In a world of vulgarity and over-the-top sexualisation of songs, it is not easy for a young wannabe singer to annoy the music directors by turning down their offer to sing titillating numbers. But renowned Bhojpuri singer, Devi from Chhapra in Bihar, has done exactly that – refusing many offers from the Bhojpuri music industry even as a newcomer – as they did not suit her palette. A spate of rejections followed, enough to unnerve a twenty-something Devi, but she never changed her mind when it came to her values.
And then Poorva Bayaar Bahey, her first album was launched, in 2003. It became a big hit. Thereafter, there was no looking back for her. Devi became a household name in Bihar and U.P.
Today, Devi has carved a niche for herself in the Poorvanchal belt, her earthy and high-octane voice is an exhortation to every micro-millimetre of your adrenaline gland. She is part of many a show, especially in Eastern U.P and Bihar and her non-stop rendition of Bhojpuri, Maithili and Magahi songs has her admirers gasping and screaming for more.
Far from the madding crowd
But Devi seems to be unruffled by her fan following, instead preferring her calm and peaceful life at Tapovan in Rishikesh, far away from the maddening crowd. When this writer first met her, she was sitting on a wooden bench in front of a shop, basking in the warm winter sun, cradling her six months old nephew. She ambled towards me –as she recognised me– with a sunny, broad smile that swiftly disarmed. Together we walked to her house, into her big, aesthetically done-up living room with taanpura, computer and other musical instruments.
The ashram, she points out, promotes love and freedom and there is no guru here to impose his ideas.
“Everyone is free to follow his/her heart’s calling – be it yoga, drama, meditation, music or painting.”
Devi lives with her siblings in this sunlit home which provides a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Her sister Neeti and her husband from Belarus, teach music. Students also learn tabla, sitar and harmonium. Her brother, Raj, plays the sitar. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the family organises concerts that are attended by many expats and visitors to Rishikesh. In addition, they organise sound healing programs, mantra chanting, and meditation.
For girls from small towns who want to make it big, the journey is not easy. For Devi too, her journey has not been not a bed of roses. She had to face rejections, taunts, criticism, and false cases. “Had it not been for my father, I would not be where I am today,” she says, her voice filled with gratitude. Throughout her journey, her father, a retired professor of Philosophy in a Chhapra college, has stood behind her like a rock. He recognised her interest in music when she was only five. “I used to hum songs and remember the lyrics easily even as a little child,” she says.
“My father allowed me to study music, arranged teachers and supported me all through, so that I could fulfil my aspiration.”
When the Bhojpuri music industry pooh poohed her, for her refusal to sing raunchy numbers, and forbade her entry into the world of music, her father stood by her like a rock, cheered her, and encouraged her. “So supportive is he of me that when I wanted to have a baby through assisted reproductive technology in Denmark, he did not blink an eye lid and gave me his full support,” she says.
For the uninitiated, Denmark has a booming sperm industry because of its liberal legislation on fertility treatment, so it has become an attractive destination, especially for single women from other countries who want to become mother.
Devi is in a happy space today. Her calendar is full as she travels to different cities for her shows. She lives by her values of not compromising on the quality of songs. “Young girls who aspire to get into the music world should educate themselves and be aware of their rights,” she warns. Most importantly, they should be true to their art and not compromise at any cost.
“Vulgarity in the name of music is patently wrong because music is divine,” she says as she signs off.
