Now, I am not a person who is hooked on to the "idiot box". In fact, at the accommodation I share with a colleague we have opted not to buy one. And when I do get to watch it over the weekends, I usually settle for a movie channel or a sports channel. I simply can't stand the "masala" news channels and the daily soaps or reality and talent hunt shows which are always on air on the premier channels. There is only one talent hunt show that's an exception - SaReGaMaPa Little Champs on Zee Marathi. I try my best every Sunday not to miss the repeat telecast of their two weekly episodes, and when that's not possible there's You Tube!
Concept-wise there is nothing different in this show from its counterparts on the other channel or even the Hindi version of the same show. What's different is the presentation and the approach. First, there is no exaggeration unlike the Hindi version, which is full of exaggeration. This gives the show a feel of real "reality" unlike the Hindi version which is all theatrics! Second, the focus is on showcasing the genuine talent of the contestants. Third, the complete setup is very down-to-earth, very Maharashtrian. The kids are treated the way they would be in a typical Maharashtrian household. This - I feel - allows them to ease into every performance, which they would otherwise not be able to do. All this makes the show absolutely enjoyable - at least for me.
Another important factor behind following the show is that it showcases Marathi songs. These kids present all sorts of songs from contemporary (but unheard) to old (and at times unknown or forgotten), from bhaktigeet to lavni, from classical/semi-classical to rock. There are so many songs which I have heard for the first time from one of these kids and then scampered desperately to add them in my collection. Music is an integral part of my daily routine - in the form of my iPoD or iTunes on my Laptop, and I am happy that the share of Marathi music has grown considerably after I started following the show.
These kids play a very important role when it comes to liking the songs. They sing with such prowess that mesmerises you and makes you think, "where would I have been, had I been able to sing like that?". And then you are curious that if the song sung by a kid seemed so wonderful, how would it feel in the original singer's voice. That's what usually leads to the scamper for addition of these song in the collection. And this is the sort of thing that helps me pull through the routine life of weekdays - a very effective stress buster.
All in all, a very good platform to showcase genuine talent. May it finish with a flourish!!!
3 comments:
What the show has given to all marathi music lovers is beyond words.
My husband, who has never listened marathi songs now checks youtube for his favorites. :)
I agree! Till abt 2 yrs ago, there were hardly any marathi songs in my mp3 player. Now thanks to Saregamapa, I have a big collection of old and new marathi songs.
yup...SaReGaMaPa is the only show worth watching these days...and not just the lil champs version...if u r on youtube, listen to older competitors too,...even with them this show has maintained the down-to-earth appeal...you will find jewels like "pahuni pyaarbhari muskaan..." !!!
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