One of the six sons of late Shahir Vitthal Umap and the bearer of his father's rich legacy of folk music, Nandesh Umap recently celebrated the completion of 400 shows of his gala folk musical bonanza, MEE MARATHI. Like father, like son - Nandesh is an accomplished singer but he doesn't limit his singing to folk music alone. He also runs a show dedicated to traditional film songs, 'Sangeet Ka Mela.' Music knows no boundaries, asserts Nandesh in this interview with Mumbai Theatre Guide.
Deepa Ranade
Congratulations! MEE MARATHI completed 400 shows recently. But your father, Shahir Vitthal Umap who also performed in it was not with you to share your happiness.
Thank you, it was indeed a landmark show for us and how we missed papa on that day! I am sure his spirit is watching us from up there. He would perform a whole section of the show and since his passing away in November 2010-I feel the soul of the show is missing.
What is the format of MEE MARATHI?
MEE MARATHI is a 90-minute spectacle showcasing all the Maharashtrian folk forms of music, dance and theatre. It follows the traditional, sequential pattern - like it starts off with the kakad aarti performed early in the morning in temples, followed by Vasudev who awakens the village folk with his songs. Then there are the Shetkari songs that farmers sing in their fields. Late in the afternoon, comes kadaklaxmi or potraj. As dusk falls, the thakars sing their tribal songs; dhangars sing devotional sumbran and towards the night begins the devotional gondhal and waghya murali. Late night is reserved for lavni - tamasha.
The second half of the show has the traditional dindi, the procession of pilgrims on their way to Pandharpur - we have 20-25 performers in this piece. Then we celebrate festivals like Holi, Diwali, Rang Panchami, Navratri and of course the Ganesh festival. We also have Shivkalin folk forms like powada. We dramatize the 'Afzal Khan's end 'powada which also was a part of the famous Marathi movie 'Mee Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy.' The grand finale is the koli dance. MEE MARATHI has authentic songs and the music of Maharashtra.
What appeal does it hold for the modern, urban audience?
MEE MARATHI is all about the authentic traditional performing arts. It is a matter of pride and curiosity for the younger generation to learn from, assimilate and celebrate their rich cultural heritage.
How did you conceive the catchy tune and lyrics of MEE MARATHI, which also is the signature tune of the tele channel by the same name?
Four years ago, I was riding my motorbike and suddenly at the Kurla signal - it was my moment of epiphany. The lyrics came to me automatically and I parked my bike on the side and scribbled them down. The music is composed by Avdhoot Gupte and I have sung it. MEE MARATHI just clicked.
Over the last four years, the show has been traveling all over Maharashtra...
Goa, Vidharbh, Khandesh, Marathwada, Nasik, Konkan - we have been all over Maharashtra performing over 400 shows of this live music show with a huge team of 65 artists and technicians. Of these, the Shiv Sena Vardhapan Din was a prestigious show for us.
Your show seems very similar to Ashok Hande's MARATHI BANA...
Our format is similar but our music is more authentic and as I explained to your earlier - more sequential. I have met many people who tell me that they enjoyed MEE MARATHI more than MARATHI BANA.
There is a buzz about a Mauritius visit with your Bollywood music show, 'Sangeet Ka Mela.'
'Sangeet Ka Mela' is a compilation of Indian traditional songs in films - right from Naushad to A R Rahman. It has no rock, pop or disco - it is pure Indian music and it is performed by a team of 80 members. For our Mauritius tour, we will have to curtail the number to 35!
You have been singing jingles, songs for television channels and serials, and of course film songs. What is on your cards next?
From Sangeet Nataks to films to jingles and live shows, I have done it all. Now I want to record an album of Marathi gazals penned by my father. I have composed the music and I shall sing too.
Which of your father's teachings do you value the most?
Dad taught us to work honestly and sincerely. He would say that your honesty reflects in your work. I subscribe to his policy of honesty.
*Deepa Ranade is a film and theatre reviewer. She has been an entertainment journalist for over fifteen years.
Congratulations! MEE MARATHI completed 400 shows recently. But your father, Shahir Vitthal Umap who also performed in it was not with you to share your happiness. 
How did you conceive the catchy tune and lyrics of MEE MARATHI, which also is the signature tune of the tele channel by the same name? 
There is a buzz about a Mauritius visit with your Bollywood music show, 'Sangeet Ka Mela.' 
