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Malini Awasthi

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Malini Awasthi
Background information
Born (1967-02-11) 11 February 1967 (age 57)
Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, India
OriginLucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
GenresIndian folk music
Occupation(s)Folk Singer
Years active31 years

Malini Awasthi (born 11 February 1967) is an Indian singer, more commonly referred to as Folk Queen of India.[1][2] Having been trained classically, she is equally adept in various forms of Hindustani music like vintage Dadra Thumri Kajri Chaiti[3] [4] etc. Her colossal knowledge of music finds a reflection in her renditions of Ghazals and Sufiyaana Kalaams too.[5][6] A Ganda-baandh disciple of Padma Vibhushan Vidushi Girija Devi [7], she is a connoisseur of 'Chaumukhi gayan' of Benares Gharana. She commands equally over multiple dialects like Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Bundeli, Braj [2].

Acknowledging her decades long service to music of the land, Government of India awarded her the civilian honour of the Padma Shri in 2016.[8] She is currently a visiting Professor at Centre for Media Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University [9]

Early life & Background

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Malini Awasthi was born in the city of perfumes, Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh into a family of doctors. She was the youngest amongst the trinity that the couple were parents to. Her father Dr. P.N. Awasthi, was fond of classical music and her mother Mrs. Nirmala Awasthi, deeply cherished the Purab Ang Gayaki and Bhajans. This blend reflects in the mellifluous singing of the singer today .[4] She was innitiated into music at a tender age of 5 , on the insistence of her melophile mother. Neither her family nor she herself had an idea that this innitiation will eventually add an important facet of folk music into cultural landscape of the country .[8] The picture of the puzzle got better when she cleared her exams of Prayag Sangeet Samiti years before she was expected to [10].This can be figured out by one such incidents where as per the singer, she slept during an exam as she was tired because she used to stand and write her exams, as benches were taller than her existence. Along with her academic training from Mount Carmel College she received her formal tutelage from renowned Ustad Rahat Ali Khan. She went on to do her Postgraduation in Hindustani classical music from Bhatkhande University, Lucknow.[11][12] and a Postgraduation in Modern History with specialization in Medieval and modern Indian architecture, from University of Lucknow simultaneously. She was conferred with a gold medal in both of her Masters degrees. She is a Ganda bandh student of Legendary Hindustani Classical Singer, Padma Vibhushan Vidushi Girija Devi of Banaras Gharana. This was the only satisfaction that her mother, a cancer patient could see happening before she left . She is married to senior IAS officer Awanish Kumar Awasthi (UP:1987) who retired as Principal Secretary to Government of Uttar Pradesh. Currently her spouse is an advisor to Honorable Chief Minister of U.P. They have a son Adwitiya and a daughter Ananya.[13]

Career

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Malini Awasthi started as an artist for Akashvani (radio broadcaster) at a very young age and went on to contribute immensely towards it in varying age and capacity . She is an 'A' grade artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan, Lucknow.[14] Contrary to the popular notion this 'A' grade accreditation is for Ghazals and not for folk. She was an ICCR approved artist [6]and a performing artist prior to her marriage.

By the time she started training under her Guru Thumri Queen Girija Devi she was already a popular artist . Through her Guru she learnt Purab Ang Gayaki, of which she is an acclaimed face today.[15] She ventured into various reality shows like Antakshari Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lux Junoon [16]where she made an impressive mark and her talent was recognized worldwide.

In one such instances, Malini talks about her interaction with Legendary Singer Jagjit Singh who was a judge of then Sa Re Ga Ma PA alongside Mehdi Hassan Farida Khanum Runa Laila, was amazed by the knowledge that the singer had of the Hindustani Music . He famously remarked, "Malini, you don't know what you have, very few have the knowledge that you have !"

But the transferable nature of the jobs of both her father and her husband helped her connect better with the roots. Much like her name, she was always inclined towards spewing the fragrance of the soil that she comes from. Her efforts at preserving the folk songs, bringing it back into the popular culture bore fruits and her songs like Railiya Bairan and Saiyan Mile Larkaiyan became a cult .[17] Today Malini is synonymous with Folk and her fans are spread everywhere like the air is around the earth.

She is a regular performer at popular classical music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau.[18] Rekhta (website)

She judged the Bhojpuri - Musical Reality Show "Sur Sangram" .

She ventured as a payback singer into many films:-

Mann Ki Asha (Bumm Bumm Bole) Teri Katili Nigahon Ne Mara( Jaanisaar) Tumko Ane Mien Tumko Bulane Mien (Jaanisaar) Yeh Jivan Hai ( Soundtrack (film)) , Super hit track Dil Mera Muft Ka (Remix) ( Agent Vinod (2012 film) ), "Sunder Susheel" in the 2015 film Dum Laga Ke Haisha which had music by Anu Malik , Jiggi Jiggi ( Lipstick Under My Burkha) her critically acclaimed song Heer (Durgamati ) Missed call (Joram (film)) , recent Chakka Jaam ( Bhaiyya Ji ) and many more.

