The Dewarists

Last updated

The Dewarists
The dewarists.jpeg
GenreReality
Documentary
StarringMusicians, Artists
Country of originIndia
No. of seasons5
No. of episodes38
Production
ProducersBabble Fish Productions
Only Much Louder
Dewar
Production locationVarious Cities across India
CinematographyJay Pinak Oza
Tanay Satam
Camera setup multi-camera
Running time20–22 minutes
Original release
Network MTV India
Release16 October 2011 (2011-10-16) 
17 November 2013 (2013-11-17)

The Dewarists is a music television series on MTV India. The series is part music documentary and part travelogue. [1] The show casts musicians from various parts of the world, collaborating to create original music while travelling across India. [2] The first season featured a total of ten episodes. It featured many musicians, including Imogen Heap, Vishal–Shekhar, Zeb and Haniya, [3] Shantanu Moitra, Swanand Kirkire, Indian Ocean, Mohit Chauhan, Parikrama, Agnee, Shilpa Rao, Shri, Monica Dogra, Rajasthan Roots, Papon, Rabbi Shergill, Shubha Mudgal, Swarathma, MIDIval Punditz, Humble the Poet, Karsh Kale, Baiju Dharmajan, Njeralathu Harigovindan, Raghu Dixit and Rewben Mashangva.

Contents

The first season was directed by Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy, an ad filmmaker and frontman of the Mumbai Hardcore band, Scribe. The first five episodes also involved UK filmmakers, Fred and Nick. The show is hosted by actor-singer Monica Dogra. The theme music of The Dewarists was written by Raghu Dixit.

In 2013, for the launch of a new season of The Dewarists, the creators of the program altered the format of the show to move away from music-inspired journeys and expanded it to include collaborations between musicians and visual artists from India and around the world. Directed by independent film-maker, Srinivas Sunderrajan, the show was broadcast on MTV India in its new format that merges the visual arts with sound to create a multi-sensory experience. The show was also the first collaborative experience to be simulcast on television and on YouTube. Singer Monica Dogra returned as hostess, and also one of the collaborators on the season premiere of The Dewarists season 3.

Season 1 (2011)

Episode 1 – Minds Without Fear

This was filmed in Samode Palace and Jaipur in Rajasthan, where Imogen Heap and Vishal Dadlani recorded the song Minds Without Fear, which is inspired by Rabindranath Tagore's poem "Where the Mind is without Fear".

Episode 2 – Kya Khayaal Hai

This was filmed at the legendary Capitol theatre in Mumbai, where Shantanu Moitra, Swanand Kirkire and the Pakistani duo Zeb and Haniya teamed up and recorded the song Kya Khayaal Hai.

Episode 3 – Maaya

This was filmed in Delhi with Indian Ocean and Mohit Chauhan. The song Maaya was performed at venue called Garden of Five Senses in New Delhi.

Episode 4 – I Believe

This was filmed in Pune with Parikrama, Agnee and Shilpa Rao. The song I Believe was recorded at Shisha Café.

Episode 5 – Changing World

This was filmed in Jaisalmer with Shri, Monica Dogra and Rajasthan Roots. The song Changing World was recorded.

Episode 6 – Khule Da Rabb

This was filmed in Kaziranga. Assam worked with Papon and Rabbi Shergill to record the song Khule Da Rabb.

Episode 7 – Duur Kinara

This was filmed in Mysore, Shubha Mudgal. Swarathma recorded the song Duur Kinara.

Episode 8 – No I.D. Required

This was filmed in Goa, Monica Dogra. MIDIval Punditz and Sikh-Canadian Humble the Poet recorded the song No I.D. Required.

Episode 9 – Sacred Science

This was filmed in Angadipuram. Kerala, Karsh Kale, Baiju Dharmajan and Njeralathu Harigovindan recorded the song Sacred Science.

Episode 10 – Masti Ki Basti

This was filmed in Shillong, Meghalaya. Raghu Dixit and Rewben Mashangva, known as The King of Naga Folk Blues, recorded the song Masti Ki Basti.

Season 2 (2012)

Episode 1 – Let Go

The episode features the emotive acoustics of British singer-songwriter Fin Greenall and the soulful voice of Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan from Pakistan. They experience Mumbai through the eyes of their hosts Salim-Sulaiman, the prolific Bollywood composer duo.

