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Shankar Mahadevan and Roshan Abbas bring music and stories to life at Spoken Fest 2025, Mumbai

Newsmantra — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 14:13:04 +0000

Kommune, India’s acclaimed cultural storytelling hub, concluded the two-day celebration of music, words, and everything love, Spoken Fest—Asia’s largest spoken word festival—in Mumbai on February 2nd, 2025. The evening brought together two creative powerhouses—musical virtuoso Shankar Mahadevan and the dynamic founder of Kommune India, Roshan Abbas—for an unfiltered conversation that delved into the heart of music and creative synergy.

It was an eclectic mix of storytelling and music, where Shankar Mahadevan brought together his life in music through memorable music performances and stimulating conversation. From the opening moments, Mahadevan transported the audience back to the genesis of his journey. He talked about how he was comfortable with this corporate job as well as doing music. The Grammy-winning singer took a call at the age of 26-27 to leave his job at a reputed software firm that provided a cushioned life in the USA with financial stability and pursue his passion for music full-time. He told his boss, “Sir, mujhe career change karna hain kal.” He knew that the path was foggy and the future was unstable, but without this leap of faith, Mahadevan said, he would not have been where he was today.

Both Roshan Abbas and Shankar Mahadevan took a trip down the memory lane of how, when Breathless became a raging hit, the singer did his first corporate show with Roshan, underlining the friendship that they have shared for almost 30 years.

During his music performances, Shankar was joined by the rising music star and actor Souumil Shringarpure of Bandish Bandits fame. The night came alive with breathtaking renditions of some of Mahadevan’s most iconic songs, including Breathless, Dil Chahta Hai, Mitwa, and Marathi hit Sur Niragas Ho. Each note served as a reminder of the timeless impact of his music, leaving the audience spellbound.

He also gave the audience a glimpse of his thinking process and the joy he finds when music and lyrics come together when Abbas asked him an interesting question. Roshan requested him to break down the music for an engineer, taking a deep dive into the technicalities of music, a one-of-a-kind experience to delve into the mind of the maestro.

With reference to his popular song, Mitwa, he explained to the audience, “You can deconstruct any melody to its relevant sargam. It is like any program if you break it down into its relevant, equivalent binaries. Music can represent a playground, where you can freely dance, play, and jump around. The binary layers are sargam, the lowermost layer. It is the spelling of Mitwa. If you remove the sargam, then the melody comes. When you put lyrics on the melody, it becomes a song. The application of classical music comes here. Why should you learn classical music? For the application of it, and to sing a harkat in Mitwa.”

While talking about the new wave of musicians, Shankar Mahadevan fondly reminisced about late Zakir Hussain, saying, “When I was in junior college, my dream was to meet the band members of Shakti. The most phenomenal band that pioneered taking Indian music to the next level. We used to go to a cassette store, ‘Embassy,’ in Chembur, and it was like a masterclass. I used to ask Zakir’s brother, Fazal, to make me meet Zakir Hussain and click a picture with him and Shakti. If you put it out there and manifest it very strongly, the universe definitely gives it. I ended up touring with ‘Shakti’ for 25 years. When I used to be on stage, I used to wonder if it was a dream. I just wanted to meet them, and now I am sitting on stage with them. The word ‘Tabla’ has lost its meaning after Zakir Hussain is no more.”

The singer also took the audience through the journey of how the trio, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, came together. While Shankar used to sing jingles for advertisements, Ehsaan and Loy were reputed producers already. Their frequent studio hangouts fostered a creative partnership of 30 years. He chronicled the journey from making and producing the biggest hit, Sabse Aage Honge Hindustani for a shelved film, ‘Dus’, to not having any contractual relationship for all these years. It is sheer love, friendship, and respect for each other’s ideas that has kept the trio going!

Shankar Mahadevan also gave a memorable performance of Breathless, which gave him fame when it came out in 1988. He talked about how the song came about during an intellectually intense conversation with Javed Akhtar. Before ending up performing the song not once but twice, on public demand underscoring the enthusiasm that the audience at the festival brought during the session.

Furthermore, he also gave a glimpse into the success of Shankar Mahadevan Academy, which uplifts the spirits of people who struggle with illness, pain, or a lonely heart with the power of music and partners with hospitals, care centres, and senior-citizen communities to stage free online concerts by musicians.

