a devout devotee of Lord Shiv. In this hymn, sung through the centuries, Lord Shiv is vividly described dancing his creative/transformative Tandav dance, the vibrations from which fill his devotees' hearts with joy. His dancing figure is
Punjabi Wedding Song (Bridal Chooda: sacred bangle wearing ceremony)
My rendition of a charming, traditional Punjabi bridal song or 'चूड़ा' (Chooda: bangle). The Chooda ceremony is a ritual of great cultural significance in Punjabi weddings. On the morning of the wedding day, red and white bangles are placed on the wrists of the bride with a havan/puja. These bangles symbolize blessings of the Divine on the bride-to-be, for strengthening the conjugal bond, fertili
Wedding song (traditional North Indian) 'Tere Teekey ka Rasiya'
I have attempted a traditional North Indian wedding song in colloquial Hindi. This charming, lively song is addressed to the bride-to-be by her maid -companion. She teasingly urges the beloved, pampered daughter of the house ('laado') to go and comb her hair, as her groom has already entered the gardens of their residence. She also laughingly warns the bride that she will charge her in gold coins
'Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye Je' (my rendition of one of Mahatma Gandhi's favourite Bhajans)
On the occasion of India's Republic Day 2022, I have attempted one of the favourite Bhajans of Mahatma Gandhi, Bapuji, Father of the Nation. Written in the 15th century in mediaeval Gujarati vernacular by the Vaishnav saint Narsinh Mehta of Junagadh, this bhajan has endured because of its wonderful simple expression of what lies at the core of Hindu spiritual philosophy: the saint explains who is
"Yeh Kya Jagah Hai Doston' (my attempt at the Ghazal from Indian film Umrao Jaan)
I have attempted a favourite Geet-numa-Ghazal (Ghazal rendered in song format) from the classic Indian film 'Umrao Jaan' (1981). The ghazal is preceded by some introductory comments by me to set the context of the lyrics. The ghazal, in simple Hindi-Urdu, expresses the intense mixed feelings of both joy and sorrow as 19th century courtesan Umrao Jaan, uprooted from her base in Lucknow, glimpses he
Krishna Medley (my rendition of a mix of some of my favourite Krishna bhajans)
I have attempted a medley of some favourite Vaishnav bhajans or devotional songs dedicated to Lord Krishna, also invoking hin at points as another prominent Vishnu Avatar, Lord Ram. Sung to a brisk traditional Indian devotional beat, these age old bhajans/chants in Sanskritic and colloquial Hindi invoke the Divine Spirit in joyous mood. To be 'in God' in His Krishna form, is to suspend ego and rea
'My Heart Will Go On And On' (my amateur attempt at the classic song from English film 'Titanic')
I have attempted the beautiful love ballad from the famous English film 'Titanic'. Sung unforgettably by Celine Dion with haunting music by James Horner amd lyrics by Will Jennings, the song's inspiration clearly goes back to medieval traditional European folk and operatic ballads as reinterpreted in 1970s rock music. The vocals mix and merge with the enveloping music that uses the tin whistle alo
'Mere Mahiya Sanam Jaanam' (my rendition of folk-inspired song from Hindi film 'Dhoom 3')
This feisty, passionate, folk-inspired love song in Punjabi-Urdu from film 'Dhoom 3', successfully merges traditional Indian melody and lyrics with a Western fusion rendition. Originally sung by Sunidhi Chauhan, the lyrics are inspired by traditional Heer-Ranjha poetry of Punjab, and have a deeper mystic meaning: they evoke a love that is both physically and spiritually deep, that causes the singe
Rudrashtakam (Prayer to Lord Shiv from the Ramcharitmanas)
This is my devotional attempt at the centuries-old hymn 'Rudrashtakam Stotram' composed by 16th century Bhakti saint, poet and scholar Shri Tulsidas, as part of his sacred epic Ramcharitmanas. In eight stanzas (ashtakam) the prayer invokes Lord Shiv, praising His beautiful form, qualities and deeds in lyrical Sanskrit.
