Category Archives: Music

Why This Kolaveri Di ? Guitar Chords & Lyrics

24 November, 2011   Music   1 Comment
Here are the guitar chords of the song, if You’d like to sing in the same scale as the original.
Barre Chords used in this progression :
Fm – Eb – Bbm – Eb except for
(Fm)Gød I am (Eb)Dying Nøw
(C#)Šhe Is Happy Høw(Eb)vu?
(Fm)This Šøng’gu (Eb)Pass Tø Bøys’su
(C#)We Døn’t Have Chøice(Eb)su
Or,
just put a Capo on 1st fret and go wild the simple progression : Em – D – C – D

Keeping my temptations in check, trying to stay away from talking about this song has been most taxing & hence this is where I give in.  The frenzy and adulation that some artists crave for after years of penance in search of inspiration and tireless rehearsals burning the proverbial midnight oil has been achieved by this random 4 minuter, running amok across the broad spectrum of various ears and (eyes for some) thanks mostly to the medium of the internet.

A couple of minuscule stats in support of my sensational opening claim :

  • Date of Debut on Youtube                                              :  16.11.2011 
  • Hits as of now 7:40 PM (+8 GST) on 24.11.2011   :   3,012,702 (it’d be more by the time I post this ;)

A screenshot of the video : Dhanush

These mind boggling stats bring forth a few observations. The human brain tends to more relatable objects / data that are easier to decipher. Music can break barriers and connect non linear dots irrespective of language, nationality and sex.
Whether it will retain its repeat value in the long run is debatable, but as for popularity for now it has left no room for assumption and by the looks of things to come, it could well be awarded ” find of the fortnight”; a sensation not far in proximity to Lady Gaga & that’s saying something. The fact that majority of the words are in English makes it all the more relatable esp. to the non Tamil speaking demography adding fuel to wildfire. The tune is extremely easy to hum and does not demand octave vocal chords to master. I’d stay away from trivial details such as information on the singer (Dhanush), musician (Anirudh) which is available both on Youtube and here).
For the interested parties here’s the lyrics & here’s the video to play along. Enjoy :D

Barre Chords : Indian Guitar Tabs

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Long live his legacy : Dr. Bhupen Hazarika

8 November, 2011   Music   4 Comments

Berlin, Germany. 16th August 1972. Photo Courtesy : http://www.bhupenhazarika.com

Our lives in a society dictated by how fast we can communicate and the one governed by the rules of the internet has come to a grief stricken halt, ever so unknowingly. Besides the common language we speak and our collective lineage that roots back to our home, Assam, the only other significant aspect that binds us all is Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. For every Assamese or citizen of the state across borders, through its length and breadth of the planet, it must have been a bitter pill to swallow. The realization that our messiah, the one who represents us in the world outside, is no longer with us. It is an extremely tragic realization. The grieving crowd that has come out in unprecedented fashion is wearing a somber mood coupled with moist eyes and a heavier heart,  as they gather around, what remains of the great man (in Guwahati as I type this). And in their attempt at paying homage and their last tribute has managed to draw a resounding picture of the love and respect of an entire community. A reflection of a life well lived as that is all, Bhupen Da had ever asked for, in one his most famous poems / composition :

A Younger Hazarika. Courtesy : http://www.bhupenhazarika.com

“Moi jetiya ei jibonor maya eri gusi jaam; Aakha koru mur sitar kakhot, tumar hohari paam.

Nelage mur huworoni hobha; Nelage misa naam.

Tumar etupi sokolu paley; Moi paam mur daam”

 

“When I leave the worldly pleasures of life;  I hope I find Your love and support near my funeral.

I do not seek a remembrance society; Nor a namesake popularity.

If I get a drop of Your tear; I would have found my true worth”

 

*The above translation is only to the best of my ability. I would like to apologize for any unintended literary error.

At a time where the nation in general and Assam as a state in particular is running out of leaders who could inspire us to strive for better and push benchmarks; the demise of a social reformer, a poet, a singer, a composer, a film maker, a laureate, an author, a journalist of irrefutable repute all rolled into one could be catastrophic for our legacy. For there are questions in abundance but answers, scant. Loudest of which is; do we have anyone in his mold that could potentially represent a fraction of what Dr. Bhupen Hazarika managed ?

With Jayanta Hazarika : Photo Courtesy http://www.bhupenhazarika.com

As we ponder upon an answer, now is a perfect time to reflect back and pay our eternal tribute to the life of a great man that lived for his unadulterated and unceasing love for his art, for his men, for his land. Dr. Bhupen Hazarika

My message is a potential footnote in the epic and illustrious list of his following from achievers in their respective fields. But the pain I feel today of the moments gone by when my Dad who is in heaven, sang Bhupen Da’s words into my ears long before I could even understand them are but priceless jewels that I shall carry with me for as long as I live and thereafter. Rest in Peace. God bless his soul.

 

You can follow his final rites and tributes from Assam, India through live feed here. Courtesy : News Live TV

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