Mumbai, 29th July 2024: Legendary pop icon, Daler Mehndi, renowned for his powerful voice and electrifying stage presence, has released his latest single, “Ankhiyan Te Ja Ladiyan”. Daler Mehndi serves as a bridge connecting the rich classical cultural past with today’s generation.
This track marks a groundbreaking collaboration with the doyens of Qawwali singers – Ustad Sher Ali and Ustad Mehr Ali, delivering a foot-tapping, rustic, and robust Bhangra Dhamaal infused with Balochi nuances and the classical Dhamaal with Siraiki singing.
The enchanting melody of “Ankhiyan Te Ja Ladiyan” is brought to life by the legendary voices of Daler Mehndi, Sher Ali, Mehr Ali Khan, and the young virtuoso Ejaz Sher Ali. The song is composed by Daler Mehndi and video has been conceptualised by Taran Mehndi.
Reflecting on the song, Daler Mehndi says, “I have a very strong urge to leave behind a legacy of great words, beautiful music that brings forth the gaiki of the elders. One such duo that impacted me as a young music listener, learner, in my growing years were the Qawwali duo Sher Ali Khan Mehr Ali Khan. When I became Daler Mehndi, my musical career gave me access to the legends I grew up listening to. And those, I once yearned to hear, became friends. It had been my desire to record them. Then one such blessed day, when I composed Ankhiyan Te Ja Ladiyan, I called and asked if they would like to sing. Much to my relief and pleasure they readily agreed and the song came to life. I owe a big thanks to technology, sitting here, having them send their vocals and then putting it all together, it was seeing the dream come to life. My daughter is 10, it is my personal agenda to give her and her generation a flavour of the yester years richness served in a format that they will enjoy. Bhangra takes centre stage in this video of the song that narrates the pangs of the lovelorn. It’s a celebration where the yearning of a lover, the separation, the cupids strike, is danced to with all heart. The Dhamal, features young robust Delhi based bhangra crew Folking Desi infusing energy with the truest form of Bhangra. With a prayer and lots of foot tapping beats, I am pleased to present Akhiyan Te Ja Ladiyan, a dhamal of love”.
Watch the song here:
Ankhiyan Te Ja Ladiyan’s musical tapestry is rich in cultural musicality and poignant rhythm design, stands out with its unique singing style, and its composition. The video is choreographed by Delhi based young 23 old Kunwar Singh of Folking Desi.
Daler Mehndi, known for his unparalleled ability to bridge the gap between past and present, expresses his dream through this composition, collaborating with Qawwali icons Ustad Sher Ali and Ustad Mehr Ali. The vocal tapestry of this song is rich, vibrant, and fresh, offering listeners a unique auditory experience. The energetic dance performances by the creative dancers from Folking Desi beautifully complement the rhythm and energy crafted by Daler Mehndi.
The song is a testament to Daler Mehndi’s vision of blending diverse musical styles and traditions to create something truly extraordinary.