Daler Mehndi collaborates with qawwali stalwarts for latest track

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Daler Mehndi has unveiled Ankhiyan te ja ladiyan, a Balochi Bhangra Dhamaal, based in Raag Bhairavi, in collaboration with qawwali singers Ustad Sher Ali,  Ustad Mehr Ali and Ejaz Sher Ali.

The legendary pop icon, renowned for his powerful voice and electric stage presence, is set to release this latest single, which serves as a bridge connecting the rich classical cultural past with today’s generation.

This extraordinary track marks a groundbreaking collaboration with the doyens of qawwali singers, Ustad Sher Ali and Ustad Mehr Ali, promising to deliver a foot-tapping, rustic and robust Bhangra Dhamaal infused with Balochi nuances and the classical Dhamaal with Siraiki singing. Daler Mehndi has composed this song and written its lyrics as well.

The video’s concept, styling and ideation are the brainchild of Taran Mehndi, who has directed it along with Sumit Bharadwaj. It is choreographed by Delhi-based Kunwar Singh of Folking Desi.

The song is a testament to Daler’s vision of blending diverse musical styles and traditions to create something truly extraordinary. Reflecting on the song, Daler says, “I have a very strong urge to leave behind a legacy of great words and beautiful music that brings forth the gaayaki (singing skills) of the elders. One such duo that impacted me as a young music listener and learner in my growing years was Sher Ali Khan and Mehr Ali Khan. When I became someone, my musical career gave me access to the legends I had grown up listening to and once yearned to hear, and we became friends. It had been my desire to record them. Then one such blessed day, when I composed Ankhiyan te ja ladiyan, I called and asked if they would like to sing. Much to my relief and pleasure, they readily agreed, and the song came to life.”

He added, “I owe a big thanks to technology. Sitting here, having them send their vocals and then putting it all together—it was seeing a dream come to life. My daughter is ten years old, and it is my personal agenda to give her and her generation a flavor of the yesteryears’ richness served in a format that they will enjoy. Bhangra takes centerstage in this video that narrates the pangs of the lovelorn. It’s a celebration wherein the yearning of a lover, the separation and Cupid’s strike, is danced to with all heart. With a prayer and lots of foot-tapping beats, I am pleased to present this dhamaal of love.”

Taran Mehndi stated, “Directing a luminary like Daler-ji is a privilege that transcends mere words. His enduring stardom is a rare phenomenon in the music world, and working with him has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first note of the song, I envisioned an artistic narrative that had to be true to the sound he had created. It has the elders Sher Ali-saab’s and Mehr Ali-saab’s classical gaayaki complimenting the brilliant composition. Lyrically, it is a sad song, a yearning of a beloved and however, the rhythm is highly compelling. The choreographers literally mapped the visions in my brain. I am proud and pleased to showcase a Balochi Bhangra Dhamal in its purest form. Sumit Bhardwaj, my co- director, assisted and supported my ideas and vision. I am elated that our collective efforts materialized precisely as I had dreamed. The alignment of everyone’s creative energies was a triumph in itself.”

She elaborated further, “Sher Ali and Mehr Ali have long been on my list of artistes’ wish-list. It feels almost serendipitous that I was granted the rare opportunity to helm a music video with three such legendary figures. I am profoundly grateful to each individual who contributed to this project; their unwavering dedication and brilliance have shaped a true masterpiece.”