The Queen of folk

Malini Awasthi, the face of folk music gave her maiden solo performance 'Saawan' for her NGO. Through her singing, she presented the varied hues of mo

It was a perfect evening with a perfectly set up stage with flowers and lights giving it the perfect look of a village. The audience was all set to witness one of the most sought after singers that we have today in India. Malini Awasthi enters the stage in a palanquin!

Being at the forefront of the revival of folk music, Malini presented her first solo performance for her NGO Sonchiraiya at a concert ‘Saawan’ at Kamani Auditorium, recently.

Malini Awasthi has become the face of folk music in India. When you think of traditional folk music, you think of Malini Awasthi. The Queen of folk music is responsible for bringing traditional forms of music on the national stage and Indian folk music has been revived in a big way due to her contribution. The singer is also highly acclaimed for her gaayiki and her powerful performances.

In her effort to revive the folk culture in India where this genre is increasingly facing a dip in popular interest  as Bollywood rules, Malini gave a speldid performance and enthralled the audience.

Folk music celebrates the vibrancy of monsoon as there is a melody depicting every experience it heralds. Through Awadhi, Mirzapuri and Benarasi Kajri, Ropni, Jatsaar and other forms of folk music, at ‘Saawan’, Malini presented the varied hues of monsoon.

She enthralled the audience with her soulful voice by singing saawan songs like O maiya more babul ko bhejo ri, Ghir aayi kari badriya re, Ek jhula dala mene babu ji ke bagh me, Aayi sawaan ki bahar, Amma mere baba ko bhejo ri, Saiyaan chale pardeswa, Sawaan jhhariyla dheere dheere and many more.

The gathering of over 600 people attended the performance of Malini Awasthi and the music lovers appreciated and applauded the performance and also the efforts by Sonchiraiya.

Malini, who sings in Hindi language dialects like Bundelkhandi, Bhojpuri and many others, is also famous for her Kajri and Thumri gaayiki. A performer at famous musical festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau, the artist has a high pitch voice. Her Thaare raho baanke shyam has gained her immense popularity all across.