FROM THE LEELA PALACE, UDAIPUR

MESMERISING MUSICIANS

"Kesariyaa baalam aavoni padhaaro mahaare desh" ......the welcome song belted out by two musicians accompanied by the sound waves  from Harmonium  and Dholak peels off the fatigue of the guests entering the lobby area of The Leela Palace at Udaipur... The 15 minute delightful boat transfer thru the shimmering waters of the lake Pichola, towards the hotel is yet another memorable experience to the guest...the cool breeze energizing the minds of the guests to remain serene is yet another thing.

Meet the Khan brothers, all Jodhpur (Rajasthan) based musicians, all in the twenties, all from the traditional families of musicians for generations.....all can sing, play harmonium, Dholak as well as the Khet thal.....whether cinema songs, Ghazals, Sufi songs or Rajasthani lok geet....they are game for it…they can belt out effortlessly, any songs at the request of the guests.

"We really feel valued and respected here.  None of us are educated, but we can sing very well. The hotel has been very generous; we are taken care very well" says Sakoor khan (20), who hails from Falodi, 150 Kms from Jodhpur. This son of a musician has studied up to 5th class.

 

Nazeer Khan's (21) father, a musician, has been working in Jodhpur Academy and his job has been giving shape to the musical instrument Sarangi.

"Many a guests find time to appreciate us. Sometimes we get good tips also from the guests. This gives us lot of joy. We really feel honored here" says Nazir Khan.

 Uneducated Sabeer khan (20) also plays Morsing. Sabeer's father is a Ghatam

(Mud Pot)    artist. Youngest member of this music troupe happens to be Sultan Khan. Both Sabeer and Sultan are from Jodhpur.

Of  the four, only Sakoor is married. Blessed with a Son, Asif. Wife Ajija is a homemaker in the native place. For the last two years these musicians has been dazzling and delighting the guests of this hotel. As and when the Sun is up, two of them will take their position in a dedicated stage allotted to them just outside the lobby entrance. At 7am the air at the lobby area will be filled  with  the aroma of the music. Till 01 pm in the afternoon these two people will perform. The next two musicians will relieve them at 01pm and they will continue till 07 pm. From 7.45 to 8.45pm they will provide music in the inner courtyard as well as outer courtyard, that will go as an embellishment to the Rajasthani folk dance performance by two local female  dancers.

Architectural heritage of Rajasthan is showcased in the richly detailed inner courtyard where the guests can sit and enjoy the dance performance. The outer courtyard offers panoramic views of Lake Pichola and the heritage monuments add a resplendent touch to this inimitable lakeside restaurant where you are free to dine under the stars. The musicians will perform here also everyday in the evenings hours only to provide the romantic setting for dinner in the glitter of the night.

R KESAVA MALLIA  in Udaipur