India Post News Service
Ram Sampath, a young, multitalented, multifaceted music maker-singer, songwriter, composer, music director, made his first Bay Area appearance at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose, at the behest of, and in collaboration with, the dance troupe of his talented sister, Mona Khan. The siblings presented a mesmerizing tapestry of vibrant costumes, glittering backdrops, mellifluous live band, and perfectly choreographed moves to convey the lyrical mood, delighting the audience with this multi-sensory treat.
During the course of the evening, we got a glimpse into Ram’s eclectic journey in the world of music, from writing jingles, being in a rock band, to producing songs for TV and films. He reminisced about his early career as he sang the slow, heartfelt solo “Tanhadil”; mused about the hilarity of “Bollywood logic” and his interactions with the “Khaki” team at the request for two wildly different songs and their justification for it; waxed eloquent about the patriotic fervor, humility and compassion he was touched by during the writing of songs for Amir Khan’s hit TV show, “Satyamev Jayate” to reflect the sentiments raised therein.
The build up to the live performance was the Singing Superstar competition, from which ten singers were selected and a few were showcased during the evening. “Ore Chirraiya” captivated the hearts and minds, not only with powerful and emotional imagery, but the accompanying dancer’s ethereal ballerina-like presence and the backdrop of fetal ultrasound pictures enhanced the plight of the girl child. A second poignant number on the same theme was “Bekhauf” depicting the culture of violence against women.
Highlighting other well-known songs, fluid dance motions and caterpillar roll outs in “Main tohpiya se naina”, were especially pleasing. A thoughtful reflective piece dwelt on the myriad aspects of love: the longing of unrequited love, comfort and security of harmonious love, and the scrutiny of new love. Gyrating couples and reverberating music overwhelmed the stage with deep emotions. Traditional art and modern hip hop coexisted seamlessly with an overtly edgy tone in some dance numbers.
Switching from the somber mood, Ram shared his deep connection to Urdu and Awadh, and took us to the land of the courtesans, and the beauty of Kathak, while paying a tribute to Shamshad Begum and her last Bollywood song. Pavani Pande, the lead singer, stylistically delivered the number, “Kajra Muhabbat Wala” with great aplomb.
In the finale, Ram delighted the audience as his band took center-stage and created a concert-like atmosphere with clapping and dancing, set to “Bhagbhag”, a controversial number from “Delhi Belly”. In addition, the hilarious “I love you like I hate you” from the same film was used by the dancers to introduce the band, sealing the collaborative bonhomie. In a nod to the music series Coke Studio, which specializes in promoting diversity in music, Ram’s throaty tenor and Pavani’s melodious voice rendered the emotionally powerful “Mahishasurmardini” chant, accompanied with graceful dancing.
Of course, no show of Ram Sampath can be complete without the vibrant and dynamic “Laila O Laila” which returned for an encore to reward the audience’s appreciation. Creditably, over eighty dancers, and five band members, including singer Siddhant Bhosle musically etched scenes of love, strife, courage and longing on the stage, leaving Bay Area audience waiting for Ram Sampath’s return.
Archana Asthana
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