The conversation was one of its kind, where the artist immersed himself in storytelling, along with a live performance. It was only possible through a platform like Spoken Fest, where artists find experimental ways to express themselves and present their craft. The veteran producer was very amazed by the vibrant crowd at the Spoken Fest Mumbai 2025, who were constantly cheering, hooting, and instilling great energy in the atmosphere. Appreciating the display of this great enthusiasm, Shankar asked Abbas where he brought such a high-spirited audience from, praising the fest’s essence of bringing such an energetic community together.

The post Shankar Mahadevan and Roshan Abbas bring music and stories to life at Spoken Fest 2025, Mumbai appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Kommune’s Spoken Fest’s Homecoming To Mumbai: Promises A Stellar Line-Up Of Artists Regaling With Stories, Words, And Music

Newsmantra — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:54:20 +0000

India-wide release, 8 January 2025: Kommune’s most celebrated and sought-after festival, Spoken Fest, gets bigger and bolder for its seventh edition. For the first time, the festival expanded its celebration of literature, music, and the transcending power of words to Shillong. It is all set to return to its roots in Mumbai for the two-day extravaganza on February 1st and 2nd, 2025 with a diverse array of artists.

The artist line-up comprises individuals who have made a mark and created a space for their talent to thrive. From the world of music to films to poetry, this remarkable lineup will regale the attendees, making it one of the most memorable beginnings of the year. Music has been an integral part of the festival, bringing some amazing voices from all over the country, which includes Wild Wild Women, actress Eisha Chopra and Meera Desai will join hands for an enchanting spoken word and music performance, along with The Aahvaan Project, Vidhya Gopal and Siddharth Pandit, as well as Snehdeep Singh Kalsi, enchanting the evening air with mesmerising performances. Joining this list of artists will be Raghubir Yadav + Naynesh Pimpale, Khasi Bloodz, Tapi Project, and ⁠Nush Lewis.

As music encapsulates time, words decorate it with its eternal charm. For the new season, the line-up of artists who will captivate the audience with a magical world of words comprises actors, YouTube stars, and creators: Huma Qureshi, Divya Dutta, Gajraj Rao, Faisal Malik, Paritosh R Tripathi, Ankush Bahuguna, Ahliya Bamroo, Suhani Shah, Ashish Vidyarthi, Nayab Midha, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Nikhil Taneja, Vivaan Shah, Srishti Shrivastava, Dr. Pallavi Mahajan, Naresh Saxena, Nidhie Sharma, Manu Rishi Chadha, and Anushka Bajpai Jain. Adding to this stellar lineup will be Aditya Rahbar, Ankita Shah, Nidhi Narwal, Amy Singh, ⁠Kalyanee Mulay, ⁠Rajat Sood, ⁠Abhinandan Sekhri, ⁠Laksh Maheshwari, Badal Sharma, Priya Malik, ⁠Ramneek Singh, Shweta Singh, Rytasha Rathore, Puja Sarup, ⁠and Shreeja Chaturvedi. From satire to stand-up comedy to poetry and spoken word pieces, this esteemed line-up will offer a rich blend of performances, embracing new voices and stories while celebrating its roots.

The energy of the previous editions of Spoken Fest deeply resonated with the Mumbai fans, intertwining the spirit of the city with some remarkable performances. Be it Faye D’Souza’s impeccable piece on justice or Babil Khan’s heartfelt tribute to Irrfan Khan, the festival has always ensured to platform diverse voices. The stories have always echoed the lives of the people in the maximum city, bringing everyone under the same sky immersing in stories and music.

Grab your tickets on Insider.in and join us at Jio Garden, Mumbai on February 1st and 2nd to witness the magic of storytelling, voices, and art like never before.

The post Kommune’s Spoken Fest’s Homecoming To Mumbai: Promises A Stellar Line-Up Of Artists Regaling With Stories, Words, And Music appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Kommune’s Spoken Fest First Edition In Shillong Weaves Stories, Poems, And Music Together For A Memorable Evening

Newsmantra — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 11:31:40 +0000

Mr Paul Lyngdoh, the Minister of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya was the Chief Guest of the festival at Shillong
The festival showcased a powerful blend of national and local artists like Vancouver Shullai, Marbamorlang Rani, Madhu Raghavendra, Merenla Imsong, Patralekha and Tillotama
There were notable musical performances by When Chai Met Toast, Meba Ofilia, Khasi Bloodz and meaningful personal narratives from performers like Kareema Barry, Amol Parashar, and Trinetra
The design thoughtfully incorporated local elements, with stages made from bamboo, jute, and traditional jainsem cloth, while also featuring local delicacies – highlighting the event’s commitment to authentically representing Meghalaya’s culture and sustainable practices

India-wide release, December 7 2024: On a crisp December evening, kissed by winter cherry blossoms around Ward’s Lake, Kommune’s Spoken Fest made its enchanting debut in Shillong. Asia’s largest spoken word festival, celebrated for its vibrant mix of poetry, music, and storytelling, expanded beyond its Mumbai origins this season in collaboration with Meghalaya Tourism. The festival resonated deeply with an enthusiastic audience spanning all ages and walks of life, coming together to celebrate the boundless power of creative expression and storytelling.

