The dandiya sticks are out, the dancing shoes have been strapped on, and the celebratory mood is in the air as revellers celebrate Navratri with fervour. What goes into ensuring that the nine nights of non-stop music and dance are filled with rhythm and rejoicing? That’s what we ask singers Shruti Pathak and Purva Mantri. While both have performed in Mumbai before, this year marks a new chapter as Pathak performs her first-ever Navratri celebration in Ahmedabad. From prepping for months ahead of the festival to building vocal stamina, the two singers break down the art of curating Navratri nights.
Excerpts from the interview.
Since this is your first Navratri performance in Ahmedabad, what special prep have you undergone?
Shruti Pathak: Navratri in Ahmedabad is very different from Mumbai. So, the song selection and the style are unique [to the place]. Since I’m doing this for the first time in Ahmedabad, I’m thrilled to be pouring my heart out on stage.
How are you preparing differently for your Navratri performances this year to keep the energy alive for nine nights?
Purva Mantri: For an artiste, Navratri preparations start almost two to three months in advance — from preparing the best Garba song list to setting up the right music and a lot more. The endeavour is always to bring out the best for my audience via new acts and presentations. I like to use traditional songs with upbeat music, it`s my way of showcasing the cultural diversity in India.
What does your ideal Navratri playlist look like? Do you mix your own hits with traditional Garba numbers?
PM: I love to keep it close to folk and traditional music, mixing it not only with the powerful rhythm of today’s time, but also with my own recent Garba songs and religious chants.
Dancers sometimes need a breather. How do you maintain the energy and flow between songs?
SP: It’s not a cakewalk to sing during Navratri. It requires an insane amount of energy and vocal strength. But when dancers are enjoying, it becomes easy and enjoyable for the singer. Their love and enthusiasm become our power dose. Of course, the entire playlist is designed to cater to different playing styles and rhythm patterns.
The reverse is also true. Some Garba dancers prefer to dance non-stop. Keeping them on their toes for hours at a stretch must be tough.
PM: Garba concerts follow a rhythm pattern from slow to fast. I like to keep pumping up the energy through super hit Garba songs and changing rhythm patterns with my fusion style. Khelaiya dancers go non-stop; it will be a crime if I give them a breather.
Five evergreen Navratri songs
Shruti Pathak’s picks:
. ‘Aaj No Chandaliyo’ . ‘Tara Vina Shyam’
. ‘O Rang Rasiya’
. ‘Radha Ne Shyam Mali Jashe’
. ‘Shubhaarambh’
Purva Mantri’s picks:
. ‘Mari Mahisagar’
. ‘Rumjhum’
. ‘Aavati Kalay’
. ‘Rasiyo Rupalo’
. ‘Ha Ha Re Ghaduliyo’
