Yet some more Mehndi Designs

My top 5 favourite Lavani tracks of all time

( Image courtesy: Marathi-songs.com)

Lavani is a combination of traditional song and dance, which particularly performed to the beats of Dholak, a percussion instrument. Lavani is noted for its powerful rhythm and erotic sentiment. [source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavani]


Here is one more link to read more about Lavani dancers: http://www.indianmirror.com/dance/lavani.html


Being a staunch Mumbaikar, I have been strongly attracted to the beats of the Lavani songs for as long as I can remember and today I'm sharing my most favourite Lavani tracks of all time :) Oh and I have to admit - the best part of the Lavani is most definitely the dholak beats that resonate in the beginning of each song :) :) :) 

Numero Uno! - Apsara Aali from Natarang. If there were anything such as the heaven of Lavani music - I think this one would be right there. Listen to it, and you'll agree! The raaga it has been composed in, and the lyrics - together make this a beautiful melody like none other! Each time I listen to it, it gives me the goosebumps - especially as Apsara Aali is sung in chorus!

Next - no surprise that the next one on my list is Vazale ke bara from Natarang again! This is yet another catchy Lavani track and so deserves to be on my list!

From the black and white era, this one is Reshmachya Reghani from the movie Maratha Tituka Melavava which was released in the year 1964. Fun and flirty, this is one Lavani I can listen to any time!

Jaalimandi Pikali Karavandh - from the movie Pudhcha Paool, yet again from the era gone by. As melodious as this song is - believe me, it is tough to sing! I had learned it and performed on stage once but it was quite a task. The twists and turns of melody in each line is something only an accomplished singer like Smt Manik Verma could beautifully execute!

And finally - Disla ga bai Disla from the movie Pinjara ! I was wondering which one would complete this list and then I remembered this song. Catchy beats make this one a memorable track!


Have you heard Lavanis and do you like any? Leave me a comment! :)

Do my cheeks look like Ra.One's Shah Rukh Khan? :O

Mesmerized and admiring a very airbrushed photograph of Shah Rukh Khan in a magazine cover of Ra.One, Samarth's conversation with me goes like this:

Samarth: Amma, do your cheeks match Shah Rukh Khan's?

Me: No, how can it. Shah Rukh Khan is a man.

Samarth: No your cheeks are dry and Shah Rukh Khan's cheeks are very smooth. 

Me: Huh !! Ok, whatever :O

GRRRRRR.... The last thing I want is my cheeks to be compared to Shah Rukh Khan's airbrushed image and that too of Ra.One which I totally detest. Okay my bollywood-attracted, star struck 5 year old son, I'm definitely not headed to moisturize my cheeks on this very dry winter morning !