March 27, 2024
3 mins read

‘Lyrics Are My Driving Force’

Fascinated by Sufi, the singer whose first experience of it was when she accompanied Abida Parveen during the debut edition of Jahan-e-Khusrau in the national capital recounts that while she was singing in multiple genres, there was ‘something amiss’…writes Sukant Deepak

Be it ‘Iktara’ (‘Wake Up Sid’), ‘Rangisari’ (‘Jugjugg Jiyo’) or ‘More Piya Mujse Bolat Na’ (‘Rajneeti’) among scores of others, what makes singer Kavita Seth accept any assignment is the quality of lyrics. The production house, budget or the scale of the film does not matter.

“Unless the lyrics touch me inside, and offer a deeper meaning, the song is not for me, and I flatly refuse. Singing is more than a profession for me, it is part of my very being, and thus I can not do injustice to it. If you have listened to my songs, you will know what I mean,” Seth tells IANS.

Despite being a successful classical singer, it is live performances that give the singer high. Stressing that the energy a singer derives from a live audience is enigmatic, she adds: “I have been singing live ever since I was a child, it is only when I shifted base to Mumbai, that playback came into my life. During live, I sense the audience’s mood and even change the songs. Everything is spontaneous, thus more exciting as compared to playback where one is confined within a set structure.”

Fascinated by Sufi, the singer whose first experience of it was when she accompanied Abida Parveen during the debut edition of Jahan-e-Khusrau in the national capital recounts that while she was singing in multiple genres, there was ‘something amiss’.

“I did not know what it was, but that magical evening gave me the answer. I started reading about it and training myself. It is tough to define the divine energy that I connect to while singing Sufi, but the trance and high it always gives makes me grateful,” she smiles.

Seth who also has a successful band ‘Karwaan Group’ feels things have become much better for independent musicians and bands post Covid.

“There is now a huge market for independent music and we are witnessing several fantastic bands coming up. A lot of avenues have opened up.”

The singer, who will be performing at the Music Festival Kasauli – MKF 2024, curated by Naani Singh, that will be held on March 29 and 30 at Santa Roza is looking forward to the concert.

“It is not just the beautiful ambience, but also the development that many cultural events have started taking place in small towns. This concert is bound to attract people from Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh and Haryana. Also, the metros are saturated,” she states.

Seth who sang and composed songs for Mira Nair’s ‘A Suitable Boy’ recalls working with her was exciting. “She came fully prepared and gave me absolute freedom. A thorough professional, I learnt so much from her.”

A Master’s degree holder in Music, who has also learnt from gurus belonging to different gharanas, Seth is still training with a guru.

“Learning cannot and should not stop. I thank my classical training base for my range,” concludes Seth whose two sons are also part of her band.

ALSO READ-Colourful musical encourages us to be proud of who we are

Previous Story

Essential tips to protect skin and hair during Holi

Next Story

Finland: The Happiest Country in the World Once Again

Latest from LITE BLOGS

Falafel Frenzy: Five Must-Try Recipes

Every year on June 12, food lovers around the globe mark International Falafel Day — a celebration of the crispy, golden bites that have become a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and

Kajol Channels Kali Power

Backed by Jio Studios and Devgn Films, Maa is produced by Ajay Devgn and Jyoti Subbarayan, with Kumar Mangat Pathak as co-producer Kajol delivers a fierce and emotionally charged performance in the

Nandita Das Seeks Partner

The actress said the weight of world events had affected her deeply, even disturbing her sleep. But she stressed the importance of staying engaged and contributing meaningfully, no matter how small the

Cool, Crisp Summer Salads

As temperatures soar, refreshing summer salads take centre stage on our plates. Packed with hydration, flavour, and colour, these simple recipes are ideal for quick meals, healthy snacks, or side dishes at

Kiran Rao Celebrates Cinema

The jury is chaired by Oscar-winning Italian filmmaker Giuseppe Tornatore, best known for the iconic Cinema Paradiso Filmmaker Kiran Rao, fresh off the critical acclaim of her directorial Laapataa Ladies, has brought
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Thematically curated Indian music festivals for June

The session will focus on the subject of qaida, and

NCPA presents a fantastic line-up for upcoming months

Home is a film about Fulmani, a resident tea plantation