English Song 'Fields of Gold' (inspired by the original by Sting)
This is my attempt at a gentle country ballad written and sung by the famous English pop singer Sting in 1993. It was inspired by the beautiful sensuous movement of the wind as it moved over rippling golden barley fields around the country home of the writer/singer. Its lyrics and melody are in the Old English folksy style, telling of a love that was enacted in barley fields in the bright summer,
Film Song 'Lukka Chhupi Bahut Hui' (inspired by the original from Hindi Film 'Rang de Basanti')
This is my raw attempt at a hauntingly beautiful song from the famous Hindi film 'Rang de Basanti' (2006). The poignant lyrics expressing a mother's love for a lost son, who has sacrificed his young life in the pursuit of noble goals of social and political revolution, are by Prasoon Joshi and the unusual, intricate musical composition is a fine example of A.R. Rahman's eclectically harmonious sty
Kajri 'Barse Kaali Re Badariya Mor Chunariya Bheejee Jaaye' (traditional Purabi monsoon folk song)
For people who enjoy India's robust folk music traditions, here is my amateur attempt at a Saawan ki Kajri. The Kajri is an ancient folk song sung in the villages of Eastern UP and Bihar, especially in the monsoons. It describes the beauty of the Indian monsoon and the wish to enjoy this beauty with the beloved, be it Krishna swinging in the 'saawan jhoola' with Radha, or rural women who sing the
Shaadi Geet 'Sejon pe Bhooli Chandan Haar' (traditional North Indian wedding song)
This beautiful wedding song in Hindi has been sung traditionally amongst both Hindus and Muslims of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and belongs to the Banna-Banni genre of weding songs of Uttar Pradesh. I learnt this song from older women relatives in Patna, Bihar. They in turn had heard this song sung decades ago by an unknown Muslim woman singer from the Old City of Patna, who had been invited to sing
Shaadi Geet 'Nakhredaar Banno Aayi Piya' (traditional wedding song of Uttar Pradesh)
I have attempted a lively, traditional wedding song from my home state of Uttar Pradesh. In colloquial Hindi, it is of the genre of 'Banna-Banni' wedding songs, which are typical of Uttar Pradesh, though also sung in Bihar, and have been sung for centuries into the present. 'Banna-Banni' are words used to lovingly address and describe a to-be groom and bride or a just-married groom/bride respectiv
Geet-numa Ghazal 'Zindagi ki raahon mein ranjo-gam ke mele' (inspired by rendition of Munni Begum)
This is my attempt at a ghazal rendered simply in a lilting song format, without semi-classical embellishments. A well known version has been sung by Pakistani singer Munni Begum. The lyrics tell how the path of life is marked with carnivals of unhappiness. One is surrounded by crowds of calamities and yet, is always ultimately alone. Separated from the beloved by conspiracies of this world or the
'Bhaye Pragat Kripaala' (From the 'Baal-Kaand' of the Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas)
These sacred verses from Goswami Tulsidas' epic Ramcharitmanas are regarded as very auspicious. They describe the revelation experienced by Queen Kaushalya prior to the birth of Lord Ram. Vishnu appeared in his magnificent, all-powerful form to the Queen and conveyed to her his desire to enter her womb and be born as a human being. Unbelieving and overwhelmed initially, Kaushalya was then overjoye
Shri Ram Stuti. Shri Ram Chandra Kripaalu Bhaj Man (From the Vinay Patrika by Goswami Tulsidas)
This classic bhajan in Sanskrit with a mix of mediaeval Awadhi (Hindi dialect of the Ayodhya area of Uttar Pradesh) was written in praise of Lord Ram Chandra by 16th century Bhakti poet and saint Goswami Tulsidas. It describes the beauty, valour and grace of Shri Ram as a young man in his prime. The last two stanzas describe how Princess Sita prays to Goddess Bhavaani to grant her Lord Ram as her
Ram Janm Badhai. Bhajan. (Poet Goswami Tulsidas)
This beautiful bhajan was written in Awadhi (Hindi dialect of the Ayodhya area of Uttar Pradesh), by 16th century Bhakti poet and saint Goswami Tulsidas. Full of maternal love (Vaatsalya Bhaav), it adores Shri Ram in his toddler form. The Supreme Lord Vishnu, creator of the Universe, in his baby Ram Avatar, attempts to walk and stumbles and falls onto the earth. His doting mother Rani Kaushalya ru
