MUMBAI: Young artistes with different thoughts is what makes the art world such a lively field. A third-generation artist, Reewa — daughter to the illustrious duo Roopkumar and Sunali Rathod and granddaughter of Late Pandit Chaturbhuj Rathod of classical Dhrupad tradition — has released her debut single Maula:The One.
“It’s very different, especially with the kind of vocal runs I have used. Not many songs are composed this way. Also, Maula is a word used usually in the sufi connection. I wanted to go beyond it,” says Reewa.
What makes this song special is legendary Gulzar penning it. “I am more than fortunate and overwhelmed. What makes it even more special, is that I am the youngest composer he has worked with,” says the just in her 20’s singer.
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Having received training in Carnatic and Western classical piano at a very young age and having trained under some of the most creative minds from Royal School of Music, London, Reewa found herself falling in love and mastering the Piano. However, she looks forward to being a singer.
Maula:The One is the first of the five songs from a yet to be titled album. “Although I have sung and composed all the songs for his project, Maula is my absolute favourite. I have tried to give different flavours to all other tracks and am sure people will love listening to them again and again as much as I loved composing and singing them.”
Her inspirations along the way have been the likes of Michael Jackson and a host of idols from various genres of music. Her first public performance was opening for the legendary Bryan Adams in Pune in 2011, where she sang her own song Crossing Limits. All of her compositions express her love for nature and the concept of love. “Even Maula: The One is about magical realism and a tribute to nature and love. We have shot this song in the magical Nilgiri Hills, in South India.”
Growing up in a musical household with parents and grandparents in the same field can be both encouraging and daunting at the same time. “My parents have supported me all throughout. However, dad is very strict with my riyaz and music. He made sure I learnt all three streams: Western, Carnatic and Hindustani Classical Music,” confessed the singer.
The proud parents, however, are elated with the song, “They are very thrilled. They have heard scratches of this song and seen the whole process, so they are happy with the final outcome. My father gave some timely inputs.”
Check the track here –
On her future plans, Reewa says, “I am open for everything. Bollywood or playback is certainly big yes. I also want to pursue independent music.”
Adding to this she further went on to say, “When you put your heart and soul into something you love the most it always pays off. The glamour, competition, and all the commercial factors can get very overwhelming and make you question your creative abilities. But in the end, all you need to do is believe in the one above. There is a space for every musician in this industry; you just need to find yours.”
Reewa’s track has been featured in the 20 years compilation of a renowned label “Buddha-Bar”, which she has sung and composed. She has also composed a track for Spanish film Rastres De Sandal starring Nandita Das and Aina Clotet. She signs off, “I am very excited about my upcoming project with the Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussian featuring world-renowned saxophonist Chris Potter. It should be out by this year end.”