Apart for singing on stage and lending her voice to the films, Awasthi lends her voice to preserve culture and help Government promote well being . Malini has sung the popular title song of the Kisan channel that was launched by Honorable Prime Minister of India . On the occasion of inauguration of Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Ayodhya, she was invited to lend her voice for Ram Naam Kirtan while statue of Ramlalla was being unveiled .[19][20]

Malini performed and represented India in an event of ABU TV in 2023 that was held in Seoul, South Korea.[21] She enthralled the audiences and made a mark in their hearts.

Academic Honors
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  • Honorary Dlit from Sampoornanand Sanskrit University , Banaras[22]
  • Centenary Chair Professor for the Bharat Adhyan Kendra at the Banaras Hindu University[23]
  • Visiting Professor at Center of Media Studies Jawaharlal Nehru University[9]

Social Causes And Social Welfare -

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Apart from being a terrific singer Malini expresses herself as a person devoted to social causes and an aware citizen. She has worked with Vidya Niwas Mishra to develop her understanding and to work for proliferation of the regional languages.

She is an excellent orator, being called on varied national and international platforms to render her views and opinions on topics of importance.[24][25] She has collaborated with TEDXHYDERABAD[26] TEDXSRMUWOMEN[27] TEDXNIFTJODHPUR[28] to speak and present her insights on topics concerning society.

She being an expert in the field of music especially folk music Purab Ang Gayaki, gave workshops on Kajri at various places across Uttar Pradesh [29][30]and on Purab Ang Gayaki at the prestigious ITC Sangeet Research Academy , [31]Kolkata, where her Guru took her last breath . (2024)

Malini had been appointed as an ambassador of Election Commission of India for three terms .[32] She had been appointed as a Member of expert committee on folk music by Sangeet Natak Academy. She has also been appointed as a member for the sub Commission on culture under the Indian Commission for cooperation with UNESCO.[33]

She has founded an organization called SONCHIRAIYA for promotion and proliferation of Folk[34]. It has been giving platforms to many artists belonging from different regions for past 10 years. The Lucknow based NGO which started with Vidushi Girija Devi as its Chairperson, has conceptualized varied critically acclaimed shows and workshops under the able guidance of the founder Mrs.Awasthi. Muktigatha [35] and Deshaj[36] being the top favorites .

Cultural Performances

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National

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  • Saptak, Ahmedabad 2024
  • Sahitya Aajtak , Lucknow 2024
  • Sankatmochan Sangeet Samaroh , Banaras 2024
  • Cultural Kaarva'n Patna 2024
  • Bandish by NCPA 2024
  • Pranati Bhopal 2024
  • Malhar Mahotsav Gorakhpur 2024
  • Jashn-e-Adab, Patna 2024
  • Thumri-Festival and Rag-rang-Festival, Taj-Mahotsav, Ganga- Mahotsav, Lucknow-Festival, Budh-Mahotsav, Ramayan-Mela, Kajri-Mela, Kabir-Utsav etc. in Uttar Pradesh.
  • Shruti-Mandal-Samaroh, Kumbhal-Gardh-Festival, Teej- Festival-Jaipur in Rajasthan.
  • Surajkund-Craft-Mela and Heritage-Festival-Pinjore in Punjab and Hayana.

International

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  • Queen Elizabeth Hall , London 2024
  • Rhythms of India , Jazz at Lincoln Center, USA 2024
  • Ashavari Festival, San Francisco , 2024
  • India By The Creek, Dubai, 2024
  • Pravasi Diwas at Trinidad, 2017[37]
  • Festival of India in Mauritius, 2015[38] 2024
  • ICCR 40th, Anniversary celebration in Fiji, 2011[39]
  • Independence Day celebration Houston, USA, 2004
  • Cultural Performance in Pakistan; 2007[40]
  • Cultural Performance in South Bank center, London, 2011[41]
  • Indian festival celebration in Netherlands: 2002, 2003, 2015 and 2016 [42], 2024
  • Vishwa Bhojpuri Sammelan, Mauritius; 2000, 2004, 2016
  • Cultural Concert in Philadelphia and Los Angeles; 2016

Filmography

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Television-

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Title Track -Yashomati Maiyaa Ke Nandlala[43]

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Padma Shri Award to Smt Malini Awasthi, at a Civil Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on March 28, 2016

