Recreating a classic like ‘Kaash aisa ho tere kadmo mein…tere bina zindagi se koi…’ is fraught with danger but the risk paid off for young singing sensation from Odisha Barnali Hota, who is being applauded for her earnest attempt.
The cover song titled ‘Arzoo’ was recently digitally released by Bhubaneswar-based OdishaLIVE.
Barnali has retained the feel and the original tune of the evergreen song by melody queen Lata Mangeshkar. Apart from the original Hindi lyrics, it has bits of the Bangla recreation by legendary music director R D Burman ‘Jete Jete Pathe Holo Deri’ incorporated into it. She has also appeared in the video of the song directed by Tusarkant Swain and produced by SV Films.
While new-age singers are picking new peppy numbers to attract viewers, Barnali’s choice of song was influenced by her mother. “It’s my mother’s favourite song and perhaps, one of the best renditions of Lataji. The younger generation must listen to the deep meaningful lyrics and composition,” said the 17-year-old, who is continuing her studies at Shantiniketan.
Trained in Hindustani classical music, Barnali wants to present classical songs in new a way that would appeal to the younger generation.
Her last album ‘Freedom at 70’ with eminent Odissi dancer Saswat Joshi had received rave reviews. She has also done playback singing for two upcoming Odia movies, besides stage performances across the country. “I want to become an IAS officer. I am trying my best to give time to both music and studies,” she added.
Barnali was one of the top six contestants in the reality musical show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs in 2011 and the runners-up of Dil Hai Hindustani, where she teamed up with a Mumbai-based band, Euphony.
