A Tribute to Lata Mangeshkar on Her Birth Anniversary
The album, which also features the all-female Firdaus Orchestra, comprises renditions of Mangeshkar’s iconic songs such as
“Piya Tose”, “Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha”, “Kuhu Kuhu Bole Koyaliya”,
“Bekas Pe Karam” and “O Sajna”
Khatija Rahman has released her debut album, Kuhu Kuhu, as a tribute to the late music luminary Lata Mangeshkar on her birth anniversary.
The five-song album is an excellent showcase of Khatija’s mellifluous vocals, and includes renditions of Mangeshkar’s iconic songs such as “Piya Tose Naina Laage Re”, “Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha”, “Kuhu Kuhu Bole Koyaliya”, “Bekas Pe Karam” and “O Sajna”. While making ‘Kuhu Kuhu’, the musician was guided by the intention to honour the talent, genius and art of all involved in creating these musical gems. Through this release, Khatija also tips her humble hat to the original, legendary composers and arrangers as well as the esteemed lyricists of these classic songs — SD Burman, Madan Mohan, Adi Narayana Rao, Naushad, Salil Chowdhury, Shailendra, Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, Bharat Vyas and Shakeel Badayuni.
Kuhu Kuhu, released with SaReGaMa, is crafted as a celebratory salutation to Lata Mangeshkar and her legacy of timeless music. Maintaining the songs’ original essence, this all-acoustic album also features the remarkable Firdaus Orchestra, an initiative of Expo City Dubai, an all-female ensemble mentored by composer A.R. Rahman and supported by UAE Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO, Expo City Dubai Authority.
About ‘Kuhu Kuhu’, musician Khatija Rahman says,
“I began learning music in my teenage years. I had always marvelled at Lata Mangeshkar ji’s artistry, but when my teacher introduced me to ‘Mughal-E-Azam’ and other songs was when I started to actually sing and record myself performing her songs. Since then, I’ve had a beautiful journey with Lata ji’s music and I’ve enjoyed my moments of exploring her catalogue. ‘Kuhu Kuhu’ is my tribute to Lata ji and a way of paying my respects to a musician who changed the world as we know it. Her positive message to me following my first single is what inspired this album.”
The music video for “Piya Tose” is particularly special as it presents a visual emblem for global representation and collaboration. It features Khatija with the magnificent Firdaus Orchestra, comprising 54 women instrumentalists from 26 nationalities. The music video was filmed at the U.A.E. Pavilion, Expo City, Dubai. These visuals were important to Khatija who believes in the power of borderless creative synergies — not just behind the scenes but also on the screen and across stages. Together, Khatija presents Kuhu Kuhu as a tribute to one of the greatest female musicians of all time, Lata Mangeshkar.
