A LIFE IN FOLK NOTES

Forty years after her first Delhi performance, folk singer Malini Awasthi returned for 'Sawan', a rain-themed concert. She spoke to TMS about carving a space for folk as a woman, keeping the tradition alive, and balancing the family with the stage.

- ADITHI REENA AJITH

MALINI Awasthi is a romantic who loves the rain, with "long drives, hot tea, pakoras". For the Lucknow singer, the monsoon is a living memory of her village, with its dragonflies, peacocks, and the music of nature that has inspired Kajris (folk music genre) for centuries.

As monsoon continues to hover over Delhi, Awasthi took the stage at Kamani Auditorium for 'Sawan', a rain-themed folk music concert, enchanting the audience with her melodious voice, presenting Kajri, Jhoola, and Thumri compositions such as 'Sawan Ka Nazara Hai', 'Barsan Laagi Badariya', and 'Gheri Gheri Aai Badariya', celebrating a season whose songs have long echoed through India's heartland.

Delhi has always been special for the singer, who this year marks a milestone — 40 years since she first performed in the city, representing Uttar Pradesh at the annual trade fair in Pragati Maidan (now Bharat Mandapam) in 1985. "I was one of the youngest artists selected from UP," she recalls. "Coming to Delhi, to perform and win over Delhi's audience was every artist's dream."

Four decades later, Awasthi has performed in the city many times, yet returning for 'Sawan' still feels special. "For generations, Delhi has hosted some of the finest music concerts, with great listeners, you won't find elsewhere. Delhi is such a big city where people of various cultures live. There is acceptance and appreciation for all kinds of music here," she says.