Flamboyant, fascinating Falguni!
Garba in Sydney . SHRADDHA ARJUN reports
A few days later, I am still reminiscing about the most power-packed and consistent performance from Falguni Pathak on September 17, which left me definitely star struck. The garba event that took place at the Netball Centre at Lidcombe was a treat for the young and the old alike.
As the crowds started filling up the dance floor, the band of percussionists set up their equipment. Around 8:30pm, the music took off and the MC came on stage.
By this time, I was completely distracted by the elaborate costumes, ghagra cholis to be precise, that were bedecked with intricate bandhini patterns and glasswork. Most women in the crowd looked stunning, while the children looked adorable in traditional attire. Some dancers had genuinely made an effort at looking as authentic as possible, the jewellery, the headgear, the colorful embellished umbrellas and the entire paraphernalia left no room for doubt as to their origins. I was instantly teleported to a city in Gujarat , or at least it felt like I was amidst an exquisite set of a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film!
There were incessant sounds of bangles, anklets and laughter that surrounded the stage, while the audience waited for the star of the night – Falguni Pathak – to come on. The band was warming up with a few popular folk songs; starting with an invocation to Lord Ganesha that was followed by Kesariya balam padharo mare des re, which brought tears to some in the audience.
Finally when the inimitable Falguni appeared, the crowd went crazy. I could see the adulation in their eyes, the continuous hooting and cheering making it quite evident that they loved her. It was still a very civilized audience as there was no pushing around and people were not trying to climb over to the stage. While initially they couldn’t take their eyes off Falguni, they gradually took to dancing with their groups of family and friends. It was not important for one to necessarily know how to dance the garba, it was all about having fun. I did notice some very seasoned garba dancers who did not miss a step, and others who lead the crowd. There were human trains hopping and swinging across the dance floor and circles formed by dancing groups.
I had an impression that the night was going to be only about traditional Gujarati folk music, but I was pleasantly surprised. Falguni Pathak, the versatile singer that she is, did the most unexpected thing on stage. She did a bout of head-banging to a song from Rock On! Now that was something one wouldn’t expect to hear at such a concert! Breaking the cliché, she sang songs in other Indian languages too. The list included the popular Goan song Galiyan sangli sonya chi, Govinda ala re and others. Falguni’s antics on stage, like whistling, were very entertaining. She also sang Suneeta Rao’s most popular hit single, Pari hoon mein to resounding applause.
Falguni Pathak is well-known for her unconventional style of dressing. Her outfit for the evening was a shiny, embellished top with a pair of jeans, her biggest accessory being a smile that lit up the entire room. She also sang some of her own hit numbers, which went down well with the audience.
I decided to take a break and enjoy the food halfway through the event, and was more than satisfied with the delicious fare available at stalls on the periphery of the dance floor. Unlike other events I was happy to note that most people were mostly interested in dancing, rather than the food. As I wandered around munching on some really hot curry, I saw a flamboyant limousine parked near the gates. A passerby told me that it was how Falguni Pathak had arrived at the venue that evening.
It was very interesting to see how beautifully the crowds abided by the rules and regulations set at the venue. They promptly removed their footwear before getting on the dance floor and did not bring food or water anywhere near it. This actually prevented injuries and accidents that are often a part of such events. It was also interesting to see how prams and babies were a part of the dancing, stationed in the centre of the circle around which their parents danced. I could barely hear any cranky kids crying. They felt at home and completely entertained as well. There were seats provided for the elderly and others who weren’t dancing, at the end of the room.
The mercury levels rose as the crowds danced all night. Their energy was matched with the electrifying performance of Falguni and the band on stage. She kept the adrenaline levels high and constantly reached out to keep the crowds in the mood for dancing. Skirts twirled as bodies swirled, and the dancers clacked their sticks rhythmically. As the pace took on feverish heights, it was impossible to sit down and watch. I was compelled to join the crowd and did shake a leg with a few pros, who taught me some basic garba moves.
With cameras clicking away and recording every moment, the event in every sense was a memorable one. It brought people from different backgrounds together. I could even spot some gorgeous local Australians!
Gargiji, an avid listener on Indian Link Radio who had missed out on the show spoke to me on air the next day about Falguni Pathak. She spoke about how Falguni had started off as a singer when she was only 12. Gargiji remembers her as a bright kid who was a part of the garba celebrations in her neighborhood.
The show ended at midnight, when Falguni made a Cinderella-like exit leaving the crowd wanting more. Despite the blisters that were a result of dancing all night, it was a celebration to remember. As people drove off in their cars, they were heard humming, Yaad piya ki aane lagi all the way home.
