Munish Sood
Mandi: A new devotional song, ‘Kanha Re’, was released on the occasion of Janmashtami, introducing emerging singer Manjula Kanwar through a musical project by music director Deepak Mattu.
The song was released at St. Friends Convent School, Bagla, by Principal Ekta. According to Mattu, the track was prepared in just five days specifically for the Janmashtami occasion, with the studio recording completed in a single day.
Mattu has composed the music and reworked the lyrics of the song. He said the original composition was written by his late maternal aunt, Savitri Devi. He subsequently modified the composition, added new verses and gave it a fresh musical treatment while retaining its devotional character.
The project also carries a personal connection for Mattu, as the original composition came from a family member who is no longer alive. By revisiting the composition and adapting it for a contemporary audience, he has sought to give the old creation a new musical identity.
The song also marks an attempt to promote emerging talent. Mattu said he first noticed Manjula while she was singing during preparations for a school programme. Her distinctive voice and folk character caught his attention, prompting him to consider her for the devotional track.
For Manjula, the song provides an opportunity to step beyond the school stage and reach a wider audience. Her folk-influenced vocal style forms an important part of the character of the composition and gives the devotional number a different sound.
The short production schedule added another challenge to the project. With Janmashtami approaching, the team had only five days to complete the composition, recording and other preparations. The studio recording itself was completed in a single day.
The song’s initial digital response has been encouraging, with the team claiming that ‘Kanha Re’ crossed more than 2,000 plays during its first night. A video of the song has also been released.
Mattu said his larger objective was to identify and support people who possess talent and a willingness to work hard but may not otherwise get an opportunity to showcase their abilities. He said providing such artists with a platform could help them gain confidence and move towards larger opportunities.
With its Janmashtami release, a family-rooted composition, a contemporary musical treatment and an emerging folk voice, ‘Kanha Re’ represents an effort to bring together devotion, tradition and new talent in a single musical project.