Mr Paul Lyngdoh, the Minister of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, graced the festival as its Chief Guest. On Shillong hosting the Spoken Fest, he said, “It is indeed a moment of joy and ecstasy for us to see that experiential tourism, and the arts and culture are getting a fresh lease of life in Meghalaya thanks to the support of the local population as well as the collaboration of groups and enthusiasts like Kommune. We’re very proud to say that when Spoken is mentioned as a brand, the indigenous tribes of Meghalaya have had a long history of oral tradition. Our stories, myths and legends are all a part of our history before we were even introduced to the written word. So, the spoken word has taken primacy before we even translated that into the written script. The fact that Spoken Fest offers a platform which will allow our young poets, writers, and storytellers to collaborate and have an exchange is a real, tangible achievement. We have been creating the right ecosystem to take Meghalaya’s strength – our arts and culture, music and literature – into the best possible platforms in the world.”

This inaugural edition of Spoken Fest in the Northeast beautifully embodied the festival’s mission to embrace and amplify India’s diverse voices. In a country where literary and performing arts transform every 100 meters, reflecting its vibrant cultural mosaic, the festival’s arrival in Shillong was a tribute to this richness. It sought to weave together India’s deeply rooted and varied storytelling traditions, fostering a meaningful cultural exchange.

Furthermore, the festival’s ambience perfectly captured the ethos of Meghalaya. With stages crafted from bamboo, jute, and traditional jainsem cloth, Spoken Fest paid homage to Shillong’s sustainable ethos, blending nature with culture. Adding to the experience was a thoughtfully curated spread of local delicacies, offering attendees a true taste of Meghalaya.

Amongst the performers was Kareema Barry, whose personal anecdote explored the intricate dynamics of extended Indian families with depth and a dash of humour. Her piece evoked a sense of nostalgia for the simplicity of childhood. Amol Parashar took to stage with a relatable story that dealt with the intersection of casual sex and feelings in a new-age relationship. Meanwhile, Trinetra’s moving story about her love for sarees underscored the power of owning one’s identity. Actors Patralekha and Tilotama engaged in a candid conversation about their shared connection to Shillong and how their homes and families encouraged and shaped their creative careers.

Meanwhile, Shillong’s local talent brought the city’s soul to the fore, adding depth and authenticity to the festival. Celebrated poet and singer Vancouver Shullai mesmerised the audience with evocative pieces, blending English and Khasi to probe into themes of identity, culture and the intimate bond we share with language. Merenla Imsong shared a deeply personal story about the evolving relationship with her father. Her heartfelt exploration of memories and the influence her father had on her life struck a chord with many. Meanwhile, Lalnunsanga Ralte’s poignant pieces elicited unceasing fingersnaps from the audience.

The night took an electrifying turn with hip-hop & R&B artist Meba Ofilia, whose energetic performance had everyone grooving. Shillong’s iconic hip-hop crew, Khasi Bloodz, followed with a powerful set, their bilingual rap verses in English and Khasi resonating deeply for their powerful point of view, showcasing the region’s unique fusion of traditional storytelling and contemporary beats.

As the evening unfolded, the soulful melodies of When Chai Met Toast resonated through the venue. Their performance had the crowd swaying to their tunes and chanting the lyrics of some of their fan-favourites.

Roshan Abbas, Founder of Kommune, mentioned, “Spoken Fest has always been a celebration of voices that deserve to be heard – it’s been our greatest motivator. Authentic storytelling runs deep in Northeast India’s cultural heritage. Here, spoken word is embedded in its oral tradition, and today we witnessed this beautiful Khasi oral tradition alongside contemporary spoken word, poetry and music performances in Spoken Fest’s debut in Shillong. What truly moved me was seeing young performers share their stories of identity, belonging, perseverance, and change with such profound confidence. This overwhelming response from Shillong’s vibrant community has shown us that art, in its purest form, knows no geographical boundaries or languages. As we look forward to Spoken Fest’s 2025 edition, we carry with us the creative energy that Shillong has gifted us, along with our commitment to nurture these artistic connections across India.”

