CHENNAI: Strangely, she is not on the dais. Her voice – melodious and amusingly captivating, though is heard, as if from nowhere. It grips the audience in rapt attention. Unexpectedly, we find the audience swiftly whirling their heads. We sit speculating, unable to make out from where she is going to make her way in. And there she stands, towards the back entrance of The Music Academy, among the audience in the jam-packed hall. Celebrated Bollywood playback singer Palak Muchhal walks slowly singing the famous number Tum Hi Ho (Aashiqui 2), with a smile on her face that is contagious.
All of 23, the singer is dressed in a bright golden suit and gets on stage with the grace of an empress. “I’ve never ever felt the need to perform in this wonderful city,” she tells the audience, “because it’s like I’m with family.”
Between Bollywood numbers like Sanwaar Loon (Lootera) and Kabhi Jo Badal Barse (Jackpot) to mellifluously delivering a medley of old melodies like Jawan Hey Mohabbat (Anmol Ghadi) — the young singer has the crowd engrossed through her entire set. And in tune with Republic Day, she even has the crowd stand up and pay tribute to our brave soldiers, singing a patriotic Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon, as a few kids are seen waving the Indian flag.
Hindi songs aside, the Tamil audience is soon in for a fun ride, when she sings Manmadarasa (Thiruda Thirudi) with impeccable clarity and commitment. “I can sing in 17 languages,” she lets on. “Wouldn’t it be unfair if I don’t sing a Tamil song?” she says, receiving a thunderous applause.
After Palak, it’s time for the audience to listen to Palash Muchhal. The 19-year-old hits the stage with a power-packed Rang Barse (Silsila). Young kids dance with him in the Party to Banti Hai (Bhoothnath Returns), while teenage girls join him on stage when he renders the famous song Paisa Paisa Karti Hai (De Dana Dan) with style. “I’ve been kissed by many girls… But sadly, I was just two at that point of time,” he jokes.
The highpoint of the concert comes when Palash plays the keyboard with his head, chin and knees. In no time, whistles and applauses ensue. There is also a moment when the crowd bursts into laughter when Palash says, “Saare safed baal waale dadaaji stage par aajaiye (All white-haired grandfathers, come onto the stage)”. He then renders Dil Mein Baji Guitar (Apna Sapna Money money) with oomph, elderly uncles dancing to his tune.
The Palak & Palash Music Concert finally comes to a close with Palak, Palash and vocalist Anjan Guha dancing with members of Lions Club of Meenambakkam Charitable Trust, who organised the event, to the tune of Mera Desh Hai Veer Jawanon Kaa (Naya Daur). They bid adieu with their final number Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna).