5 Indian songs that could have received Tony Awards

The grandeur and novelty of Tony awards have filled the pages of all leading newspapers today. Ever since its inception in 1947, it has religiously commemorated all great talents of the theatre world every year without fail. This is a good time to remember all those great talents in India which are not recognised ever.


India truly is a country with rich culture and songs from different regions have celebrated the richness and colours of different cultures. Even though the songs were in different languages, it does not deprive one who does not know the language from enjoying its true essence. Continuing in the essence of Tony awards, we give you a taste of how the Indian flavours would have been at Tony. The nominations for the best original score for regional songs are as follows:

1. What better to start with than the band which is arguably India’s and West Bengal’s first popular rock band, Moheener Ghoraguli (Moheen’s Horses)! It is a band which changed the musical history of India in a very notable way. A group of musicians led by Gautam Chattopadhyay started this band in 1974 in Kolkata. Little did they know that their songs will bring a social revolution in Bengali music. Their lyrics were radically new and conveyed social messages on politics, poverty, injustice, revolution, love, loneliness, even begging and prostitution. You are bound to be swayed off your feet by their rhythm. The blood in your body is sure to boil up and you will be inspired to pull up your socks and start a revolution!





2. Next let’s explore the enchanting music of Ilaiyaraaja, one of the most famous and the finest singer of all times. Ilaiyaraaja is sometimes debatably considered better than A.R. Rahman. He is a man who brought the essence of Mozart and Bach in Indian music. It would not be wrong to call him a legend. The enormity of his compositions can seldom be described in words. In fact, there are not many contemporary artists in the world who can be compared with Raja. One can never have enough of Ilaiyaraaja.



3. The third song was gifted to the world by the land of Assam. Sang by the musical maestro, Bhupen Hazarika, this song spreads the message of humanity and universal brotherhood. The song is sure to leave a lasting impression on your minds at the very first try. There would have been an everlasting void in our musical world had there not been his fulfilling gift of melody. Listen to the Assamese song Hey Dola, Hey Dola and let the river of pure enlightening notes flood your soul.





4. Speaking about regional songs of India, one song is sure to cross everybody’s minds. And if it misses someone’s, then Coke Studio did the reminder. It is none other than the musical prodigy of Rajasthan, Bhanwari Devi who has enriched the culture of Rajasthani folk songs. Initially she started by Phad narration (musical story telling). With passage of time her voice started to echo throughout Rajasthan. Slowly she achieved accolades from all over the country. Queen of enchanting vocal capabilities, she is a highly acclaimed singer who brought a renewed sense of respect for Rajasthani folk songs. The powerful impact that it has on one’s mind is inexplicable. Here is one of her songs that was popularized by Coke Studio 5.




5. We all grew up listening to regional folk songs. They are so powerful that Bollywood has embraced it in its own style. Here we bring you a personal favourite sung by A.R. Rahman in the movie Delhi 6. The whole nation started humming the tune the moment it was released. But what few know is that it is originally a folk song of Chhattisgarh. Let’s sacrifice ourselves to the melody of life and allow the magic to mystify us forever.


Every song would have been a winner of its time at Tony. Ending with a note which defines music the best,

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and which cannot remain silent.” -Victor Hugo

(image & video credits: tonyawards.com, youtube)