by Shrikant "Ouch" Awalegaonkar (B Tech 1979 / H5)

Editor's note : Ouch and his band were a highlight at Mood Indigo in the 1970s _______________________________________________________________

Bollywood Beatniks in action ... we were thinking about what to call the ‘sound’ that we were creating. We were taking old Hindi film songs, the ones with golden melodies and poetic lyrics, and re-inventing them, so to speak. The music is colored with jazz, blues, funk, rock and swing, all very American, and contemporary.

The first thought was to call it ‘fusion’ music. But again, the term ‘fusion’ brings to mind the kind of music that reminds one of a mixture of oil and water, where barring a few rare cases, East and West do not really blend.

Finally, after reading about how Hollywood has influenced the many aspects of Indian life and entertainment, with terms such as Bollywood and Bollychat respectfully sprinkled among filmi gossip, Bollygeet just seemed to pop out of the head! It was perfect! A taste of old Hindi songs spiced up with a funky jazz-rock swing.. Bollygeet Masala!

In the end, one cannot but acknowledge the talent that drove the creators of these eternal classics to such great heights. It is on shoulders of giants such as Naushad, Salil Chowdhury, O.P.Nayyar, Madan Mohan, Shankar Jaikishen, S.D.Burman, and others that careers of countless individuals have flourished. Even after so many years, these songs still have in them that something special, which inspires..

‘Bollygeet Beatniks’ somehow seem to capture all of this. And we are..

Sumita Singh (on Babuji Dheere Chalna & Hawle Hawle Havai Dole). Be it shinin’ or rainin’, if you do find her, she’d be rockin’ or swingin’!

Chandu Ketkar (on Jawani Aye Maste Maste Bin Piye & Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawano Ka). The bluest of the blues get bluesier once Chandu takes the lead as the crooner.

Swati Kanitkar (on Zara Holle Holle Chalo Moray Saajana & Aap Ki Nazarone Samjha). Her voice pours forth like an endless stream, soft as silk, and rich as cream.

Raj Nijjar (on Maye Ni Maye Mere). This intense and soulful vocalist connects instantly!. The poetry flows as he soars effortlessly.

Anita Kulkarni (on Jiya Beqaraar Hai & Jawan Hai Muhhabbat). Sounds like wind dancing on wings of butterflies.. light as a feather, clear as the sky..

Gananath Moharir (on Manzil Wohi Hai Pyar Ki). An excellent musician who sings rarely, he renders this hypnotic tune superbly.

Ajay Divekar [H7 ‘92] (on Rima Jhima Geere Sawan). Cool and composed his singing goes, elegantly, with a touch of gold.

Devi Giri (on Hansta Hua Noorani Chehera & Jaa Re Udja Re Panchi). The edge in her vocals cut thru the sound, like lightning splicing the clouds.

Shrikant (Ouch) Awalegaonkar (on Suhana Safar, Wahan Kaun Hai Tera, & Diwali Blues).

We have created and programmed all arrangements using synthesizers and sequencers on a desktop music workstation. It has taken almost 50-60 hours for each tune not counting the numerous recording sessions each lasting several hours, with the whole project taking over 18 months ! The search for perfection has indeed been elusive. Creating this has been an intensely personal and gratifying experience, and we are profoundly satisfied with the result. We have tried to create a mood and a style that flows smoothly from song to song, keeping the pace while generally preserving the refreshing and uplifting ambience. The atmosphere could be described as happy and intimate, one that goes especially well while driving on long distance trips, having an after dinner chat with close friends and family, or just quietly listening while relaxing or reading. Given the chance, it is certain to grow on you, pleasantly.

Although this is our first CD and still a hobby, we have taken this with utmost seriousness, and we would dearly like to share it with all you music lovers. To that end, it is available for listening purposes at the CD Jukebox of www.broadcast.com. And if any of you are interested in having a copy, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me at shrikant[!]erols.com