Singer Malini Awasthi’s contribution to music, particularly to folk music, is crucial in the Indian musical landscape. Often referred to as the Folk Queen of India, Malini has been instrumental in enriching regional music forms such as Thumri, Kajri, Hori, and Dadra. During the recent TOI Dialogues: Decoding Growth Story Of Kanpur, the Padma Shri Awardee spoke about her journey into music, how folk music is relevant in contemporary society, and her love for Uttar Pradesh.
Malini crooned her popular number ‘Saiya Mile Larkaiya’ and spoke about how she ventured into music. “I don’t really recall the moment when I decided to dedicate my life to music, but music has always been a part of my thought process. From a very young age I was drawn towards art and literature, and our rich culture and music.”
Speaking about how folk music is relevant in today’s day and age, she said, “Let me tell you an example. I married at a very young age, here in Kanpur. When I went to my in-law’s place, there were so many elders and I had to touch the feet of 30-40 people. When I got introduced to Lokchaar, shishtachar, and folk music, I started to feel that this was so underrated and that this needs to go out to the modern generation with context. We have to understand that if this is being told, what’s the reason behind it? Take Saiya Mile Larkaiya for instance. It is a very contemporary line. If you ask any woman about this, for instance, Saiya Mile Larkaiya, they would agree, because husbands never grow. And towards the end of the song, there is a line – Bees baras ki hoon hone ko aayi haaye. Saiyyan pukaare maiya maiya main kaa karoon. In today’s lingoo you call it Mamma’s boy, but this is what every wife has experienced in her life. We need to talk about this relevance and youthness to folk music.”
Malini Awasthi also spoke about how foot-tapping folk music is often used in Bollywood as ‘item songs’. She also added that there is no need to change the way folk music is or make it sound ‘cool’, she agrees with it reaching the youth. “If modern sound can take the traditional music to the youth, then I am all for it,” she said.
Speaking about how she balances her life, family, and music, she said, “It is an organic flow of body, mind and soul.” She also added that she does not let ego take over her, which helps her to find the fine balance. “Anybody who is sincere will be sincere to all aspects of their life. I am also ambitious and love to excel in all roles.”
Malini crooned her popular number ‘Saiya Mile Larkaiya’ and spoke about how she ventured into music. “I don’t really recall the moment when I decided to dedicate my life to music, but music has always been a part of my thought process. From a very young age I was drawn towards art and literature, and our rich culture and music.”
Speaking about how folk music is relevant in today’s day and age, she said, “Let me tell you an example. I married at a very young age, here in Kanpur. When I went to my in-law’s place, there were so many elders and I had to touch the feet of 30-40 people. When I got introduced to Lokchaar, shishtachar, and folk music, I started to feel that this was so underrated and that this needs to go out to the modern generation with context. We have to understand that if this is being told, what’s the reason behind it? Take Saiya Mile Larkaiya for instance. It is a very contemporary line. If you ask any woman about this, for instance, Saiya Mile Larkaiya, they would agree, because husbands never grow. And towards the end of the song, there is a line – Bees baras ki hoon hone ko aayi haaye. Saiyyan pukaare maiya maiya main kaa karoon. In today’s lingoo you call it Mamma’s boy, but this is what every wife has experienced in her life. We need to talk about this relevance and youthness to folk music.”
Malini Awasthi also spoke about how foot-tapping folk music is often used in Bollywood as ‘item songs’. She also added that there is no need to change the way folk music is or make it sound ‘cool’, she agrees with it reaching the youth. “If modern sound can take the traditional music to the youth, then I am all for it,” she said.
Speaking about how she balances her life, family, and music, she said, “It is an organic flow of body, mind and soul.” She also added that she does not let ego take over her, which helps her to find the fine balance. “Anybody who is sincere will be sincere to all aspects of their life. I am also ambitious and love to excel in all roles.”
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Malini Awasthi also commented about her love for Uttar Pradesh, “I feel exhilarated when people tell me that my name pops up in their mind when they think of UP.” She also spoke about being born in Mirzapur, and later shifting to Gorakhpur for studies, and then to Lucknow and Banaras. “Banaras is my favourite city in UP,” she said.