In Hindi cinema, Mukesh (1923-76) carved out a special place for himself among the playback singers. Even though he sang for many leading actors, he was considered as the voice of actor Raj Kapoor for whom be belted numbers like “Sab kuch seekha humne”, “Awara hun”, “Mera joota hai japani”, “Ruk ja o janewali ruk ja”, Chhalia mera naam” and “Mera naam Raju gharana a-naam” among others.
Recently Doordarshan Kendra Delhi (DDK-D) in association with the Directorate of Film Festivals, organised an invited-audience programme “Sapne Surile Sapne” as a tribute to the singer which was attended by Dr.Surya Prakash, Chairman, Prasar Bharati, Bimal Julka, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, singers Nitin Mukesh and Manhar Udhas – who along with Namrata Mukesh inaugurated the programme. Youngsters were present in large numbers proving the singer’s everlasting popularity. Well, for those who missed it can watch it on the National and Bharati channels of DD.
The Additional Director-General (ADG) of the DDK-D, Nadoja Dr. Mahesh Joshi, had organised such successful musical series in Bangalore. He replicated it in Delhi too and thus musical tribute series for Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey were held and the recordings telecast on the channel.
“I realised that film songs, particularly the old ones, are very intimate and meaningful to the people of all ages and backgrounds because of their melody and lyrics. Thus in order to reach out to the common man through these songs I decided to conduct an audition for people from all walks of life who are passionate about them,” he reveals. He believes that through this endeavour “doordarshan” will become “samik darshan” reaching out hearts and minds of people.
Expounding the other objective of such shows Joshi says that “the audition provides a chance to all irrespective of their economic status or age, from vegetable vendor and chai wala to rickshaw puller to top bureaucrats and professionals to display and showcase their talent.” Happy with the response so far to such shows, he points out that the Mukesh one held at Siri Fort Auditorium was jam-packed with the audience sitting on the stairs. The live broadcast outside the venue caused a traffic jam.
Out of 800 auditioned 36 singers were chosen for the show by a seven-member panel which included Muktesh Chander, Special Commissioner of Traffic, Delhi Police and flautist, Jitender Singh, ghazal singer and composer, Mahendra Pal, Sufi singer and Pradeep Pallavi, singer among others – all of them are graded artists of DD. A total of 25 songs, both solos and duets were presented. Interestingly, the oldest performer was a senior citizen, aged 86 while the youngest participant was a school going girl. The event was not confined to singing. “In order to make the show innovative, performance choreographed to Mukesh’s songs were presented by dance groups,” discloses Joshi.
Even though a platform was provided to the participants to showcase their talent but how does it benefit them? “We expect that the exposure on the stage and its subsequent broadcasting will provide wide exposure to them. Thus those eager and inclined to try new talent will definitely tap their potential,” answers Joshi. In near future, DD may explore the idea of roping in music industry to provide a chance to the deserving in the show.
The next event is planned on lyricist Pradeep and later it will focus on Lata Mangeshkarthus helping the youngsters to become aware and regale in the magical songs created, rendered and depicted by these great artists.
(The nine-part series will be aired on DD National from July 21 at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. except on Saturdays and Sundays and DD Bharati at 10 p.m. same day).
