GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
We are familiar with William Shakespeare’s ‘What’s in a name?’. Yes, a name reveals a lot, says Melody Queen of Gujarati and Hindi musical world Priya Saraiya at the launch of her ‘Vaarso’ (વારસો)– -Season 1, a Gujarati music album.
In the presence of who’s who of Gujarati entertainment industry, popular music composer, singer, music producer Sachin Jigar on Friday at Prithvi Art Celebration in Ambawadi here.
In his inaugural address, Sachin Jigar says “Musical albums in one’s Mother Tongue is having more soothing effect than any other language. Although I have been composing music for Hindi entertainment industry, I am proud of launching a musical album in my Mother Tongue Gujarati. I wish Priya Sarvaiya for her endeavour and great contribution to Gujarati music industry. As Gujaratis we may live any part of the world but we have to stay connected with our roots.”
“Gujarati language, culture, arts and traditions are our unique identity. We have to preserve this rich treasure and pass on to our next generation. As a humble attempt to wean away our Gen-Next from the dominance of Hindi and other language culture and tradition, we have named the new musical album as ‘Vaarso’ (inheritance) in pure Gujarati. ‘Vaarso’ is not a music album but soul-searching music that weaves the threads of Gujarati Folk Music and is a vital connect between the traditions of the artists and us. Though I have been writing filmy-non filmy songs in Hindi and Gujarati languages, my first love is Gujarati,” Priya Saraiya says.
Talking about the selection of songs for her ‘Vaarso’ series, Priya says, “We do select songs from Gujarati Garba, devotional, fusion, folk, ghazals and others to cater to the needs of all age groups. The only criteria is that the songs should touch our heart. Through this initiative we will promote new-comers as well as youngsters.”
‘Vaarso’ Season 1 will see the release of six songs sung by by six different renowned artists – Aditya Gadhvi, Jaydev Gosai, Vandhana Gadhavi, Parth Bharat Thakkar, Sanggeta Labadia and Bharatdan Gadhavi. From all the six songs ‘Vichchhudo’ is the first one we will get to hear. And the artists presenting the first release are Sangeeta Labadia and Priya Saraiya.
Sangeetaben is the 3rd generation if the popular Labadia family who has inherited folk music in her genes. She started learning music at a very young age of 7. Among many others, she has recently been awarded with Kavi Kaag Award.
We can only wait for the magic of Vichchhudo when these two names come together for a song.
Well known Gujarati artist Ojas Rawal, who has been working on all forms of entertainment industry- theatre, television programs, and movies, anchored the musical launch as an icing on the cake.
