‘Maintain originality of folk music, don’t alter to suit modern trends’

 

 

“Folk art and music should remain in their original form. Artists must not tamper with them to suit modern trends. Present them as they are,” expressed Sangeet Natak Akademi Award recipient Dr Shailesh Shrivastav. She was interacting with media on a serene Wednesday evening ahead of her performance at South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC) premises. Her voice, warm and soulful, kept shifting from conversation to songs as she explained the nuances of folk traditions. In a rare moment, she even broke into a Bhojpuri ‘sanskar geet’ sang during wedding ceremonies. One could not help but be immersed into the rawness of folk music she described. On embracing cultural roots, Dr Shrivastava said that exploring other cultures is not wrong, but do not lose the touch of folk culture. She remarked, “Just as the taste of a mother’s cooking is irreplaceable, so is the culture we are born into. Sadly, many are disconnecting from these roots.”

 

Expressing concern about the state of folk music today, Dr Shrivastava said, “It has become a mix ‘khichdi’, its purity is polluted. In the race to become famous, artists are singing anything and everything, losing touch with the roots of this art form.” Linking the trend to modern dining habits, Dr Shrivastava said, “There is a scope for many things, but just like fusion cuisine is called a combo today, it loses the original taste.”

 

“Folk music has been the foundation for many hit songs across regions, be it Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, or Maharashtra. People connect with it, knowingly or unknowingly, because its roots are so relatable,” Dr Shrivastava said passionately. Reflecting on changing times, she noted how technology and convenience have eroded the charm of cultural practices. “Online deliveries have replaced the joy of shopping with family and bargaining in local markets. These small moments are also a part of our culture,” Dr Shrivastava explained. Speaking of her time with legends like Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar and Padma Vibhushan Asha Bhosle.

 

“Both taught me that there is no shortcut to success. Till today, no artist can match Lataji and Ashaji. That is a legacy no one can replicate,” Dr Shrivastava said with her eyes glowing with admiration. Dr Shrivastava’s book, ‘Bhojpuri Sanskar Geet Aur Prasar Madhyam’ is a document for her passion for the ‘sanskar’ songs in the Hindu tradition. She explained how folk music is deeply-rooted in ceremonies, whether it is a naming ceremony or a haldi ritual during weddings, “These songs have been passed down through generations. Even today, families sing them during rituals,” Dr Shrivastava added. Recalling a recent visit to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Dr Shrivastava said, “I sang a song there which goes like ‘Janam liye Dasrath ke lalnaa’. This is a like a ‘sohar geet’ which is sang when a child is born.” Dr Shrivastava also touched upon the fading tradition of ‘lori’ (lullaby). She expressed, “Mothers no longer sing lori to their children. These lullabies were not just songs, they symbolised a bond between mother and child, with rhythms and meanings connected with nature and culture.” With every word she spoke and every note she sang, Dr Shrivastava reaffirmed the timelessness of the Indian folk traditions, a legacy that deserves preservation in an ever-changing world.