Latest news with #RekhaBhardwaj
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
(Exclusive) Rekha Bhardwaj: I learnt patience and resilience from Pankaj Udhas Ji at Khazana Festival
Rekha Bhardwaj reflects on her decade-long association with the Khazana Festival, highlighting its impact on her personal and artistic growth. She emphasizes the values and patience she learned from Pankaj Udhas and describes the festival as a nurturing 'joint family' for ghazal artists. For over ten years singer Rekha Bhardwaj has been an integral part of the Khazana Festival that is now into its 24th year. This revered platform founded by Pankaj Udhas along with his friends Anup Jalota and Talat Aziz, has been celebrating the timeless art of ghazals. Reflecting on her journey since 2015, Rekha Bhardwaj shares how the two-day festival that is all set to happen this weekend, has shaped her both as an artiste and a person, and how the values imparted by stalwarts like Pankaj Udhas have left a lasting impression. At one of the rehearsalsls for theupcominging 'Khazana - a Festival of Gahzals' 'Maine itna kuch sikha hai yahan' 'I really learnt patience and resilience from Pankaj Udhas at Khazana Festival,' she reveals in an exclusive chat with Bombay Times. She fondly recalls how Pankaj Ji would patiently listen to every performer, sitting in front with a smile, appreciating each performer wholeheartedly. ''Maine itna kuch sikha hai yahan. There are so many artists who perform, and we go through soundchecks, constantly wondering when it will be our turn to sing. This waiting period is where patience is truly tested. He used to sing at the end of the show, sometimes starting at 2 or 2:15 am, and sing for an hour or more until the wee hours. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Ekdum sukoon se sunte theyy gaana. There used to be complete peace at that time, and his demeanour taught me so much about resilience.' Beyond music, the Kabira singer emphasizes the importance of the values and etiquettes—Sanskar—she has absorbed from the festival and its veterans. 'Khazana is not just about music, it's about these values that stay with you forever.' 'Mujhe Khazana hamesh ek badi joint family jaise lagti hai' Describing Khazana as 'a big joint family,' the singer celebrates the camaraderie and encouragement that thrives on this unique stage. ' Mujhe Khazana hamesh ek badi joint family jaise lagti hai. There are so many singers and musicians who come here purely for the love of ghazals. We meet so many young talents who are great singers. And we encourage and appreciate other singers too. Jo taan Pratibha Singh Baghel lagatien hain woah mere se nahi nikalti. ' The festival, Rekha Bhardwaj says, is a remarkable platform that goes beyond performance. 'Sitting on the Khazana stage and singing a ghazal is a different experience altogether.' She credits the legendary founders for nurturing this musical tree: 'Pankaj Ji planted the seed, and with Anup Ji and Talat Ji, it grew into a plant. Now, it's a big tree that all of us are watering and caring for together, helping it grow so everyone can sit in its shade and enjoy, uske chaav mein baithke uska lutf le sakein.' 'Over the years I realized that I just want to be part of Khazana, in whatever capacity possible' Looking ahead, the singer expresses her heartfelt desire to deepen her involvement with Khazana beyond just singing. 'I would love to do something regular with Khazana Festival, especially with the thalassaemic kids. Even half an hour or an hour spent with them, monthly or quarterly, would be so meaningful.' She envisions engaging with these children through music and art journaling, bringing supplies and sharing creative moments. 'I want to be part of Khazana in whatever capacity possible. I may or may not sing every time, but I will definitely be present.'
Hindustan Times
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
'I've no qualms about singing item song, it doesn't imply that I become cheap': Rekha Bhardwaj opens up on singing Namak
Singer Rekha Bhardwaj has opened up about her hit song Namak from the 2006 film Omkara and how she 'wasn't getting much work' before its release. Speaking with News18, Rekha said that she is comfortable singing any genre of song, adding that lending her voice to an item track "doesn't imply that I become cheap". (Also Read | Rekha Bhardwaj reveals how late Jagjit Singh once made her feel 'so small', said her voice had lost its 'chamak') Rekha recalled the time before she sang Namak. The singer said, 'It took me very long to rediscover that mischievous, naughty side of me through song. I had lost all confidence when I was first asked to sing it. But Vishal [Bhardwaj] believed in me. He played back a recording of me singing it casually one night and said, 'Only you can sing this.' That gave me the push I needed. Until that point, I wasn't getting much work. That song made me realise my potential." Citing the example of Lataji Mangeshkar's Aa Jaane Jaan, she said that a "song can be sensuous and still be dignified". "If it is not aesthetic, I would not like to sing a track. Other than that, any form is good to me. I have no qualms about singing an item song; it doesn't imply that I become cheap or anything of the sort. Item songs are part of our cultural expression too. It's not about the form- it's about how it's executed. A song can be sensuous and still be dignified. Just look at Lataji's Aa Jaane Jaan – those kind of songs had grace, not vulgarity," she added. Rekha has sung many other hit songs such as Laadki, Genda Phool, Mat Aana, Nikat, Aise Kyun, So Ja So Ja, Sakhi Ri, and Yeh Ishq Hai. She also lent her voice to Teri Fariyad, Dum Ghutta Hai, Zinda, Mileya Mileya, Hamari Atariya Pe, Pehli Baar Mohabbat, Mora Jiya Lagge Na, Oye Boy Charlie, Ghagra, Kabira, and Mat Aana and among others.
