The magic of Malhar

'Khud Ko Itna Bhi Na Bachaya Kar, Baarishein Ho Toh Bheeg Jaya Kar,' croons singer-composer Roop Kumar Rathod.

The man just can't comprehend the fear that the 26/7 deluge has set in our hearts and hopes to change our thinking. Roop Kumar, who is gearing up for his new ghazal album Ranjishein that releases this month, 'pours' his heart out to CS:




Raga rage
There are so many monsoon ragas like Miya Malhar, Megh Malhar and Sur Malhar that celebrate this season. I love all these ragas and and the story behind Megh Malhar how Tansen came to Saurashtra, where he first heard the raga, which quenched the fire raging in him. The first ghazal in my very first album Parvaz was inspired by this raga. In fact, my upcoming album also has a rain related ghazal 'Baarishon Ka Toh Bas Bahana Tha, Aankh Mein Yuhi Bheeg Jana Tha'

Love is in the air
The monsoons are synonymous with romance. And where there is romance, there is good music. The sight of the first raindrops touching the parched soil and the dancing peacocks ushering in the season, have inspired singers since ages. The monsoons instantly lift your mood and get you singing or even composing. I sometimes get up at 2am to make music in this season.

Zor ka dhakka...
Back in 1985, I had bought my first Fiat and had driven down to President, where I had a ghazal programme. The show was on till 2am. In the meantime, it had started raining. When I went out, I saw that my brand new car was submerged, only the bonnet was visible. In the morning, I pushed the car till Churchgate where I got a mechanic. And people on the road couldn't help staring at me pushing the car since I was dressed in a sherwani, mojaris, shawl etc.

Rain, rain come again
I remember when I was dating Sunali, we used to drive down to Lonavala in the rains, taking with us our favourite CDs. Lady In Red was our favourite number. It was so much fun. Last year, the rains were delayed. One day, my daughter Reeva said, "Papa, suna hai acche sur lagne se, baarish hoti hai." So, she and I started singing Miya Malhar and lo, it started pouring! She was thrilled to bits. So, now we know how to impress the rain gods!