Revisiting Mala Umajlele Bal Gandharva 🎶🎭
This holiday season, I immersed myself in Mala Umajlele Bal Gandharva, Kumar Gandharva’s brilliant interpretation of the legendary Bal Gandharva’s gayaki.
Pu La Deshpande’s introduction to the program is thought-provoking. He outlines why and how Kumarji wanted to explore more about Bal Gandharva’s music. It’s worth paying close attention to.
I’ve meant to make a note of the songs sung in this program, as it gives me an opportunity to revisit these great masters.
The 15 Songs 🎼
1️⃣ Swakul Tarak Suta
Kumarji starts with this song. The opening lines, “Sukhavila nach Janak na Mata, Aishi kanta narkarata”, mean that Lord Rama’s kingdom is full of happiness, and even his parents, King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya, dance in joy to songs in his praise.
2️⃣ Khara To Prema Na Dhari
A Natyageet from Manapman with a central theme of the purity of love and the dangers of succumbing to greed. The song emphasizes that true love cannot be tainted, just as the sun continues to shine despite external influences.
3️⃣ Nath Ha Mazha Mohi Khala
Based on the Raga Yaman bandish Harawa Mora, this song, from Sangeet Saubhadra, is Rukmini’s praise of Lord Krishna. It reminds me of how Mahesh Kale sang both Harawa Mora and Nath Ha Mazha in Charlotte (2016).
🎶 Madhuvanti Dandekar’s rendition
4️⃣ Tata Kari Duhitavinasha
I couldn’t find the exact meaning of this song online. It seems to be a call asking for protection and strength. I hope to translate it soon.
5️⃣ Prabhu Maja Vari Kopala
In this song from Ekach Pyala, Sindhu believes that Sudhakar’s alcoholism is the result of divine wrath. Also, a periodic reminder from Huberman Lab on why alcohol is harmful!
6️⃣ Narawara Krishnasaman
A famous song from Natak Swayamvar. I was lucky to hear Malini Rajurkar perform it live at Sawai Gandharva Mahotsav in Pune (2008).
7️⃣ Sujan Kasa Ha Mana Chori
Another famous number from Swayamvar. Found this video of Anushka Thali performing it.
8️⃣ Mala Madan Bhase Ha
From Sangeet Manapman. Featuring Pu La Deshpande’s harmonium magic.
9️⃣ Prema Nacha Jayi
A song I hadn’t listened to much earlier.
🔟 Kashi Ya Tyaju Padala
From Ekach Pyala, this is the song Antu Barwa haggles with the ticket manager over during a play in Ratnagiri.
1️⃣1️⃣ Satya Wade Vachanala
From Ekach Pyala, a powerful reflection on truth.
1️⃣2️⃣ Nayane Lajawita
From Sangeet Manapman. Here’s Farhan Amin singing Nayane.
1️⃣3️⃣ Karin Yadumana Sadana
From Sangeet Subhadra. Like Pu La Deshpande said, even a cat sings in this Natak! So many fantastic songs. I’m trying to get the meaning of the lyrics.
1️⃣4️⃣ Nacha Mansa Asha
My least favorite song from the album. Somehow, it doesn’t click. Maybe I should listen to it more?
1️⃣5️⃣ Prabhu Aji Gamala
A wonderful Bhairavi from Ekach Pyala. My cousin sang this song the first time we met back in 2003. It was hard to find music back then. She plays piano now, and her brother is learning khayal gayaan.
Final Thoughts
A collection of 15 great songs. Would be interesting to learn why Kumarji chose only these 15. Which ones could he have added? Which ones could have been excluded?
Lastly, his use of the word “Umajlele” is so apt. Loved it.
@omijomi @marathe @kansenclub #NatyaSangeet @subodhbhave09