News18
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Rekha Bhardwaj Says Jagjit Singh 'Never Said Anything Negative' About Her
There's a reason why Rekha Bhardwaj enjoys a massive fan following. Her distinct voice, stage presence, calm demeanour, and grace are major crowd-pullers. The singer, known for chartbusters such as Namak, Iktara, Aise Kyun, and others, once had an interaction with Jagjit Singh that made her 'feel small". Well, not as a human but as a performer, which further propelled her to work on herself and achieve mastery at her craft. Speaking exclusively to News18 Showsha, Rekha Bhardwaj bared her heart out and recalled that one conversation with the late ghazal singer that changed her life. The celebrated singer reflected on a pivotal moment early in her musical journey — a moment that was shaped by none other than the late ghazal maestro, Jagjit Singh. She recalled how a seemingly harsh comment from Jagjit Singh, where he had said that the 'chamak in her voice is missing" (the spark in her voice), shook her deeply, but eventually became the catalyst for her transformation as an singer.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The instant connection with listeners is what makes live music magical: Rekha Bhardwaj
National Award-winning singer Rekha Bhardwaj isn't wary of Artificial Intelligence but she's simply cautious of its influence. 'It's making you so dependent and handicapped that after a point, you won't even know how to come back to your roots,' she says, emphasising the importance of staying connected to one's inner self in the digital world. She adds, 'I've always been curious about how things work. So, now I use AI to understand things like quantum physics and how it plays out in everyday life. It gives concise answers and helps me get the gist, but I won't let any tool block my creativity or corrupt me.' Excerpts from the conversation with the singer during her recent visit to Hyderabad, where she shares her love for the city, musical roots, approach to live and studio singing , and the influence of Osho. 'Studio singing is intimate, I prepare until the music lives in me' In live performances, there's a natural reverb and energy from the musicians and the audience that creates a unique vibe. It reminds me of the old days when film songs were recorded with huge orchestras in one take and everything had to be perfect. The live atmosphere gives you instant appreciation and lifts you up. But in the studio, the mic picks up everything, even the smallest breath or lip sound, so recording requires a different kind of preparation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo I come fully prepared, knowing my melody and lyrics inside out. I work closely with the composer to understand every nuance, so the song becomes a part of me. Then, whatever I sing comes from within. 'Playback singing was never my first choice' I didn't think about becoming a prominent singer until I was 16. Growing up, I used to sing for All India Radio programs in Delhi and sometimes appeared on Doordarshan. I also anchored many shows for All India Radio. This exposure gave me the clarity that singing was what I wanted to pursue. By the time I was in 11th or 12th grade, I had decided to focus on music. Playback singing was never my first choice, but my true passion was always classical singing. I grew up attending classical and semi-classical concerts, which deeply inspired me. 'Make reading a part of your everyday life, even a few pages create a space for inner growth' My advice to the younger generation is to try and stay away from social media as much as possible. It quietly drains your energy, you may open it to watch just one or two reels but end up scrolling through a hundred without even realising. Your eyes take in so much, and over time, it starts affecting your mind. Eventually, you can't sit without it. Instead, I suggest making a habit of reading. There's something special about flipping through pages, feeling the texture of the paper, even getting a bit of ink on your fingers. Start small, just five pages before bed. It's a beautiful way to reconnect with yourself. A night filled with timeless hits and enthusiastic fans Rekha Bharadwaj delivered a captivating performance in Hyderabad recently, presenting a rich blend of her popular songs such as Kabira, Phir le aya dil, Darling, Namak, Genda phool, Ghagra and more. The audience was a mix of young music lovers and older generations. Throughout the evening, the crowd sang along, whistled and responded enthusiastically, making it a truly engaging and lively experience. Quotes: I'm very fond of Hyderabad. The audience here is wonderful, with a deep love for music. The people truly listen to and enjoy music, they're not loud or restless I found solace in Osho as it helped me understand and work through emotions like hatred, jealousy and dislike. He gave me the language and tools to recognise my feelings and showed me how important it is to keep a good heart The lighting shifted in sync with each song's mood — theatrical reds for the quirky cabaret energy of Darling and the emotionally charged Naina, serene blues and whites for the ghazal-like melancholy of Phir le aya dil, and festive marigold for the folk rhythms of Genda Phool - Biswajit Talukdar Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Hans India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
