Rekha Bharadwaj, performing at the Rajasthan International Folk Festival, says all music is born out of folk

When you have Vishal Bharadwaj for a husband, you are sure to garner much publicity. But Rekha Bharadwaj has carved a place of her own so credibly–the singer’s talent is celebrated across genres. But Bollywood and classical music apart, this time around she is part of the Rajasthan International Folk Festival at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, which starts today and will go on till October 5.

“Initially, everyone thought I was in the industry because of my husband and most people refused to give me work. But Namak ishq ka from Omkara was a huge turning point,” she says, after which she was flooded with offers.

At the festival, Bharadwaj will be performing alongside the minstrels of Langa and Mangania communities who will showcase the traditional music of Rajasthan, European gypsy music, flamenco and urban folk music. “I will be collaborating with the Maand musicians of Rajasthan, Bhanwari Devi and Rehana Mirza—all stalwarts in folk music. It is an honour for me to be invited by these people to sing alongside them.”

Besides, Bharadwaj will also be singing a thumri and a couple of Sufi songs at the concert. “I plan to sing the Sufi number Teri raza, Tere ishq main and the other songs I will decide once I am there,” she confidently says.

Bharadwaj is all praises for the festival that is trying to revive dying folk musical genres of the state and will promote the traditional music of the European gypsies, who are said to have migrated from Rajasthan at least 1,000 years ago. The singer, who will be performing on the evening of October 2, wishes this festival could provide local talent the much needed support and encouragement. “I am not aware of any other festival in the country that promotes folk music on such a large scale. With people busy with their lives and professions, folk music has taken a backseat,” she feels.

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