Jashan Bhumkar: For me, music is the shining light at the end of a dark tunnel in troubled times

Recently, singer Jashan Bhumkar recreated his own rendition of ‘Bhay Ithale Sampat Nahi,’ which is receiving a lot of love on social media. The song is based on a poem by the famous Marathi poet, Kavi Grace. The original version was sung by Lata Mangeshkar-ji, and setto tune by Hridaynath Mangeshkar, who was in love with Kavi Grace’s words. In an interview with us, Jashan tells us about the idea behind recreating the song.
Here’s more...
What was the idea behind recreating ‘Bhay Ithale Sampat Nahi?’
I fell in love with Grace’s poetry when I had the chance to study it up-close and sing it during a project on it that I participated in a few years ago. Since then, I have been planning to sing and release my own versions of a few of his poems that I best resonated with. ‘Bhay Ithale Sampat Nahi’ specifically brings forth a unique, beautiful and painful concept of missing a dear one – that of fear. The words literally translate to: “I miss you so much, that it now scares me. I remember you every single day, and every evening I sing the songs we sang together”. In the recent COVID wave that has engulfed our country, we have all in some way experienced some of the sense of loss that probably Kavi Grace felt. My song is dedicated to all the people we will continue to remember and sing for every day, just as the poet has outlined in his words.
Listen to the original song here:

The song is an iconic number and sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Kavi Grace. Did you feel any kind of pressure while recreating the song?
Yes, of course, I did feel immense pressure, but it was more internal, about wanting to do my very best and not fall short in any efforts from my side. I’m fully aware that it is not possible to match up or reach anywhere close to Lataji's rendition. Hence, rather than being an attempt to fit into her magnanimous footprints, my rendition is simply a tribute to her iconic rendition.
Jashan gave his own touch to the song:

How did you ensure that you have a personal touch to the song?
Firstly, in my version, I have set to tune an additional paragraph of the poem which is not in the original song and tried my best to tie it together with Hridaynath Mangeshkar-ji’s beautiful original tune. Since the release of the song a few days ago, I am extremely humbled and heartened that a lot of people appreciate this initiative on my part. Secondly, every song that I sing is ultimately an expression of my feelings embellished with technical pieces (such as harkats) that further my expression. A truly iconic composition serves not just as a master template, but rather as a large canvas for the innovation and expression of any artist singing that composition. I have tried my best to make sure the finer touches and wordplay that I’ve added intensifies the soul of the song.
What are your upcoming projects?
There are a lot of upcoming projects which will be releasing over the next few months, and I am very excited to share all of this music with you! I have been working on two Hindi original songs; one is of the soulful romantic genre, and the other is a totally different experiment leaning towards the electronic space. There are also a few traditional semi-classical compositions and Ghazals that are very close to my heart which I plan to bring forth in front of a wider, modern audience. As you know, I am very actively involved in the Marathi music space and have a string of Marathi songs, originals slated to release soon. At the same time, I continue to pursue classical music and am waiting for live performances to resume again, which always gives me a lot of joy.

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What kind of challenges and opportunities has the pandemic created for musicians, especially independent artistes?
The challenges faced by musicians during such a time are quite evident – projects are getting at best delayed or at worst cancelled, most studios are closed, it is not possible to shoot music videos, etc. Specific to independent artists who largely rely on concerts and performances, such times give a huge setback. That said, the lockdown only restricts physical movement but not the movement of the mind! An artist’s mind is a fascinating space and can often create wonders in peace and isolation which might not be possible in mundane and hectic daily life. Moreover, as artistes we might be singing professionally and even be loved by millions of people, but the journey in the music itself is endless and one can always strive towards higher standards of musical excellence. I personally take every day as an opportunity to be a better singer than I was yesterday.
How has the lockdown treated you?
As a sensitive artiste it is nearly impossible to isolate from the ongoing milieu. In these COVID pandemic times, hearing terrible things happen all over the country and also to loved ones, even someone as happy, upbeat, and energetic as myself is bound to get affected. At the same time, I am thankful that my immediate family are all in good health and are keeping safe and sound.
How are you ensuring that you stay sane amid the pandemic?
As always for me, music is the shining light at the end of every dark tunnel and keeps me going no matter the circumstances. I have found great solace in singing my heart out and pursuing rigorous riyaaz. Though in the public eye I am mostly known as a singer, I’m also an entrepreneur and am involved in specialty chemicals and pharma businesses. As our products come under essentials, our factories and offices have been operational the entire time. I fully acknowledge this blessed position at such a time, and its role in also keeping me sane.