Meaning, significance and purpose of this Indian pop music form
This is a genre of pop music and poetry in India which dates back to over 80 years ago. It translates to songs of emotions, wherein bhav means emotions and geet equates to song. Unlike Ghazals, it is not bound by the poetic metres. This music covers various feelings of love, things that are abstract in nature and deep sentimental theories as well. It is well recognized in the south Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka and is often identified by various names in different parts of the country. This form of music is sung to denote and express feelings of happiness, affection majorly and other feelings such as sadness and aggression. In Hinduism, it is received by devotees as a music form where one can lose themselves in the music and enjoy the positively overwhelming pace of Bhavgeet.
Origins
Maharashtra is a rich state when it comes to producing artistic content, even music forms such as Lavani and Bhavgeet is just another addition to the list. It is a mixture of poetry and music in a way that the writer, singer or composer can improvise on the spot too. Gajananrao Watwe is the man who initiated the creation of Bhavgeet music in India. Regional genres of music are always believed to instantly appeal to the masses and can be connected to easily as it has a local origin.
Composition
Contrary to a lot of other genres and kinds, this mainly focuses on the words or lyrics, even more so than the musical sounds. It emphazises on expressing through the power of words. It is not written as couplets either like various other music forms. In Bhavgeet, the singers hang on and emphasise on every single word while delivering the performance. It is a melting pot of poetic lyrics, rhythm and melody.
There are many popular Marathi Bhavgeet by various artists such as Hee Waat Door Jate by Asha Bhosle; Mawalatya Dinakara, Tinhi Sanja SakheF Milalaya by Lata Mangeshkar; Shukratara, Swargangechya Kathavarti, Bhatukalichya Khelamadhali by Arun Date; Rimjhim Jharati Shravan Dhara, Omkar Pradhan Roop Ganeshache by Suman Kalyanpur.
Regional Importance
Although Bhavgeet was introduced within the boundaries of the Indian state of Maharashtra, many Karnataka singers too had created melodies adding to the richness of this music form. Kuvempu, one of the leading names in the Karnataka Bhavgeet industry came up with pieces like Anandamaya ee jagahrudaya and Oh nanna chetana. Rayaru bandaru mavana manege, Deepavu ninnade gaaliyu ninnade by K. S. Narasimhaswamy and Ee dinantha samayadali by K. S. Nissar Ahmed are a couple of well written musicals in the industry.
National Influence
The NCPA – National Centre for the Performing Arts of India celebrates this music form immensely. What was once orchestrated in the 30s on simple instruments like gramophones is to be recreated by renowned musicians and singers of current times such as Anuradha Marathe, Dhanajay Mhaskar, Suresh Wadkar, Arun Date and Saee Tembhekar.
Well Known Practitioners
Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle are well known music composers who produce Bhavgeet music. Swaranand Pratishthan too is a senior musician of this genre known for his fine performances and talents. Sudhir Phadke and Shanta Shelke are few other prominent names who set a benchmark for this music genre by being an epitome of quality and authenticity. On behalf of Gajananrao Watwe, the man behind this beautiful, soothing music, an award by the same name was established to congratulate singers following and expanding the legacy of this music form.
