Charkha by Javed Bashir

‘Charkha’ is a sufi song which has been sung by a lot of singers over the years and we’ve discussed about the song in the version sung by the sufi maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Here we are talking about the version which has been rendered by the Pakistani Sufi singer Javed Bashir. Javed Bashir came grab the attention of Indian audience with the 2012 bollywood song ‘Piya Tu Kahe Rootha Re’ from the movie Kahani and ‘Tera Naam Japdi Firan’ from Cocktail. He has also sung beautiful numbers like ‘O Rangrez’ from the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, which shows that he is a master of classical music also. He is educated in Hindustani Classical music which is apparent in his singing. The song ‘Charkha’ which we are discussing here was performed by Javed Bashir in Coke Studio season-7 (Year 2014). This version is one of my favorites. It just compels you to tap your feet with the beats of the instruments in perfect sync of his magical voice. 

Kesariya balam : A Rajasthani folk song by various singers

"Kesariya Balam", the Rajasthani folk song doesn't need any introduction. The song is sung in Maand singing style. If you just think of a song that may represent Rajasthani folk music, "Kesariya Balam" comes to the mind unpremeditatedly. When you listen to the song within a flash of second you move to the beautiful imagery of deserts of Rajasthan and its folk singers with colorful turbans on their head and Khartals in hand. This song is widely sung by various music artists across Rajasthan and many legends like Mehdi Hassan and Vishwa Mohan Bhatta has presented this song also. The song has been featured in some bollywood films also. Here are some popular plus folk versions of this song:


From the movie Dor sung by Karsan Sagathia,  A beautiful rendition of this song. Perfect folk voice and perfect instruments arrangement. 

Swaroop khan, a original folk singer presents the song in his exclusive folk textured voice on the platform of an Indian talent hunt music show Indian Idol. 

Presented by by the king of ghazals, Mehdi Hassan, a different experience to listen this song in his voice which makes everything enchanting to listen. 

From the movie Lekin, in the voice of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, though the lyrics have been changed a bit by Gulzar. Another masterpiece of this song.

A live performance of the song by the music maestro Vishwa Mohan Bhatta.

And here comes the most authentic folk version of this song sung by the original folk singers of Rajasthan with all their raw folk voice and conventional folk instruments. I bet you would just love it.