Awards

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "'Save the dying folk Music of India' – Malini Awasthi – OFFDHOOK". Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b DHNS. "The Queen of folk". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  3. ^ "Body Text Thumri, Kajri mark final day of music festival". The Times of India. 11 September 2011. Archived from the original on 27 September 2012.
  4. ^ a b "Malini Awasthi wins hearts with folk, thumri renditions". The Times of India. 2 November 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  5. ^ "Chandigarh Art and Heritage Festival: Malini Awasthi aims to bring back fragrance of folk music to people". The Indian Express. 9 September 2017. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Malini Awasthi - Mahindra Kabira Festival". https://mahindrakabira.com/. 17 September 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2024. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  7. ^ "India By The Creek". indiabythecreek.com. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  8. ^ a b "Padma Awards 2016". Press Information Bureau, Government of India. 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  9. ^ a b "malini awasthi jnu - Google Search". www.google.com. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  10. ^ "Alumni – Prayag Sangeet Samiti". Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  11. ^ Mohita Tewari (3 November 2020). "Malini Awasthi to collect gold medal from Lucknow University after 33 yrs | Lucknow News – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  12. ^ "Low at Bhatkhande". The Times of India. 9 September 2009. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012.
  13. ^ "Malini Awasthi slow interview". Gaon Connection.
  14. ^ "Malini Awasthi | The Slow Interview With Neelesh Misra Neelesh Misra – Official Website | Audio Storyteller | Bollywood Lyricist | Journalist | Radio Big FM | Yaadon Ka Idiotbox". 7 June 2020. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  15. ^ "Vidushi Malini Awasthi – ITC Sangeet Research Academy". Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  16. ^ ":: Welcome to Taj Mahotsav ::". www.tajmahotsav.org. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  17. ^ Devika, V. R. (20 June 2019). "Malini Awasthi: The folk singer who rocks". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  18. ^ Tripathi, Shailaja (25 February 2010). "Hues of Hori". The Hindu. Chennai, India.
  19. ^ "There was beauty, peace & tranquility in the atmosphere in Ayodhya: Malini Awasthi". The Times of India. 29 January 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  20. ^ Online |, E. T. (22 January 2024). "Ayodhya: Anuradha Paudwal, Hariharan, Malini Awasthi get emotional at Ram Mandir Consecration". The Economic Times. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  21. ^ Granger, Anthony (22 October 2023). "🇮🇳 India: Malini Awasthi to Perform "Sohar Geet" at the ABU TV Song Festival 2023". Eurovoix World. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  22. ^ "संपूर्णानंद संस्कृत विश्वविद्यालय दीक्षा समारोह में लोक गायिका पद्मश्री मालिनी अवस्थी को देगा डीलिट की मानद उपाधि - Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya will give honorary degree of Delit to folk singer Padmashree Malini Awasthi at initiation ceremony". Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  23. ^ "Teaching staff". Banaras Hindu University. Archived from the original on 22 February 2020.
  24. ^ "'Indelible Mark': Singer Malini Awasthi On Role Of Varanasi Women In Nation-Building | TOI Original - Times of India Videos". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  25. ^ Post, Garhwal (16 July 2022). "Urgent need to promote and preserve folk art forms: Malini Awasthi | Garhwal Post". Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  26. ^ "Malini Awasthi". TEDxHyderabad. 5 August 2019. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  27. ^ "TEDxSRMUWomen | TED". www.ted.com. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  28. ^ "TEDxNIFT Jodhpur | TED". www.ted.com. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  29. ^ "Bhatkhande workshop ends with kajri chorus". The Times of India. 29 July 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  30. ^ "Kajri Utsav: Students get Malini's guidance". The Times of India. 27 July 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  31. ^ "A two-day workshop facilitated by Vidushi Malini Awasthi: – ITC Sangeet Research Academy". Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  32. ^ "Malini Awasthi urges to cast vote". The Times of India. 21 April 2014. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  33. ^ "Chandigarh Art and Heritage Festival: Malini Awasthi aims to bring back fragrance of folk music to people". The Indian Express. 9 September 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  34. ^ "'Indelible Mark': Singer Malini Awasthi On Role Of Varanasi Women In Nation-Building | TOI Original - Times of India Videos". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  35. ^ "लखनऊ में मुक्तिगाथा कार्यक्रम में बोले सीएम योगी, जिम्मेदारी का ईमानदारी से निर्वहन करें- देश फिर से बन जाएगा सोने की चिरैया - Muktigatha program organized by Son Chiraiya Sanstha in Lucknow sangeet natak Academy". Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  36. ^ "Lucknow News: 'देशज' के मंच पर भारतीय संस्कृतियों का संगम". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  37. ^ "High Commission of India, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago : Events/Photo Gallery".
  38. ^ "Malini Awasthi Enthrals The Audience". Mauritius Times. 21 December 2015.
  39. ^ "Maharana Mewar Foundation 37th Annual Awards Distribution Ceremony – 2019 Manek Chowk, The City Palace, Udaipur on 10th March 2019". www.eternalmewar.in.
  40. ^ "Berlin calling for Malini Awasthi". The New Indian Express. 9 June 2019.
  41. ^ "Mystical moment – please switch off your iPhone". www.telegraph.co.uk. 10 April 2011.
  42. ^ "Sonal Mansingh, Malini Awasthi Amongst the 2018 Akademi Awardees – SheThePeople TV".
  43. ^ "Folk singer Malini Awasthi hails UP government's efforts to promote classical music". ANI News. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  44. ^ "IAS की बीवी ने भोजपुरी को दी पहचान, मिला पद्म श्री अवॉर्ड". Dainik Bhaskar. 28 March 2016.
  45. ^ "Yash Bharti to 13 personalities". 17 January 2006.
  46. ^ "Sangeet Natak Akademi awards for 2018 announced". Business Standard. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  47. ^ "दस वर्ष से अटके अकादमी पुरस्कार घोषित मालिनी अवस्थी समेत पांच को अकादमी रत्न, देखें लिस्ट". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 2 September 2024.
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