Episode 2 – Tom, Dick & Harry

This episode is on a powerful droll satire penned by the outspoken English rapper, teacher, poet and journalist, Akala, and the equally versatile Piyush Mishra. This episode is shot in the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Episode 3 – Today

This episode features Shaa'ir + Func and La Pongal. They create a high octane folktronica. This episode was shot in Chennai.

Episode 4 – Make Love

This episode features Thermal and a Quarter, Adil & Vasundhara, with their bluesy rhythms and Ashwin Srinivasan on flutes. This episode was shot at Bangalore.

Episode 5 – Gypsy

This episode features Anoushka Shankar on sitar, Sanjeev Shankar on shehnai, and Pirashanna Thevarajah on percussion. This episode was filmed in New Delhi.

Episode 6 – Altitude

This episode features the fusion band Advaita and Electronica artist Dualist Inquiry. This episode was shot in Shimla.

Episode 7 – Qutub Minar

The song tells a (fictional) story of a man who decides to relocate the monument of Qutub Minar from Delhi to Imphal. It features singer and songwriter Akhu, who collaborates with the Asian Dub Foundation.

Episode 8 – Bangla Bass

In this episode, American rapper Brooklyn Shanti and Indian actor-musician Mou Sultana create a track with DJ Nucleya about the city Kolkata.

Episode 9 – Maati

In this episode, award-winning percussionist Trilok Gurtu teams up with electronic folk duo Hari + Sukhmani in their hometown of Chandigarh. Maati is an ambient folk song that is set to the poetry of 18th century Sufi poet Bulleh Shah. The song has been given a range of sounds thanks to the percussive genius of Trilok Gurtu.

Episode 10 – The Minstrel's Tale

Papon and Karsh Kale, from Season 1, come together with Carl Barat (from The Libertines and Dirty Pretty Things) for the season's finale. This is the first Dewarists episode shot outside India, in Aberfeldy, Scotland. It also features a trip to the Dewars distillery plant.

Season 3 (2013)

Episode 1 – Suspended

This episode features Monica Dogra of indie rock outfit, Shaair+Func a photographer and light specialist, Eric Pare, and Prashant Mistry of one of UK's electro bass outfits, Engine-EarZ Experiment. This is the first episode of the new season of The Dewarists and explores the theme of duality. Set in the snow-capped hills of Manali, the music video, Suspended, was a stirring amalgamation of light painting and electronic music.

Episode 2 – Khirama

The second episode of the third season enabled the coming together of indie-pop icon Lucky Ali and renowned installation artist, Shilpa Gupta. Toying with the idea of the loss of identity in a big city like Mumbai, Lucky Ali created the tune he wanted to go with, while Shilpa Gupta worked to write the lyrics. For the final music video, Khirama, Lucky and Shilpa used words as both lyric and art, ultimately giving a whole new meaning to the song produced.

Episode 3 – Aaina

Intrigued by the story behind the creation of the urban jungle that is Mumbai, our collaborators – hand shadowgrapher Amar Sen, and audio-visual collective B.L.O.T., decided to showcase the creations of the island city, ranging from its colonial past to the city of today. Their collaboration, Aaina, uses Amar Sen's shadow work and B.L.O.T.'s light projections to tell the story visually. Suryakant Sawhney, from Peter Car Recording Co., provides vocals to complement the visuals.

Episode 4 – Hadimba

The fertile, grassy slopes of Manali play host to the fourth collaboration of Season Three of The Dewarists. The collaborators are: Lagori, a highly energetic folk fusion band from Bengaluru, and Actor's Cult, a theatre group from Mumbai. The outcome of their collaboration is the high-octane song that inspires awe and fervor.

Episode 5 – Kwamakhutha

Jayachandran Palazhy, founder of the Attakkalari Centre For Movement Arts, and his dance troupe are joined by Delhi-based hind-rock band Euphoria. Set by the tranquil shores of Pondicherry, the collaboration fuses contemporary movement arts with the effortless energy of Euphoria.

Episode 6 – The Journey

The sixth episode on The Dewarists this season looked back upon the collaborations where music and art met to create a multi-sensory experience. Monica Dogra accompanied viewers through the diverse locales where each artist worked to create art that inspired those around it.

Episode 7 – I

The one-hour-long season finale featured a collaboration between India's folk rock collective, The Raghu Dixit Project; a contemporary dance troupe, Nritarutya; mask maker, Sridhar Murthy; and graffiti artist and animator, Harun Robert. Set in Bangalore, the music video produced was a blend of diverse art forms, genres, mediums, and styles.

