Attended a concert titled 'Olya sanjweli (ओल्या सांजवेळी)'. A program of Marathi songs of Ashwini Shende, conceptualized and directed by Jaydeep Bagwadkar. Singers were Jaydeep Bagwadkar, Dhanashree Deshpande & Madhuri Karmarkar. Program was conducted by Abhijit Khandkekar. The music for the program was pre-recorded. The singers sang live. Thus there were no musicians on stage. Program was organized by Maharashtra Mandal Abu Dhabi at Indian Embassy Auditorium, Abu Dhabi on 28th Oct 2016.
Program started with famous title song of a serial 'Sare kalat na kalatach ghadte (सारे कळत नकळतच घडते)'. This was first title song of Ashwini's career. It was followed by 'Aabhas ha (आभास हा)' from film 'Yanda kartawya ahe (यंदा कर्तव्य आहे)' and 'Ek nadi sarkhi wahte mi janu (एक नदीसारखी वाहते मी जणू)' title song of TV serial 'Kulwadhu (कुलवधु)'.
'Bhijun gela wara (भिजुन गेला वारा)', a melodious but unknown rain song was followed by 'Maziya priyala preet kanena (माझीया प्रियाला प्रीत कळेना)', title song of TV serial of same name, composed by Ashok Patki. This song has a distinction of being first title track of a Marathi serial to be launched as a mobile caller tune. 'Ghan aj barse anawar ho (घन आज बरसे अनावर हो)' a little known rain song was then presented.
Julun yeti reshim gathi (जुळून येती रेशीम गाठी)' title song of TV serial of same name received a big applause. Audience demanded and got once more for this song. Then Madhuri presented a song from her own album 'Ghardar raho mage nako nako to pasara (घरदार राहो मागे नको नको तो पसारा). I heard it for the first time today and liked it. Feelings of a girl who wants to be free of everything.
'Jashi asate ga aai (जशी असते गं आई)' title track of TV serial 'Mala sasu hawi (मला सासू हवी)' where a daughter in law tells us what she expects from her mother in law was followed by 'Makhmali he prashna thode (मखमली हे प्रश्न थोडे)' song from film 'Mitwa (मितवा)'.
Next came 'Saath de tu mala (साथ दे तू मला)' from film 'Mumbai Pune Mumbai 2 (मुंबई पुणे मुंबई २)'. Ashwini has written the script of this film as well. After this 'Tuja vina sakhya re (तुज विण सख्या रे)' title song of TV serial of same name & 'Ekach hya janmi janu (एकाच ह्या जन्मी जणू)' title song of TV serial of same name were presented.
Then they presented 'Chand matla (चांद मातला)' from film 'Lal ishq (लाल इश्क)'. This is a new song and should not be confused with old song Chand matla matla tyala kashi aawaru. Lyricist has coined a new Marathi word 'funkarware (फुंकरवारे)' for this song.
Towards the end title song of a show 'Mahima Mahalakshmi Balajicha (महिमा महालक्ष्मी बालाजीचा) was presented. I am almost certain that the singer only lip sung the recorded portion of this song that was in a southern (Carnatic) style and live sung rest. It was followed by 'Gondhala ye (गोंधळाला ये)'. This one was not well rehearsed and some words were missed by two singers.
Program concluded with the song on which this program was titled. 'Olya sanjweli (ओल्या सांजवेळी)' from movie 'Premachi goshta (प्रेमाची गोष्ट)'.
It was a program of songs written by Ashwini Shende. Program of songs of a lyricist is a unique concept and a good one. Moreover Ashwini is not only a lyricist but also a script and dialogue writer. It also included chat with Ashwini. One should appreciate her not only for her good songs but also for the fact that while talking on the stage she kept the use of English to minimum. Not an easy feat to achieve in today's time.
Abhijit Khandkekar is a former RJ and well known film and TV personality. His anchoring was fluid and informal. As a result the atmosphere, artists and audience were comfortable. He too did not use too many English words.
Ashwini and Abhijit were seated on the stage full time and were talking with each other while the songs were going on. That was distracting. Someone should tell them.
Jaydeep has a good voice. Madhuri was good except the lip singing part. Dhanashree appeared to be straining her vocal chords while singing high notes.
Lyrics of the song were displayed on the projector on the background. This is a novelty in Marathi programs. It helps in two ways. One audience attention is drawn towards lyrics. Two audience does not sing the wrong lyrics.
Stage illumination was inadequate. Singers were in partial darkness. Sound system gave trouble occasionally (Mic noise, mic malfunction etc. )
Ironically, the program was titled Olya Sanjweli (which means, On a wet evening), but the program was in the morning. Sub title of the program was 'Shabdancha cafe', why give such a hybrid subtitle?
Although the program was of a lyricist, most of her popular lyrics are title track of the TV serials. Those who expected to listen popular and traditional songs would have been disappointed. Those who do not mind watching something new and different would have liked the program. I felt that it would have become more effective if they had shortened the duration little bit.
Credit should be given to MMAD for daring to bring a program off the beaten track. Something different. Worth encouraging the artists.
Entertainment rating 7/10.