From mesmerizing performances to engaging conversations and opportunities to discover emerging talents, the festival sparked a lasting impression on all who attended, celebrating creativity in its purest form. Spoken Fest in Shillong left an indelible mark, not only as an artistic gathering but as a meaningful cultural exchange that bridged heritage and modernity. It was a night where stories became bridges, nurturing connections that lingered long after the festival lights dimmed.

The post Kommune’s Spoken Fest First Edition In Shillong Weaves Stories, Poems, And Music Together For A Memorable Evening appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Spoken Fest 2024: Final Artist Lineup Announced for Shillong Debut – A Spectacular Celebration of Art, Culture, and Storytelling with Patralekhaa, Tillotama Shome and others

Newsmantra — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 11:02:04 +0000

Celebrated artists like Patralekhaa and Tilottama Shome will share their journeys and insights with audiences in Shillong on December 6, 2024
Spoken Fest Shillong 2024 to showcase artists like Amol Parashar, Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju as well as dynamic performers like Priya Malik, Madhu Raghavendra and Laksh Maheshwari
The festival will also spotlight music performances by When Chai Categories Met Toast, Meba Ofilia amongst others and local talent such as Elena Sohktung and Khasi Bloodz while celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage that connects national and global audiences

Shillong, 25 November 2024 : Asia’s largest cultural festival, Spoken Fest by Kommune, continues to elevate excitement for its debut in Shillong by unveiling the much-anticipated Lineup, completing a powerhouse of talent for this historic edition. Taking place on December 6, 2024, at the iconic Ward’s Lake, the festival promises an unforgettable day of creativity, storytelling, and performances.

This year, Shillong will witness the participation of celebrated artists Tillotama Shome and Patralekhaa, whose stellar work in cinema has left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Tillotama Shome, recognised for her exceptional acting talent, has captivated audiences with her nuanced portrayals in Monsoon Wedding, Delhi Crime, and The Night Manager. Joining her is Patralekhaa, known for her deeply engaging performances, who first captured hearts with her debut role in CityLights (2014) and gained further recognition for her role in Bose: Dead/Alive (2017). Their appearances at Spoken Fest will offer fans a unique opportunity to connect with them through their life stories.

This announcement builds on the already electrifying momentum as it introduces artists like independent music icon Anoushka Maskey, indie-folk band When Chai Met Toast, the soulful Meba Ofilia, multi-talented activist and actress Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, trailblazing storyteller Priya Malik, and the celebrated hip-hop group Khasi Bloodz. Along with them, the festival will also feature Shillong’s very own Elena Sohktung, versatile actor Amol Parashar, and renowned poet Madhu Raghavendra as and storytellers like Clayton, Lainunsanga Ralte, and Merenla Imsong, setting the stage for an extraordinary cultural showcase. Their performances will bring diverse voices to life, bridging cultures and art forms.

Joining this vibrant lineup are Anees Ailynti Noronha, whose bold, satirical verses explore the ironies of everyday life, Pratikasha, a rising poet whose work bridges metaphor and modernity; and Marbamlong Rani, whose poignant poetry has earned accolades across platforms. Adding a unique dimension to this edition is Kareema Barry, a dynamic performer blending her corporate insights with artistic passion, and Laksh Maheshwari, whose transformative journey from finance to the stage exemplifies the power of pursuing one’s passion.

Roshan Abbas, Founder of Kommune, expressed his excitement as he said, “Spoken Fest Shillong is a dream come true. We’ve curated a lineup that represents not just artistic brilliance but also the unique cultural fabric of Meghalaya. From local stars to national icons, this festival will be a true celebration of the power of storytelling, music, and creativity to connect us all.”

Commenting on Spoken Fest’s debut in Shilling, Mr. Cyril Diengdoh, Director of Tourism, Shillong, said, “We are thrilled to host Spoken Fest in Shillong for the first time. This festival beautifully highlights the creativity of Meghalaya while introducing our local talent to a national audience. Spoken Fest aligns perfectly with our mission to showcase the rich cultural heritage of our region to the world.”

With early bird tickets already sold out, Spoken Fest Shillong promises to be the cultural event of the season. Grab your tickets on Insider.in and join us at Ward’s Lake on December 6 to witness the magic of storytelling, voices, and art like never before.

The post Spoken Fest 2024: Final Artist Lineup Announced for Shillong Debut – A Spectacular Celebration of Art, Culture, and Storytelling with Patralekhaa, Tillotama Shome and others appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.