Bollywood and folk music is getting close to each other: Rajasthani folk singer Mame Khan

Rajasthani folk singer Mame Khan has released his new album, `A Desert Rose` with six songs that exude his distinct soulful voice. Photo Courtesy: AntiSocial

Rajasthani folk artist Mame Khan has been very busy in the last two years of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is because the Indian playback singer was working on his latest album, ‘A Desert Rose'. The album, he says, is his attempt to not create music for the moment but for a long time to come and a single doesn't do that just yet.

The new album has six songs that are a testament of his soulful voice, that people have seen over the years and it is evident with ‘Rajasthan Express' and ‘Sajde', that has already been released from it among others. If you haven't come across it just yet, then you are definitely in for a treat whether or not you like folk music. It would be ideal to remind you of music created by him that include ‘Baware' from ‘Luck By Chance', ‘Aitbaar' from ‘No One Killed Jessica' and most recently ‘Nakhralo' from Dasvi. In one of six songs called ‘Saawan', Khan has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry including Taufiq Qureshi and Gino Banks, among others; it is an experience that he is definitely going to cherish in the years to come.

Interestingly, amid the work on the album, Khan also achieved one more feat for himself and the country. Earlier this year, he became the first Indian folk artist to walk the red carpet at Cannes 2022. On a ramp that was ruled by suits and gowns, the Rajasthani singer donned his traditional attire and showcased the rich cultural heritage of India with a pride and head held high.

Mid-day Online spoke to Khan, when he was recently in the city to launch his new album and perform at antiSocial, where he says the audience was a colourful mix that listens to folk music. The Rajasthani folk singer dwells on what inspired him to create the new album, the feeling of walking down the red carpet at Cannes, and the growing acceptance of folk music in Bollywood.

You have released your latest album ‘A Desert Rose' after almost five years, interspersed with singles. What inspired you to create this album and subsequently name it ‘A Desert Rose'?

Actually, the work for these six songs started during the pandemic. Ever since I worked on the tracks, I feel an album creates a momentum in an artist's career and it also appreciates my audience and fans in a different way. It is rather easy to release and produce a single song, but the effort we have put in this album is of a different level. I do want to create music not for the moment but for a long time and I feel that an album is just the right format for the same. The title, ‘A Desert Rose' is unique and beautiful and I hope that my audience will feel the same about my album.

What is your most memorable experience while creating this album?
The response of all my collaborating artists. I have featured a lot of great musicians from across the music fraternity. I was humbled by the support and willingness to collaborate.

What makes this album unique?
I feel each of the six songs is very different from each other. Also, the fact that we did not only produce six songs but also six music videos make this a unique venture and I hope my audience will love it.

Why did you decide to collaborate with the famed members of the music industry like Purbayan Chatterjee, Taufiq Qureshi, Gino Banks, Sheldon D'Silva, Ojas Adhiya, Dilshad Khan, Amar Sangam and Nihal Kamboj for your song ‘Saawan'? What was the experience like?
I have worked with all these artists during some or the other event and I felt that it is high time to summarise this amount of talent in one song. The beauty of folk music is that it is very adaptable and welcoming of any genre to collaborate. We truly created a musical storm with our title song ‘Saawan'.

You have been a part of many musical collaborations in Bollywood. Have you seen a change in the perception of folk music since you first started working with the industry?
Bollywood and folk used to be to different worlds but I can see that each genre is getting close to each other and that lots of exchange and inspiration is happening. In fact, when Indians folk music was a niche genre 10 years back, I would say several songs have made it into the mainstream today.

What advice would you give to young aspirants in the field?
Be true to your roots, first learn as much as you can about folk music before you venture into fusion styles.

Did the Covid-19 pandemic influence your music in any way?
We all had our ups and downs during the pandemic. I was very fortunate that I could do lots of crowdfunding and fundraisers thanks to technology and was able to support our musical community in one or the other way. Surely, the pandemic has taught us all a lesson and the things I learned and experienced are material for another interview on its own.

Earlier this year, you became the first Indian folk singer to walk the Cannes red carpet. What was the experience like and what role do you think your appearance presents for folk music in India?
I felt amazing. It was a great honour to represent India and our folk community on the red carpet. I feel this appearance has left a big impact in terms of positive motivation.

Your attire is always very vibrant. Is it an extension of your folk music roots and is that something you feel is necessary to highlight as a part of the tradition?
My attire is my very personal choice just the way I feel. I got lots of love and appreciation for the same. But clothing and fashion choices are very personal and I would not say that there is any necessity to present a certain style. It is important to be yourself, love yourself unconditionally in whatever clothes you wear.

Last but not the least, now that your album is out, are you simultaneously working on your music for the future?
Yes! That is a sure thing. But I would also like to promote this album now as the feedback I am getting is so positive.

Also Read: Meet Taba Chake and Anoushka Maskey: Northeast India's next gen of music stars