02 - Balabhaskar - Violinist

The violinist who inspired me to learn to play violin - Balabhaskar.

There aren't any videos or audio clips available online, which would justify the experience of watching him play violin live. 
It was around 2004 when I first watched a clip of him in a Malayalam television channel (before I knew the existence of YouTube and Google!), performing at a college event. Later, the same year, I decided to learn to play violin, and also happened to watch him live in an event organised by Soorya Krishnamurthy, in Palakkad (Kerala, India).
I still remember meeting him after the event, excitedly telling him how I love him playing the violin, how I started learning to play violin inspired by him and shaking hands with him. He had his signature charming smile on, while talking and you could see how down-to-earth he was.

Here are some favorite clips of mine which I could find online.

#1 - Soorya Festival - Theme Music

This is my favorite track composed by Balabhaskar. Though a remixed/revamped version has been released by him, I find the original one better.

#2 - Uyire (cover)

I had to post atleast one of the clips of him performing live, for the sake of this blog post. He covers some songs so beautifully! This video would be an example. 

#3 - The Big Indian Band

I used to watch this show regularly. Wish someone would upload the videos online. I loved all the collaborations. 

#4 - Maule Mere (cover) - MTV Unplugged India - Ranjit Barot

Watch it here.  (There is also a YouTube link, which I am not able to access at the moment.)

This video featured Balabhaskar on violin and it was really nice seeing him collaborate on something different after a very long time. 
Also, this song (Maula Mere) is extremely beautiful. 

#5 - Carnatic live performance

Seriously wishing someone would upload good videos of his live performances. But here is one decent video I found. This is Balabhaskar playing in a Carnatic concert (kacheri) and my favorite - 'Krishna Nee Begane'.

In this age of lip-syncing, auto-tuning and all the gimmicks during live performances, it feels really good to see musicians like Balabhaskar still performing live passionately, with pure and honest music.
There might be many more great violinists around, but Balabhaskar did revolutionize the perception towards this instrument in India and will always remain an inspiration to me musically when it comes to violin.

I hope he composes more soulful music, continue to perform live and mesmerize people with his violin. 

01 - Vishal Dadlani - Singer

Dedicating my first post to the amazing voice of Vishal Dadlani with some of my favorite tracks sung by him.

#1 - Jee Le Zara 

Movie: Talaash
Music Director: Ram Sampath
Lyrics : Javed Akhtar

This song will always be my most favorite one from Vishal Dadlani's singing. Even though there are some good covers done on this song, nothing can replace his original version and his voice. 

#2 - Aao Na

Movie: Haider
Music: Vishal Bhardwaj
Lyrics: Gulzar

This song and his singing is so raw and powerful. It is so apt for this movie.

#3 - Mar Jayian

Movie: Vicky Donor
Music: Bann Chakraborty
Lyrics: Swanand Kirkire
Singers: Vishal Dadlani, Sunidhi Chauhan

Although I don't particularly like the way this song is produced, the tune and their singing is lovely. 

#4 - Madari

From MTV India's Coke Studio Season-2
Composer: Clinton Cerejo
Lyrics: Punjabi lyrics -- Traditional and Hindi lyrics by ManojYadav
Lead Singers: Vishal Dadlani, Sonu Kakkar

One of those viral hits from MTV India's Coke Studio. The song is so catchy and Vishal's singing stands out so powerful. 

#5 - Fakiri

From The Dewarists' Season-4, Episode-2
Collaboration between: Vishal Dadlani and Neeraj Arya’s Kabir Cafe

I am personally inspired by the mystic Kabir's life and poetry. It was fascinating to see a combination of Vishal singing about Kabir, and this collaboration between him and Neeraj Arya’s Kabir Cafe is interesting and sounded different.

#6 - Minds Without Fear

From The Dewarists' Season-1, Episode-1
Collaboration between: Vishal Dadlani and Imogen Heap

So this one is from the very first episode of The Dewarists. I loved the making of this song and I find Imogen Heap so creative. This collaboration between Vishal and Imogen was interesting.

Saving the best for the last!
'PENTAGRAM' cannot be missed out while mentioning Vishal Dadlani. Here are some favorites of mine, by this band which includes Vishal Dadlani as their lead singer.

#7 - Voice

Music: PENTAGRAM
Album: It’s OK, It’s All Good 

This song is just EVERYTHING! :D
From the lyrics, Vishal's singing and the entire sound of this song - really really good.

#8 - Nocturne

Listen to it here.  

(If you aren't able to access the YouTube link, try this -> Link. )

From MTV India's MTV Unplugged Season-3
Featuring the band: Pentagram
Lead Singer: Vishal Dadlani

I like this version more than the original. Love this song.

Check out Vishal Dadlani talking about his singing in this interview ->
Link.


So, according to this interview (link below), he supports an NGO (MUSICBASTI). You can check their information at www.musicbasti.org .
Interview Link.

Intro - Disclaimer.

Please do note that there won’t be regular posts in this blog. It will appear when it is meant to be! :P

I write these posts based on my love and passion for music of all kind, for many years. 

This blog is dedicated only to music and not the personal lives of musicians. 

Also, I am bad with words and learning to write better!