Introduction to Daler Mehndi’s New Musical Chapter
In a significant cultural milestone, Daler Mehndi, the venerated Indian pop icon known for his infectious energy and indelible voice, ventures into new musical territory with the release of his first-ever Bhojpuri track, “Ram ji ki jai, Hanuman ji ki jai.” The song, featured in the Bhojpuri film “Rang De Basanti,” symbolizes more than just a foray into different linguistic soundscapes; it stands as a potent tribute to the enduring legacy of Lord Ram, particularly resonant as India prepares for the much-anticipated unveiling of the grand temple in Ayodhya.
The Linguistic Leap: Singing in Bhojpuri
Daler Mehndi’s musical oeuvre spans various genres and languages, showcasing his versatile vocal prowess. When asked if singing in a new language presented any challenge, Mehndi’s response emanates with the confidence of a seasoned artist. The singer shares, “Being born in Bihar and having spent my formative years there, the sounds and tones of the region have been woven into the fabric of my upbringing. Brij Bhasha, a dialect spoken in the Braj region, resonates closely with the Guru Vani, the spiritual sayings I grew up with. This familiarity paved the way for an effortless rendering of the song, despite it being my debut in the Bhojpuri industry.”
Cinema Meets Politics: Promoting the Temple Inauguration
As the nation marches towards the grand inauguration of the temple dedicated to Lord Ram in Uttar Pradesh, a fascinating conversation emerges around the involvement of renowned personalities from the film industry driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote the event. Daler Mehndi discusses this synergy between cinema and politics with the wisdom of an artist who’s witnessed the intertwining of different cultural strands. He opines, “The saga surrounding the temple has spanned five centuries. Despite the monumental scale of the upcoming inauguration, one can never say enough has been done to honor it. These tales have been passed down through generations, and to associate my name with such a historic event is nothing short of fortuitous.”
He adds, “When I composed ‘Kala kauwa,’ I faced opposition, but I trusted its potential to succeed, which it did triumphantly. In a similar vein, I believe ‘Ram ji ki jai, Hanuman ji ki jai’ will rise as the greatest ‘Ram geet’—song for Lord Ram—of our time.”
The Return to Television and New Adventures in Acting
Our conversation with Daler Mehndi catches him at a thrilling junction of his career. After a hiatus of 25 years, he’s poised to make a return to television through a Lohri special episode of the show “Tere Meri Jodiya.” This is but one facet of the excitement that lies ahead; his role in the upcoming movie “Welcome 3” beckons with the promise of silver-screen glory. “In ‘Welcome 3,’ I will not only lend my voice but also act alongside a stellar cast, including Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Suniel Shetty, and others. Portraying a comedic character, I reveled in the beautifully crafted script that kept the entire cast laughing after every dialogue,” says Mehndi, signaling a continuation of his storied journey in both music and film.
As the nation awaits with bated breath for these diverse projects to unfold, Daler Mehndi stands at the helm, ready to chart new courses and leave indelible marks in the annals of Indian entertainment.
