The Indian pop icon Daler Mehndi added yet another milestone by introducing “SwarMandir” to the world of music. He shared the entire process & experience of its invention. Daler Mehndi is all set to take the world by storm with his “New AVATAAR” – The prolific singer has launched a new Genre “RABABI” and also given to this world a new instrument designed & conceived by him and christened as the “SWARMANDIR”. This is an incredible classical music instrument that combines the Rabab, the Swar Mandal and the Tanpura. It is crafted by Master Luthiers Sanjay Rikhi Ram (who has taken forth this legacy from his grandfather late Pt. Rikhi Ram) from Delhi and launched officially by Bharat Ratna Shri Ravi Shankar.
In his own words:-
“I have never played a string instrument like a guitar. Although as a classical musician, Tanpura and Swar Mandal form an intrinsic part of any singer’s performance and those I play. Since the Janary of 2011 I had been toying with a zealous deal to introduce music that is a direct connect “from Soul to Supreme.
I wanted an instrument that combines the richness of Rabab, continuity of swar as of the Tanpura and one that could give a body to the song through the notes showcasing the raga by adding the SwarMandal. “SwarMandir” – became just that and truly through a Divine intervention. It is simple to play, looks, feels and sounds “Puratan- (ancient)”, the sound of the instrument itself is very enriching and sublime.
My roots in music belong to the “Guru’s House”, since I was initiated into the world of music through Gurubani – a mystic, direct path led by Baba Nanak ji. I grew up on nectar drenched words of Baba Nanak ji, Sheikh Fareed ji, Kabeer ji and other Gurus & Saints.
“Pop” is a part of my destined journey & so is “Rababi” – music that is a direct communiqué of the Soul to Supreme. I am truly blessed to be able to add newer shades to my music for my fans.
Hope you all love “Rababi” as much as I have loved singing and developing it. As in the past keep shower your blessings…
Rab Rakha”