Season 4 (2015)

Episode 1 – Yaad

'Yaad' the first episode of the fourth season of The Dewarists unfolds with a collaboration of American clarinetist and music composer Shankar Tucker, and gifted vocalist Nirali Kartik. Inspired by one of the subcontinent's greatest Urdu poets: Faiz – whose poetry still speaks to those hoping for love. They try to recreate the words of Faiz in a melodious tribute to both the poet and the poem ‘Kab Yaad Mein Tera'. The track reflects the individual styles of the artists, the mood of the mellifluous raga, and the mysteries of longing and separation.

Episode 2 – Fakiri

In the Second episode of Season Four, we see Vishal Dadlani Collaborating with Neeraj Arya’s Kabir Cafe to create the song ==Fakiri' which is neither betwixt nor between.but the song is inspired by both Kabir’s life, and his poem ‘Lago Mere Yaar Fakiri’, which is about letting go.

Episode 3 – Daiyya Ri

In the third episode of The Dewarists season four, the Raghu Dixit Project and Bindhumalini travel to Rajasthan.They find inspiration from a local poets’ community, Chang, from the Prince of Alsisar Mahal, and Abhimanyu Singh. This inspiration from the local poets and the surreal beauty of Alsisar Mahal leads our Dewarists to do magic with the colorful words of Amir Khusrow, in ‘Daiyya Ri’, a poem written to express his love of his pir.

Episode 4 – O Megh

Kashmir bears witness to the fourth collaboration of this season, where Shantanu Moitra and Papon create a song inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s poem, ‘O Megh’ — a tribute to a child's imagination and his dilemma at leaving his mother behind while he's tempted to go and play with clouds and waves. In Kashmir, they meet local poets who introduce them to local traditions via Bhand Pather's performance. As our Dewarists jam together, the poem takes them back to the memories of the time they spent with their parents back home.

Episode 5 – Recap

From shadowgraphy to installation art, The Dewarists has travelled far from the ordinary to create collaborations that will stay with us forever. This episode will take you back in time to a place where art and poetry complemented the creations of our Dewarists.

Episode 6 – Heer

For the season 4 finale Nucleya and Shruti Pathak travel to the land of the beautiful blue waters, Phuket, Thailand, to find a tune for the words of our Poet Dewarist Waris Shah. Shruti Pathak, best known as the voice behind songs like 'Mar Jawaan' (Fashion), and 'Subharambh' (Kai Po Che), has been on tours all over the country promoting her band 'Guzzler' and launched 'Guzzler' as a radio show. Nucleya redefines Indian electronica by creating a fusion of complex cut up edits and unheard Indian sounds with cutting-edge production and genre-defying rhythms. While they explore the islands, Nucleya comes up with a basic melody and they work further on the track. He is helped by his producer friend, Dub Sharma, to write some lyrics inspired by Heer. Nucleya. They also meet a group of local Thai folk musicians who perform local folk songs that have been sung for years and have been passed on from one generation to another. Nucleya also tries his hand at playing a local Thai instrument, Ranad. The Dewarists discuss the poems of Waris Shah, also popularly known as William Shakespeare of India for his most famous work, Heer Ranjha. Waris Shah's poem is much more than just a love story; it is also about a man's search for, and tenuous relationship with, his creator.

Season 5 (2016)

Episode 1 – Yaad Rakh

Dewar's brings together two compelling artists for the premiere episode of The Dewarists Season Five. Experience their LIVE TRUE voyage as they talk about their past trials and present experiences that have molded them into who they are today. Benny Dayal, the voice behind Bollywood's best chartbusters, has carved his niche in the industry. His passion is so deeply rooted, it drove him to the heights he is at today. Dayal is as recognizable for his Dewarist spirit as he is for his voice. Naezy, like most rappers, experienced an early life battle within his tough childhood, and rough neighborhood. Rap was what he turned to for an escape. His work lives true to its source, as he covers life stories around him with startling and undisguised realism, making him a passionate Dewarist.

Episode 2 – Ikka Dukka

In episode two of The Dewarists, presented by DEWAR'S, we explore the verdant beauty of Ladakh with Clinton Cerejo, Bianca Gomes and Deepak Ramola. The vast mountains and peaceful monasteries inspire them to write Ikka Dukka, a passionate quest for a higher power. Watch as they translate these LIVE TRUE moments into a song that perfectly blends their passion.

