Chandini is emblematic of what the country stands for
By Neeraj Manchanda
ZUGE Salutes The Real India
Chandini is emblematic of what the country stands for
In the villages in and around Chikkaballapura district, north of Bengaluru, a unique figure stands out during local socio-religious-cultural events. When there’s a need for Janapada (folk songs), Bhaktigeete (devotional songs), or Bhavageethe (emotional songs connected to a personality or some event), people turn to Chandini, a 47-year-old artiste and a hard-nosed businesswoman. Chandini, despite being a Muslim, is renowned for her Hari Katha performances—a traditional Hindu religious discourse. Her performances typically explore religious themes, delving into the lives of saints or stories from Indian epics.
You’ll often see Chandini with a garland of Kanakambara flowers (also called tropical flame or firecracker flowers) in her hair, mesmerizing audiences with her voice. (Chikkaballapura is also the biggest producer of these flowers). She’s a well-known and beloved personality in the region, confidently performing Hari Katha across the villages in the district. This blend of cultural and religious diversity is a testament to India’s rich tapestry. Hari Katha combines storytelling, poetry, music, drama, dance, and philosophy. Chandini delivers these elements with the ease of a seasoned veteran. For over 25 years, she has graced various venues, including temples, with most of her performances paying homage to Hindu gods.
Chandini began singing from an early age and continued to perform unrelentingly, even letting go of her husband to pursue the music she always loved. Music always gave her solace, giving her purpose and lifting her spirits. Her close family too has had to reckon with her deep love for the brand of music, with her daughter-in-law even dragging her to the courts over her life’s choices. (The court then asked the complainant to ‘live and let live’).
By day, she runs a shop selling oils and lubricants. By night, she transforms into a performer who has a rockstar status in nearby villages. She had already spent two sleepless nights when ZUGE Electric’s team met her, with her face clearly showing signs of a lack of sleep. Her popularity is evident from the 10-15 events she is invited to each week. She and her team of five musicians are constantly busy, charging INR 1,700-1,800 per event.
And there’s more—Chandini has been a proud member of the ZUGE Electric family for over 1.5 years, serving as an EV ranger. Her story is not just about her musical journey but also about embracing new technologies and roles, embodying the spirit of modern India.
#ZUGE #EV #HariKatha #Karnataka #Chikkaballapura #Janapada #Bhavageete #Bhaktigeete
(Neeraj Manchanda is the founder of ZUGE Electric, India’s first multi-brand retailer in the MetaVerse)