When it comes to film music, we all love travelling back in time. For that was when melody and lyrics reigned supreme. That was also the time of live orchestras, which gave life to every single note and created magical scores. Think Hindi film music, and your heart still beats for K.L. Saigal, Talat Mahmood, Hemant Kumar, Geeta Dutt, Suraiya, Noor Jehan, Kishore Kumar, Mukesh, and Mohammed Rafi. And, the masters who composed gems — S.D. Burman, Madan Mohan, Naushad, Salil Chowdhury, Shankar-Jaikishan and R.D. Burman.
Trying to recreate that era are singers Srinivas, Chinmayi, Haricharan and Shweta Mohan who come together to weave some retro magic in this show, featuring hits down the ages till the 1980s. The show will start off with Srinivas' favourite singer K.L. Saigal's number, before moving on to ditties from the 1950s and 1960s. The energy and vivacity of the swinging Seventies will dominate the show, with songs by Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi. And, of course, hits from the Kishore Kumar-R.D. Burman combination.
A 15-member orchestra hand-picked from Chennai and Kerala will accompany the singers. Among the retro gems, which include a lot of duets, you'll get to listen to Main Kya Jaanoon , Tere Mere Sapne , Oh Sajna , Madhuban Mein Radhika , Yeh Kya Hua , Musafir Hoon Yaaron , Hawa Ke Saath Saath , Deewana Hua Badal , Jai Jai Shiv Shankar , Mehbooba Mehbooba and Tere Mere Milan .
(Hindi Retro is on November 14 at 7.15 p.m.)
Singing for the November Fest is special in many ways. In fact, it is an honour. Rendering Hindi songs from a magical era and, that too in front of an elite audience, is every singer's dream. As for me, I am happiest singing Kishore Kumar. Another reason why I'm excited about this show, and the ones in Coimbatore and Bangalore.
SRINIVAS
My dream to perform at the November Fest came true a couple of years ago, and I am more than looking forward to this three-city performance of retro numbers. As an artiste, it is creatively fulfilling to sing some of those amazing compositions, backed by a live orchestra, and facing an audience as august as the one that attends the fest.
Chinmayi
This is my maiden performance at the November Fest. As a child, I remember my father teaching me yesteryear Hindi hits from his diary, and I'm delighted to be presenting some of them along with wonderful singers such as Srinivas, Chinmayi and Shweta. I'm sure the concert will bring back fond memories of our childhood.
Haricharan
I've watched some spectacular performances at the Fest over the last couple of years, and am very excited about this opportunity to be part of it this time around, sharing the stage with some talented musicians. My parents are big fans of Hindi retro music, and through them, I've also learnt to enjoy the beauty of its melody and lyrics. I'm looking forward to an evening of good music.
Shweta Mohan
