Kailash Kher Kicks Off Klub Klassic Events
Kailash Kher, who has made his musical mark in Hindi film music with a distinctive voice, performed at the launch concert of Klub Klassic, a members-only entertainment club. Mark Premji Promotions and Klassic Promotions have come up with this concept, which would offer members access to two shows featuring top-billed stars and six programs such as New Year's eve gala, Valentine's Day party, Diwali party, Karaoke Night, Ghazal Night, Antakshari, Eid party, etc.
Kher enthralled the gathering at Norcross Hilton's banquet hall with his band. Anisa Dafftary welcomed guests to the club, whose annual membership costs $500 per person. The membership for events held in 2006 would provide VIP passes to various shows held during the year. According to Premji, all passes include dinner for most events.
Kher, whose style reminds many of the late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, is a lover of Sufi poetry, which he uses to fire up the listener's senses.
Having lent his voice to over 150 commercial jingles, Kher came to the notice of Bollywood after singing for a Hero Honda motorcycle advertisement. His powerful voice found a place in Hindi film music after singing Allah Ke Bande for Waisa Bhi Hota Hai - II. He has now sung for over70 Hindi films and has signed several more. He has won the hearts of music directors across the board including, the very demanding A.R. Rahman.
He has sung the devotional, Tu Meri Jaan Hai, Tu Mera Armaan Hai, for the Hindi soap, Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin.
In a backstage conversation with Khabar, Kher spoke about the struggle that it took to make a place for himself in the competitive Bollywood music scene. He says he settled for jingles and stage concerts to sustain himself and his band ? called Kailash ? that comprises Paresh on lead guitar, Kurt Peters on drums, Naresh on bass guitar and Rinku Rajput on keyboards.
His repertoire for the Klub Klassic evening included: Mangal Mangal (Mangal Pandey), Allah Ke Bande (Waisa Bhi Hota Hai ? II), Yun Hi Chala Chal (Swades), Sanu Ek Pal/Sajna Tere Bina (Awaargi) and more. They are able to deliver the unique mix of pseudo-classical compositions with trendy rhythms and contemporary string harmony. The guests were often tempted to get on the dance floor, thanks to the irresistible rhythms and the almost-infinite range of Kher's voice. The night ended with a late and sumptuous dinner, after a satisfying musical experience.
- Viren Mayani
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