Baba Sehgal to Malini Awasthi: Artists who cocked a snook at Corona

Malini Awasthi was one of the prominent singers, renowned for Thumri and Kajri, who belted out a sumptuous song ‘Hawao Pe Baitha Hai Pehra’. Her rendition became a rage on social media and left people enthralled.

Another composition that made waves during the lockdown was a song composed by music directors Sajid-Wajid and sung by ‘Ruhaan Arshad’. The ditty ‘Bhai Bhai’ was released on the occasion of Eid 2020 and featured Salman Khan. Due to the lockdown, cinemas were closed, hence ‘Bhai’ treated his fans with this mellifluous number which underlines the Hindu-Muslim brotherhood.

Tragically, a few months after the song was released, Wajid passed away at the age of 42 due to Covid complications leading to ailments related to the kidney.

As the gloom was hanging in the air, a host of singers came together to infuse optimism and hope among people. Composed by Elvin Valentine, the song ‘Hausla’ was sung by 43 artists, some of which are Suvarna Tiwari, Rashid Ali, Payal Shah, Neha Karode, and Roshan Rathod.

Noted singer Jubin Nautiyal came up with the imaginative idea of ‘Rooftop Concert’, ‘Garden Concert’ and live-streaming concerts to raise funds for the affected families.

Various artists collaborated with The Indian Council for Cultural Relations for a three-minute rousing song ‘United We Fight’. The video featured a host of illustrious names such Usha Uthup, Salim Merchant, Shefali Alvares, Benny Dayal, Sonam Kalra, Chandan Bala Kalyan, Joe Alvares, Salome, Samira, Pandit Ravi Chari, Pandit Rakesh Chaurasia, and Ustad Faisal Qureshi. It was written and composed by Joe Alvares.

Baba Sehwag, known for his wacky songs, unfurled a couple of quirky songs ‘Namaste’ and ‘Janta Curfew’ during the lockdown urging people to stay inside their homes.

Celebrated actor Kamal Haasan portrayed the heart-rending reality of the pandemic in a five-minute composition showing people getting stranded with children and old people running towards a train. Anirudh Ravichander, Yuvan Shankar Raja, Devi Sri Prasad, Shankar Mahadevan, Shruti Haasan and Bombay Jayashri were also a part of the video.

Palash Sen, the ‘Euphoria man’, churned out a rocking number ‘Sabko Sudhara’ which accentuated the need to sanitise your hands.

‘Dhinchak Pooja’, an Internet sensation, released a pulsating song spreading awareness about coronavirus and underlining the importance of wearing masks.

Music is a great unifier and also a strong medium to send out evocative and powerful messages. The artists of all hues did a terrific job of educating, enlightening, and even entertaining people during the Covid-19 pandemic. Their art and compositions kept our spirit and hope robust during the testing times.