It was a filmi affair

CURRENT CHARTBUSTERS

As part of the second edition of the ‘Alive India in Concert’ series, Bollywood playback singers Monali Thakur and Clinton Cerejo performed two energetic sets at Phoenix Marketcity recently. Despite being an expensive affair, hundreds of mall-goers gladly paid to watch the two singers play original songs as well as the popular Hindi songs that they are known for.

Clinton, who is a singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, performed first. The multi-talented musician performed ‘Manhattan’ from English Vinglish, Kail­ash Kher’s Kalapi, a reworked heavier version of Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji from Ishqiya and even an unreleased track called Musafir Hai from a film he couldn’t name. 

He also called on other singers like Divya Kumar and Bianca Gomes, who added more energy to the performance. From Sufi songs like Mauje Naina with Divya and the ‘Coke Studio’ composition called Barbara with Bianca, Clinton effortlessly shifted from vocals to guitar to keyboard. 

He even threw in some English compositions named ‘Alone’ and ‘It’s Not Over Now’, which were softer than the rest of the songs. However, his stage presence and strong voice did not seem enough to get the crowd going, with the audience only clapping politely and refusing to come in front and move to the beats. It was only towards  the last song Madari when people finally started showing that they were having a good time. 

“I’m very impressed by Clinton’s vocal range and thought he kept the energy levels high throughout. But it was disappointing to see how the crowd reacted. Even when he asked everyone to shine their phones for a very melodious, soft number, only a ha­ndful did,” said Radhika, who attended the concert with her family.  Up next was Monali Thakur, who has lent her voice to films like ‘Race’, Lootera, Anjaana Anjaani and Golmaal

From songs like Dama Dam Mast Qalandar to her ‘Coke Studio’ songs to the much-anticipated film songs like Sawaar Loon from Lootera and Zara Zara Tou­ch Me from ‘Race’, the young singer kept the crowd entertained. With a Bollywood-heavy setlist, she had no problem in getting her many fans to clap and dance along to her tunes. Those who could not afford the tickets had a good time from other spots across the mall from where the stage was visible.

Vibhas, an audience member, said that he had a great time. “I’m a big fan of most of the Bollywood songs that the two sang. But I didn’t know the faces behind them. So this concert was a pleasant surprise for me,” he said.