Ghazal 'Ranjish hi Sahi' (Poet Ahmad Faraaz) (Based on Raag Yaman)
My atttempt at a favourite Ghazal by acclaimed Pakistani Shaayar Late Ahmad Faraaz. Sung by many iconic artists including Mehdi Hasan. The ghazal is steeped in romantic pathos: a lover pleads with his beloved to come to him even if she is angry or indifferent. So great is his longing to see the beloved, that he is willing to accept any reason for such a meeting, and presents various heartrending j
Punjabi Folk-inspired Film Song 'Sajnaa Ra Tera' (from Pakstani Film 'Jatt Mirza')
My amateur rendition of a heart-achingly sweet song from Pakistani film 'Jatt Mirza' (1982). Originally sung by Noor Jahan, composed by Master Abdullah with lyrics by Ghulam Ahmed Chishti, this love song, is rooted in the traditional folk music of Punjab: a woman yearns for her beloved, calling out to him, saying that she has been defeated looking out for him to come to her, with the doors of her
Bangla Song 'Dheetang Deetang Bole' (Music and Lyrics Salil Chowdhury)
My attempt at a popular Bengali song composed by the versatile genius Salil Chowdhury in the 1950s, and perhaps most famously sung by Hemanta Mukherjee. This song, imbued with patriotic fervour and joie de vivre, is a fine example of Chowdhury's masterly blending of Indian and Western musical traditions. The song's lyrics, melody and rhythm, all demonstrate the deep influence of folk music, love f
Hori Geet 'Rang Daarungi Daarungi' (Inspired by Pt Chhannulal Mishra's masterly Purabi rendition)
This is an amateur attempt at a popular Hori (traditional folk song sung in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, in the month of Phalgun, especially on and around the harvest festival of Holi). The singing of Hori is intrinsic to the celebration of Holi in villages of the Banaras area and Bihar. The traditional lyrics are in Purabi dialects associated with this region, particularly Bhojpuri. The rusti
Sufi-Inspired Hindi Film Song 'Main bhi Naachun Manaaun Sone Yaar ko...Bulleya' (Film 'Sultan' 2016)
This is my amateur rendition of a lovely Sufi-inspired film song. The lyrics written by Irshad Kamil include traditional Sufi invocations to Pir Bulle Shah and chanting of 'dum', the mystic connotation of which is the sacred vital life force or 'prana', channelized through the breath and its rhythms. The music by Vishal-Shekhar also draws on traditional Indian devotional melodies. The song's lyric
Hindi Film Song (Ghazal) 'Raat bhar aapki yaad aati rahi' (Film Gaman)
This poignant geet-numa-ghazal written by Maqdoom Mohiuddin features in the popular Hindi film 'Gaman' (1978). The music director Jaidev has set the ghazal words into a haunting song format. The words and melody express such intense loneliness in the absence of the beloved that I felt they stand effectively on their own, and so my amateur attempt is unaccompanied by any instrument.
Hindi Film Song 'Mero Gaam Kaatha Paare' (in Gujarati, from film 'Manthan') (1976)
My attempt at this beautiful, folk-inspired, poignant song in colloquial Gujarati, from Shyam Benegal's award winning Hindi film 'Manthan', based on the revolutionary Amul story. Apologies in advance for imperfections in my pronunciation. The film was presented by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd.
Hindi Film Song 'Rafoo' ('Kaise Kaise Dhaagon se Buni hai..'). From the Film 'Tumhaari Sulu' (2017)
The lyrics of this composition (by Guru Randhawa and Santanu Ghatak) have the characteristics of poetry that is truly beautiful: simple yet profound in the emotions and philosophical approach to life that they reflect. And the melody complements them perfectly.
Saraswati Vandana. Sanskrit hymn.
Ancient Sanskrit hymn in praise of Devi Saraswati, Goddess of Wisdom, Speech, Learning, Healing and the Arts. Having origins in Vedic times as a river Goddess, she is also associated with flowing waters, communication, agriculture, the spring season and regeneration of life. The shlokas of the hymn adoringly describe Saraswati's form and attributes: She who is fair as the jasmine, snow and moon, c
