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  Entertainment   Music  25 Mar 2019  In search of harmony

In search of harmony

THE ASIAN AGE. | PRIYANKA CHANDANI
Published : Mar 26, 2019, 12:05 am IST
Updated : Mar 26, 2019, 12:05 am IST

Singer, songwriter and pianist Reewa Rathod on her latest song ‘Saanwal’ and her future plans.

Reewa likes to listen to RD Burman, Michael Jackson, Hans Zimmer and Yanni.
 Reewa likes to listen to RD Burman, Michael Jackson, Hans Zimmer and Yanni.

Blending traditional Saraiki folk song with Spanish verses and music, the latest song Saanwal by Reewa Rathod is sheer poetry to the ears. The song has music produced by tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain and Michael Mennart, all blending together in harmony. It also features world-renowned saxophonist Chris Potter.

“This song means so much to me because of its blends and combinations which makes it unique,” says Reewa the daughter of veteran singers Roop Kumar Rathod and Sunali Rathod and granddaughter of Dhrupad exponent Late Pandit Chaturbhuj Rathod. Music is in the genes and Reewa knew she would be a singer ever since she could recall. “I have learnt to be true to the art that I got from my parents,” says Reewa and adds that sur, sadhna aur dono ka sangam are the most important lessons that she has absorbed completely.

A singer, songwriter and pianist, Reewa made her debut at a Bryan Adams Concert in 2011 where she performed her own composition Crossing Limits, which was a mixture of fusion and hip-hop. While one might feel that she has it easy due to her background, Reewa says it is really the hard work and talent and one has to strive each day to become better than earlier. “Hard work has no shortcuts... Of course, a successful background helps in many ways,” she explains. In her case, it was the access to the who’s who of the music industry.

Apart from Ustad Zakir Hussain, who produced music for Saanwal and also suggested her to make a hook line for the song that is relatable to the youth, there are veterans singers like Lata Mangeshkar and lyricist Gulzar to hold an upper hand for Reewa. “Lataji asked me to sing a couple of songs and I was overwhelmed by her appreciation. I’ll never forget that moment in my life,” says Reewa as she recalls her first meeting with the veteran singer.

Talking about her bond with Gulzar sahab, she says, “He is my mentor. He has always given me space and encouraged me to do my own things. He has taught me to take an individualistic approach in life.”

A fan of romantic and soulful songs, Reewa likes to listen to RD Burman, Michael Jackson, Hans Zimmer and Yanni. However, she confesses that it entirely depends on her mood when it comes to the genre. “I listen to all genres under the sun and I have a lot of favourites,” informs the singer. What about Bollywood? “It has been a huge part of our country and has given some great songs,” she adds.

Overwhelmed with the response of Saanwal, Reewa is all set to surprise the world with many things listed in her bucket list, including her album and perhaps some songs for Bollywood.

“There is a lot of stuff happening this year and I’m open to everything right now. If I get a great song (in a Bollywood film) that moves me, I would love to sing it. But, my albums would be given the first priority,” she signs off.

Tags: reewa rathod