Life after Sa Re Ga Ma Pa

Here I was just before the turn of the New Year, sitting in an empty CC Mehta Hall in Vadodara. I was playing escort to my son Motorsandal who was rehearsing his guitar backdrop for a skit in Mum's Annual Day. And as part of the other rehearsals, this really familiar looking guy with a winning personality jumps on stage and belts out a few songs - including an excellent version of "Chappa Chappa Charkhha Chale". His smile and that hair style with the rhino like protrusion on top looked really familiar so I asked Mum who he was.

Why that's Yogi, she said. He used to be on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa with your favorite, Himesh. Ah yes, things fell into place: Yogi Pathak from London of the Rock gharana! The guy who Himesh once hailed as a "bahut achha insaan" right before he was given the kiss-off on the show.

After the annual day show, I knocked down several enthusiastic parents crowding to congratulate Mum and gave chase to Yogi, catching him just as he was about to mount his motorcycle. Yogi flashed me that big smile when I made introductions and so friendly was he that it felt I'd known him for a long time.

Tremendous insights about the competition and his mentor Himanshu emerged during the conversation, which unfortunately I cannot print because the entire thing was off the record. Lets just say, Yogi described it as a terrific crucible for learning about the mechanics and politics of music.

At one point I asked Yogi why he'd moved to Vadodara from London. Another big smile. "I've always been in Vadodara" he said. Apparently Yogi was on a 6-month work permit in London when he auditioned for SRGMP, which resulted in him "representing" the UK. Hmmm...

Besides grinding out the local music scene he is also getting additional taleem under Dwarkanath Bhonsle in Vadodara. After exchanging mobile numbers I called him a few days later and tried to get Yogi to come down and talk to me on record but he was busy commuting and doing shows in Nadiad through New Years.

Next time then, Yogi!

Also:

• anu g links to the post-show dramas with Toshi (VoI) and Rakhi (Nach Baliye)