In a flowing red Rohit Bal number, Rekha Bhardwaj had the audience in a trance with her soothing vocals at Chandrakosh — A Musical Soiree in association with t2, at Club Verde Vista by Conclave. She began with a zikr, a way of “remembering the almighty or whatever you believe in”. Whether it was the sufi Tere ishq mein or peppy Ghagra, melodious Kabira or upbeat Raat ke dhai baje, Rekha, along with her band (christened Azizon Ki Toli by Gulzar) owned every song with equal panache. With her dreamy twirls and powerful voice, she had the 1,000-plus audience at Club Verde Vista mesmerised.
How did your musical journey begin?
I’ve been exposed to music since I was born. Music must have been the first thing that I heard after coming home from the hospital. My father was a lover of music and he was very keen that all my siblings learn music. Initially I learnt music from my eldest sister and after she got married, I joined Gandharva Mahavidyalaya because I wanted to learn gharana gayaki so I started learning from Pandit Amarnath of Indore gharana. This was in Delhi, which is the hub of musical concerts and conferences, which I would attend with my parents. There were monthly get-togethers where musician friends of my father would come and sing.
What kind of songs/music did you grow up listening to?
We used to listen to a lot of pure classical, semi-classical and ghazals on the radio.
Have you cut down on Bolly projects after a busy 2013?
No not really… I had major hits in 2014 as well like Mileya mileya (Happy Ending) and Judaai (from Badlapur) and a couple of songs from Bajrangi Bhaijaan last July. Right now there’s the ghazal number called Teri fariyad with Jagjitji (Singh) in Tum Bin II and I’ve also sung a few songs in Rangoon (directed by husband Vishal Bhardwaj), which should release in December. My son has gone to study in the US so I had gone to help him settle and I took a break for a few months, I would say.
What kind of songs do you prefer performing?
I enjoy singing whatever gives me happiness. When it’s a live show, you get that instant energy from the audience and that’s how you make that connect. I think I can make that connect with the audience during all kinds of songs, whether it’s ghazals or my sufiana songs. Even my Bollywood numbers are always loved and successful.
Would you say the special texture in your voice is your USP?
My distinct voice is a plus, my voice has some quality that appeals to people. Even youngsters find it relaxing and calming and at the same time, when I sing item songs, they find that naughtiness in the song. It’s part of my personality. Everyone has both sides to their personality so I’m naughty and nice also! (Smiles) If I cannot feel the lyrics, I cannot sing the song. I cannot fake a song or an emotion and I think that is my USP.
One song of yours that is really special to you, and why?
I enjoy singing all kinds of songs because every song makes me go through a special journey. Every song helps me grow and till now I don’t remember a song that hasn’t added to my personal as well as artistic growth. Because I always take my songs beforehand and my music directors really love me and let me prepare the songs, give me that much time. After I absorb the song, it becomes a part of me and becomes my song. And that’s how I can sing flawlessly.
As an artiste, what makes performing in Calcutta special?
Here, the listeners are very good and have great knowledge of music. I’ve been coming to the city since 2009-10, I think. It’s very heart-warming to see elderly people who come and listen to your concerts. It’s very encouraging and overwhelming.
A contemporary singer you’re fond of?
Arijit Singh. He’s the best singer we have right now. He knows what he’s singing, his awareness and understanding of the song that he sings is great.
You would like to sing a duet with?
Sukhwinderji is a singer I love. He’s one of the best singers we have and I can relate to his kind of singing.
If you weren’t a singer, what would you have been?
I don’t think I would have been born! I think I was born to sing. But my other passions include reading and gardening. I’ve also done a couple of courses in painting. Clay modelling is something that I find very interesting.
Describe your songs in one word...
Genda phool: Naughty, longing and happiness.
Ghagra: Ah! Mischievous and flirtatious.
Phoonk de: Trippy and trance.
Namak ishq ka: Flirtatious again.
Text: Deborima Ganguly
Pictures: B. Halder