Episode 3 – Dil Beparvah

Ankur Tewari and Prateek Kuhad set off on an inspiring journey to the hills of Shillong in episode 3. They create a beautiful masterpiece with Dil Beparvah. It is a song about relentlessly following your heart, no matter how the world perceives your dreams. Their commitment and passion for songwriting, singing and storytelling represent the Dewarist spirit perfectly. Watch their LIVE TRUE journey come alive amidst the beautiful mountains of Shillong which finally lead them to The Dewarists Stage at the Bacardi NH7 Weekender.

Episode 4 – Mitho Laage

In episode four, we take you to the magical palaces of Udaipur, where Dhruv Ghanekar and Mame Khan bring their passion for music alive. Divided by cultures and musical backgrounds, these Dewarists unite to tell you their LIVE TRUE tale with Mitho Laage.

Episode 5 – Memories

Immersed in the beauty and serenity of Hampi, Nucleya and Papon converge on a journey steeped in passion. In episode five, they create a sound that is set in the present and inspired by the echoes of the past. Watch their LIVE TRUE journey weave ancient history and soulful music together with electronic beats in Memories.

Episode 6 – Panchiyaa

In the final episode of The Dewarists this season, watch Amit Trivedi and V Selvaganesh sail through the serene seas of Sri Lanka on a journey to LIVE TRUE with Panchiyaa. While exploring the idea of someone who loves being in love, they set out to create something as pure and soulful as the scenic views around them.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karsh Kale</span> Musician (born 1974)

Karsh Kale is an Indian-American musician born in England. Known primarily for his experimental tabla playing within electronic music contexts, Kale's career has seen him take on roles of an Indian classical tabla player, singer, songwriter, film and TV score composer and DJ. He is considered a pioneer of the Asian Underground genre, bringing elements of Indian music to Electronica and Dance. His career highlights include touring as the supergroup Tabla Beat Science, 6 solo studio records from 1999, the seminal 2005 album "Breathing Under Water" with Anoushka Shankar, scoring and production for the 2019 Bollywood smash hit "Gully Boy", curating 6 acclaimed songs for the Indian Coke Studio in 2012, amongst many others. Kale is also popular for his eclectic collaborations with Sting, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ustad Sultan Khan, U2, Norah Jones, Yoko Ono, and Herbie Hancock to name a few.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raghu Dixit</span> Indian singer, composer, and producer

Raghupati Dwarakanath Dixit is an Indian singer-composer, producer, and film score composer who is the frontman for the Raghu Dixit Project, a multilingual folk music band. Dixit prominently works in Kannada cinema as soundtrack composer.

Antaragni was a fusion band from Bangalore which disbanded in 2004. Antaragni's repertoire included an amalgamation of Indian Classical, folk and Western rock, funk, pop and country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mayuri Upadhya</span> Indian choreographer, dancer (born 1979)

Mayuri Upadhya is an Indian choreographer, dancer, entrepreneur and TV personality based in Bengaluru, India. She is also the Artistic Director of the Bengaluru-based dance organisation, Nritarutya.

Ashutosh Phatak is a composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and entrepreneur based in Mumbai. He is one of the founding partners of live music chain blueFROG, co-founder of The True School of Music, and The Quarter. He is the founder of singShala music learning app formerly known as Learn to Sing. Ashu has composed music for over 4000 television commercials, soundtracks for over 10 feature films, and released over 15 contemporary music albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shilpa Rao</span> Indian singer (born 1984)

Shilpa Rao is an Indian singer who primarily records songs in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil languages. During her college days, composer Mithoon offered her to record the song "Tose Naina" from Anwar (2007), marking her Hindi debut. "Abacha" from Konchem Ishtam Konchem Kashtam (2009) and "Oru Maalai Neram" from Naan Mahaan Alla (2010) were her debut songs in Telugu and Tamil respectively.

Bickram Ghosh is an Indian classical tabla player.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monica Dogra</span> American actress

Monica Dogra is an American musician and actress. She has acted in six feature films, as well as released five studio albums with the band Shaa’ir and Func. She is a member on the judging panel of India's first English music talent show, The Stage. She hosted four seasons of the music-Docu series The Dewarists that was nominated for a Cannes Lion. She also worked on the Viceland Emmy nominated series Woman produced by Gloria Steinem.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Papon (singer)</span> Musical artist

Angaraag Mahanta, known by his stagename Papon, is an Indian playback singer and composer from Assam. Papon has also sung in many languages apart from Assamese like Hindi, Bengali, Tamil and Marathi. He is the lead vocalist and founder of the folk-fusion band Papon and The East India Company. He is the son of the noted Assamese singer Khagen Mahanta and Archana Mahanta.

