It is summer time, but the usual buzz is missing at Sri Brahmaiah Musical Troupe’s office in Tenali. Every year, the troupe looks forward to this season in anticipation of more bookings that bring good business. But, their expectations have gone awry with not many weddings happening this season.
Same is the case with many other musical troupes in Vijayawada, Guntur and neighbouring places. These troupes, each comprising 25 members including two singers, have not more than half-a-dozen orders, which will be completed by this month end. The fact that there are not many auspicious ‘muhurthams’ later in the year is adding to their worries.
Until recently, offers would flood artistes from various places in the region from January to June-end. “But, the situation has changed in the last couple of years owing to various reasons, and this has affected the business,” laments Ch. Raju, organiser of Sri Brahmaiah Musical Troupe.
Inauspicious monthHe is worried that once ‘ashada masam’, considered inauspicious for weddings and other occasion, sets in, the group members would be forced to look for alternative modes of employment.
“Most of them are working in farmlands after failing to get orders. This marriage season has affected our business significantly,” rues Mr. Raju.
Each musical group charges anything between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000,which includes the cost of transport and sound system.
“We spend at least four hours at the function hall and entertain guests by singing close to 70 songs which are a mix of old melodies and the latest ones. Some people like songs from the films of Junior NTR and Balakrishna while others prefer songs from films starring Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, Ramcharan Tej and Allu Arjun,” he says.
Sri Brahmaiah troupe members have so far performed at more than 150 shows in Prakasam, Guntur and Vijayawada, he says. There could be a dozen-odd such groups in the region staging shows, clad in specially-designed dress.
“We have also performed during Bonalu festival in Hyderabad,” he adds.
