Badri Badariyaan from Coke Studio- Romance in the Rain

Music and rain have been  most of the time threaded into a beautiful, romantic relationship in Indian cinema. What can be a better time of the season to talk about such songs when monsoon is on the threshold? The theme of rain and romance on screen have en-captured the heart of audience across cultures. Particularly talking about  Hindi cinema, it  has always successfully recreated the beauty of the rain in its powerful lyrics. But why only cinemas, such hit and beautiful songs have been part of various independent albums and songs. So personally for me when it comes to music and lyrics associated with rain my mind goes back to the song Badri Badariyan by Amit Trivedi from season 2 of Coke Studio.

Coke Studio India is a musical program which features fusion of different styles of music from classical, folk to contemporary, hip- hop, etc. This particular song (mentioned above) is an example of such a fusion and every time I hear this song, my heart is overwhelmed with the beautiful creation of Trivedi. The song is composed by Trivedi himself, sung by Mame Khan and Mili Nair and the lyrics have been written by Kausar Munir. Mili Nair is an Indian singer who sings in various Indian language and Mame Khan is a Rajasthani folk singer. Badri Badariya is a song describing romance in the rain. The song is intensified not only with powerful voice of the singers but also with the lyrics that have been used in Hindi and Marvari language to hold on to the emotion towards the Rajasthani folk culture. The song becomes more effective and touches one’s heart easily also because of the instruments that have been used so exquisitely. Matka has been beautifully used in the beginning to give a rustic touch and to create the effect of the sound of the water which helps in setting the context of the song . Instruments like guitar and drums are soulfully played to bring in the touch romance. Along with these, is the sound of esraj, played by Arshad Khan, which gracefully pitches into the romantic music, giving the love song a folk outline. Though a romantic number, but the song is capable to energize you because of the strong beats in the music. Also the contrasting voice of the singers, Mili Nair with her polished voice and on the other hand Mame Khan’s voice with the typical folk texture in it make the song an unforgettable number.

The song describes the freshness that rain brings to the landscape and Trivedi has elegantly molded that freshness in his song.It is a beautiful fusion which rejuvenates the listener’s mind and transports one to a different world of rain and romance.