Young singers extol virtues of Sai Baba

Scores of readers who were enthralled spectators at the musical concert of Abhas Joshi held in Auckland on June 19 have queried this newspaper as to why we had not reviewed the CD on Shirdi Sai Baba released on the occasion.

Paucity of space apart, time constraint had also played a part in this delayed report.

Nonetheless, we believe in the ‘Better late…” rather than “Justice delayed..” theory.

For a start, Sai Se Laagi Lagan is not just a CD or a collection of songs. It is in fact a garland of hymns and bhajans rendered with such piety and mastery of melody that it is hard to switch off the player even after repetitive listening sessions.

Ritika Badakere has done her mother, teacher and music master Sandhya and accountant father Sanjay proud in all but one number in the CD that boasts of nine memorable tributes to the great Indian saint who is worshipped by millions of people around the world as God and by millions more as “the most remarkable figure that begets peace, tranquillity and sensibility of body and soul.”

The opening track, Ab To Sai Se Laagi Laagan sets the pace for the album, making you appreciate the appropriate choice of the number that sing in praise of Baba. Ritika has packed high voltage emotion into this number, prompting you to hit the ‘repeat button’ more than once.

Chali Hai Kaaya Chalti Hai Maaya begins as though it is a Bollywood number but quickly and mercifully ascends to a height eulogising Sai Baba, his extraordinary grace, mercy and dignity. The number brings out the synergy between the main vocalist, her accompanying singers and the instrumentalists.

Is Shirdi Sai Baba, a Divine Healer, a Preacher or a Religious Pursuer? Those casting doubts would instantly derive inspiration if they attend the weekly prayer meetings of the Auckland based Shri Shirdi Sai Sansthan New Zealand Inc or its annual programmes such as Mata Chowki Pooja (due to be held at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre 145, New North Road, Eden Terrace) on October 3. The song titled, Ek Hi Malik Ke Sab Bandhey of the album Ab To Sai Se Laagi Laagan would also dispel any apprehension. It is a number that brings forth the universality of human kind and the catholicity of beliefs and reliefs. “Like the solitary Sun that sheds light on the entire planet, Sai’s blessings and benevolence pervades everyone on earth. There is but one Master,” it says.

Teenager Mayuri Bhole has excelled herself in rendering Sai Sanwara, which, despite resembling folk music, reverberates devotion and sanctity. The number resounds the name of Sai Baba, mystical to some and a high note of veneration for most others, and casts a magnetic spell around you. With her voice that fosters freshness, Mayuri carries Baba’s message of goodwill and brotherhood with ceaseless sincerity. Sai Sanwara is worth several encores.

His message of goodwill and brotherhood with unending sincerity.

This album attempts to enliven the teachings and everything that epitomises Baba.

Tori Jay Jay Sai Ram encompasses the milieu of love and peace and successfully delves into the traditional meditation form of Bhajan, yet departs from the run-of-the-mill to offer melody with a difference.

The fact that Shirdi Sai Baba has gained the acceptance of people subscribing to almost all major religious beliefs is extolled by Rab Kaho Allah Kaho Ishwar Kaho. Ritika reflects the vibrant religious harmony in this number, with the words of vesting in Baba the spirit of humanism and universal brotherhood. It brings out the fact that He established superiority of love and compassion above egoism. He taught simplicity of livelihood and excellence of human virtue reflected in day to day conduct.

Vani Creations Limited deserves our appreciation for having produced a high quality album, which has impressive (though not unusual) support of Hemant Thaker on the keyboard, with masterly music direction by Mohinder Singh. The lyrics of Shailendra are alluring. Kuntal Trivedi’s photography and Prachi Shah’s cover design are beholder’s delight.

Look for the album at your favourite Indian shops, notably Yogiji Food Mart in Auckland or call Vani Creations Ltd on (09) 8292224.

Photo :

Mayuri Bhole holds the new Album, as Ritika, Sandhya and Sanjay Badakere watch Abhas Joshi (not in picture) speaks at his concert held in Auckland on June 19, 2010.