Rajasthan Roots is a collective fusion band consisting of folk musicians from Rajasthan. They create folk and contemporary music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rewben Mashangva</span> Musical artist

Rewben Mashangva, also Guru Rewben Mashangva, is a folk musician and singer from Manipur, India. He is known for reviving musical tradition of the Tangkhul Naga of Manipur, and use of traditional musical instruments in his songs. Influenced by musicians such as Bob Dylan and Bob Marley, Rewben Mashangva has created many Naga tribal folk songs based on blues and ballad rhythms. He is known by different names including, 'Bob Dylan of the Nagas' and 'King of Naga folk blues', plus 'Father of Naga folk blues'. He received the National Tribal Award 2011-12, for his contribution to the development of tribal music from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. The Government of India honoured him in 2021, with the award of Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award for his rich contribution to art.

Bandish Projekt is the pseudonym of composer, producer, DJ and multi-instrumentalist Mayur Narvekar. Bandish Projekt is a musical act featuring a blend of Indian elements in an electronica format. The title "Bandish Projekt" is derived from Bandish and "Projekt," which reflects the experimental and evolving nature of the music. Bandish Projekt was formed in 1998 by Mayur Narvekar, Udyan Sagar, and Mehir Nath Chopra. Mayur Narvekar regularly collaborates with producers and musicians on his albums, Sagar performs as Nucleya, and Chopra is a media entrepreneur, based in Dubai.

<i>Do Dil Ek Jaan</i> Indian TV series or programme

Do Dil... Ek Jaan is an Indian television drama series, that premiered on Life OK on 3 June 2013 and ended on 24 January 2014. It was produced by Abhinav Shukla under his Nautanki Films banner. The series starred Ayaz Ahmed, Nikita Sharma, Kanwar Dhillon and Shritama Mukherjee.

<i>Jag Changa</i> 2013 studio album by The Raghu Dixit Project

Jag Changa is the second studio album by the Indian band The Raghu Dixit Project released on November 23, 2013 through Wandering Minstrel Records. The album features songs in Hindi and Kannada. The album features artists including Raghu Dixit as the lead vocalist and others he met during his concerts in the UK. It includes members of the British folk band, Bellowhead, American clawhammer banjo player, Abigail Washburn and sarod player Soumik Datta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brodha V</span> Indian rapper (born 1990)

Vighnesh Shivanand, better known by his stage name Brodha V, is an Indian hip-hop artist, lyricist, rapper and music producer. Born in Kanchipuram, the Bengaluru-based artist started rapping at the age of 18 and took part in online rap battles on Orkut. As an independent artist, Brodha V released a mixtape called Deathpunch which had a limited release and which garnered him some attention from the hip hop fraternity and the independent music circuit in Southern India.

Joseph Vijay is an Indian lead guitarist from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He plays guitar mainly in genres such as jazz, rock music, and contemporary R&B styles of music. He works on musical soundtracks for Bollywood, Sandalwood (cinema), Tollywood (Telugu), and Kollywood Movies.

Times of Music is an Indian Hindi-Language reality show and MX Player original series created and developed by K G Ramnarayan and Vaibhav Modi and produced by Victor Tango Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. And Wobble Creative & Content LLP.

Hari & Sukhmani is an Indian folktronic duo comprising Hari Singh Jaaj and Sukhmani Malik, who are known for fusing traditional folk music of Punjab with electronic music, and incorporating elements from Sufi poetry of Bulle Shah, Baba Farid, Kabir, and Shah Hussain, in their compositions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rashmeet Kaur</span> Musical artist

Rashmeet Kaur is an Indian singer, composer, and songwriter known for her songs Nadiyon Paar (Roohi), Jadi Buti, and Ishq Nachaawe.

References

  1. Seetharaman, G. (11 August 2013). "Coke Studio & The Dewarists: Non-Bollywood music shows & original compositions gain traction in India". The Economic Times. ISSN   0013-0389 . Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  2. "3 musical shows that will inspire you". The Times of India. 29 April 2019. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  3. "Must-see Sunday TV: Say hello to The Dewarists-Living News, Firstpost". Firstpost. 23 October 2011. Retrieved 4 February 2024.