Music that romances the rain

There’s a song that befits every mood. Singers and musicians talk about the impact of monsoon on their work

Nargis and Raj Kapoor in 'Shree 420'

We pray for a good monsoon for nine months, and a few days into it, shudder to navigate bumpy roads with puddles. But as the skies open up, a sense of quiet and joy sets in. A good playlist amplifies this joy. Does the season have an impact on singers and composers as well?

Hindustani classical singer Harini Rao likes to spend hours doing alaap in Miya Malhaar raga. She teaches compositions in Des, Brindabani Sarang and Miya Malhaar ragas to her students as well. “Our raga system is time-bound and dedicated to seasons. We have ragas to invoke rain, ones that describe the falling rain, thunder and lightning. The meditative, introspective quality of these ragas in monsoon is experiential, something I cannot explain,” she says. Harini mentions ‘Jhooti Mooti Mitwa Aawan Bole’ from Rudaali in Brindabani Sarang among her favourites.

A collection of songs to listen to or a

riyaaz that changes with the season is an ideal situation. In practice though, most musicians are travelling for concerts or recording in studios to finish projects. As pianist Anil Srinivasan, who has had the exposure to both Carnatic classical and Western classical music, explains, “We are travelling a lot more these days and are exposed to different weather conditions, so we don’t get to enjoy the seasonal change much. The rains were more exhilarating for me when I was growing up. I miss that innocent and pure state of mind in the way I look at monsoons, not only because I’ve grown up, also because of the change in lifestyles we’ve all gone through.”

But Anil emphasises that the rains and the sense of calm it brings has a bearing on his mood and temperament, which in turn influences his compositions. “The rains cut off noise from the traffic and the neighbourhood and it’s a great time to practice music. I love the rhythm of the rain and the template of sounds it produces,” he shares. If he had to tune into music, it wouldn’t be restricted to compositions in Megh or Amruthavarshini ragas, it could even be U2.

Pianist Joe Koster of Hyderabad Western Music Foundation finds himself listening or practicing music that he likes, irrespective of time, place and season. His approach is bound by the concerts or programmes he is a part of. “My music choices vary from J.S. Bach to classical to pop to jazz, both vocal and instrumental. Songs such as ‘I’m singing in the rain’, ‘Here comes the sun’ and ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’ fit the monsoon,” he says.

Mainstream film music has always romanced the monsoon, adding new numbers to our long list of rain songs that range from soothing melodies to the mischievous and raunchy. There’s a song for every mood. ‘Ghanan Ghanan’ of

Lagaan would figure among the best to describe the longing wait for the rains, while there’s plenty of competition for the joy and romance of the monsoon.

Composer and singer Kalyan Koduri has a special song for this season, which will mark his entry into independent music in Tamil. “We’ve just completed a song for lyricist Madan Karky’s platform Doopaadoo,” he informs. Singer Smita has sung this song, which pays an ode to Nature and requests the earth to be more forgiving. “If we were to be punished with natural calamities, where else would we go?” explains Smita, elaborating on the soon-to-be-released song.

Talking of monsoon, Smita factors in the hiccups associated with the changing weather. “We have to deal with sore throats,” she laughs. She loves to go on long drives listening to music and picks ‘Ennai Konjam Maatri’ from Kaakha Kaakha ( Gharshana in Tamil) among her favourites. “The song isn’t about rain, but the long drive is beautifully filmed,” she reasons.

Kalyan Koduri prefers melodies any time of the year, particularly the monsoon. “I like songs composed in Keeravani raga. Songs composed ‘in a major scale’ befit the season,” he sums up.

A few monsoon picks

‘Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua’ – Shree 420

‘Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si’ – Chalti ka Naam Gaadi

‘Rimjhim Rimjhim’ - 1942 – a love story

‘Barso Re’- Guru

‘Aaj Rapat Jaye’ – Namak Halal

‘Geela Geela Paani’ – Satya

‘Rim Jhim Gire Sawan’ – Manzil

‘Koi Ladki Hai’ – Dil Toh Pagal Hai

‘Saanson ko Saanson’ – Hum Tum

‘Dekho Na ‘- Fanaa

‘Jallanta Kavvinta’ – Geetanjali (Telugu)

‘Nuvvostanante Nenodantana’ – Varsham (Telugu)