Just when I was wandering around for inspiration, and was on the verge of giving in to another non consequential coverage of a Hollywood “here nor there” caper, I stumbled into an Indian TV show on Youtube called “The Dewarists“. Its a documentary – travelogue series hosted by singer/actress Monica Dogra (of Dhobi Ghat fame), that explores music fused with folk elements from the far wide corners of a vast melting pot, that is India.

Vishal & Imogen take some undiscovered paths through the dusty yet colourful lanes in Rajasthan

Well to put it mildly, I have been blown apart by the noble attempts of having two or more varied components of a very wide platform put in their best foot forward in collaborating and creating beautiful pieces of music. The featured artists so far at a glimpse includes the likes of Imogen Heap with Vishal – Shekhar, Zeb & Haniya with Shantanu Moitra, Indian Ocean with Mohit Chauhan, Agnee+Parikrama with Shilpa Rao, and most recently Angaraag Papon Mahanta with Rabbi Shergill. Its without a shred of doubt the best TV show to have come out from India in a long long time with 6 episodes aired and 4 more to go in its inaugural season so far.

Indian Ocean & Mohit Chauhan (What not to like?)

The latest episode featured the newest Assamese find, Angaraag “Papon” Mahanta collaborate with the sufi + punjabi talent Rabii Shergill of “Bulla Ki Jaana” fame. The backdrop they chose was the Kaziranga National Park which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that hosts 2/3rds of the one horned rhinocerous of the world. Being a native of the land, the feature has been inspirational of sorts and in a manner an introduction for a wider audience who haven’t seen most of this beautiful blend of green and a deep rooted culture of colours that is Assam.

Both for arts and for economic reasons, this is is truly the best advertisement of India as a nation brimming with pride and something to offer to the world. For as much as You’d like to take the mic on rallys, debates and economic forums to press Your existence, nothing speaks louder and travels deeper than the sound of music. And for that alone this show is worth every minute of Your mundane or “blink & You will miss” lifestyle. Give it a try.

Here’s the official Website. The Dewarists

RECOMMENDED.

One of the best fusions from the pioneers of rock music in India. Agnee, Parikrama with Shilpa Rao

Courtesy : Youtube, Star World

Here’s the latest episode (As You let it load, You may choose to watch the entire documentary or just the music at the end of it). Enjoy Thank me after !!!