An Enchanted Evening with Rekha Bhardwaj: Melodies That Touch the Soul
On February 18th 2025 Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad will host Rekha Bhardwaj performance 2025 of "Jazbaa" which celebrates Indian womanhood through music. The upcoming Rekha Bhardwaj live concert will deliver a personal experience through Sufi, Bollywood, and Ghazal music while Bhardwaj displays her unique vocal style and moving performances. A Voice That Transcends Genres Rekha Bhardwaj demurred off her musical journey with her first performance in Chachi 420 by singing" Ek Who Din Bhi." She worked alongside notorious melodists including Vishal Bhardwaj and A.R. Rahman. A.R. Rahman banded with Rekha Bhardwaj to produce the acclaimed song" Sasural Genda Phool" from Delhi 6 which entered the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer. Her portfolio includes memorable tracks like" Tere Ishq Mein,""" Kabira," and" Namak," showcasing her talent for emotional expression in music. Rekha Bhardwaj delivers unique Bollywood singer Rekha Bhardwaj live that redefine the typical Bollywood singing experience. Her voice which contains emotional depth and authentic nuances helped her build her reputation throughout her career. The show is expected to be a tangle of Bhardwaj's most cherished works, along with some innovative arrangements that breathe life into the classic lyrics. The mix of genres -- from Sufi poetry that enthralls the soul and Bollywood charts that've thrilled dance floors Jazbaa -- is a complete celebration of her journey as a musician. Celebrating Womanhood Through Music The event "Jazbaa" will extend beyond the Indian classical concert Rekha Bhardwaj to become a tribute to the spirit of modern Indian womanhood. The festival will generate joyful and festive vibes while drawing attention to the various ways women contribute to our current society. Bhardwaj's performance presents stories about love and determination that empower audiences from every generation. The beautiful architecture and exceptional acoustics at Shilpakala Vedika make it an ideal location for Rekha Bhardwaj musical evening. What to Expect Bhardwaj's devoted listeners will enjoy a selection of her signature songs delivered through her well-known profound yet subtle approach. The performance spans various musical terrains beginning with Sufi songs' haunting harmonies and continuing through Bollywood songs' pulsating beats. Each performance in Rekha Bhardwaj live show will be a testimony to Bhardwaj's versatility and her capacity to engage her audience on a personal level. A Night of Musical Reverence The concert is not only Rekha Bhardwaj songs' live performance experience, but rather an appreciation of the power of music to communicate profound human experiences. Bhardwaj's interpretations for classical and contemporary music are expected to provide an immersive and reflective experience that honors the rich history of Indian music and the stories it relates. Secure Your Experience Rekha Bhardwaj concert tickets are only available through BookMyShow Prices start at Rs.1,500. Due to the limited seating capacity and the high demand, booking early is recommended to guarantee your place in this musical tribute to a unique era. Come join Rekha Bhardwaj for a night that will be a deep exploration of timeless songs that celebrate the timeless female spirit through the universal musical language. A Thematic Evening: Celebrating Womanhood One of the distinctive aspects of Jazbaa is the theme. It's not just another night of groovy songs. It's an experience that is a reflection of the core of femininity. From stories of perseverance and longing to songs of love and introspection, freedom and love, each song has been chosen to represent the emotional world of the contemporary Indian woman. The concert provides space not just for melody, but also for the meaning. It's about holding a mirror up to the power, sensitivity and the complexities of femininity. If you're a huge lover of Rekha Bhardwaj, or are unfamiliar with her soulful Indian music concert she has a universal appeal to her music that draws all to join. Why You Shouldn't Miss It If you believe that it's more than background music--if you think it's an accomplice or mirror, a healer, then this performance is perfect for you. Rekha Bhardwaj's vocals carry a presence and vulnerability that's uncommon in today's high-octane world of music. She has the ability to make the most complicated raags feel like a personal and intimate experience is testimony to her sensitivity and mastery as an artist. The emotional range she adds to each song--from sadness to mysticism, from rage to reverence, makes her a distinct influence on the scene of Indian music. Limited Tickets, High Demand Starting at Rs 1,500 and the venue providing tickets for a small number, the show is likely to be a sell-out Rekha Bhardwaj music event. No matter if you're with your family members, friends or if you're planning to enjoy an individual musical experience making reservations early is strongly advised.
