Parsi geet and garbas

Radio and TV artiste Sanober Dali Reporter released her maiden music album titled Khudanu Noor in time for Jamshedi Navroz, 2007, reveals a write-up sent by writer-author Marzban Giara. This 46-minute audio CD has 10 songs of which seven are written and composed by Reporter and all 10 sung by her in her melodious voice. The inlay card has a beautiful picture of Prophet Zarathushtra as also the titles of songs.

Reporter deserves to be complimented for her originality of composition and soul uplifting thoughts, says the write-up. Titled Ahura Mazda, Samjho Mari Pukar (Dogdo’s prayer), Zindagi zinda-dilinu naam chhe, Khudanu Noor (life story of Prophet Zarathushtra), Namiye tamne O Dadaar, Baby Ma­ari Pyari (a lilting rhyme for the girl child), Jhumi Jhu­mine Nacho Aaj (a garbo). She has also rendered three popular Parsi traditional songs — Hamari Din Jarthosti, Nabiona Nabi Ammar and a part of the Parsi anthem Chhaiyé Hamé Jarthosti.

(Above): Sanober Reporter and her songs of praise; (below) Jamshed Kotwal’s comic songs

From childhood Reporter was trained in classical music under qualified teachers. At the bank where she works she has taken part in inter-bank music competitions throughout India and won many prizes. She has also won prizes on popular music shows on radio and television such as Videocon Swar Dhara, Dhun Dhamaka, Meri Awaz Suno. She has lent her mellifluous voice in the popular serials Dulhan and Sathire for background score under the music direction of Firoze Patel.

It is creditable that Reporter has produced this album sans funding or sponsorship. Music lovers can buy the CD, priced Rs 150, from Sanober Dali Reporter, N/17, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, Bombay 400012, tel 022-24713173, e-mail: sanfaithHope@ gmail.com, Giara informs.

Another Parsi singer, Jamshed Kotwal, released his second album titled Rangilo Parsi, Chhabilo Parsi, described as "a collection of comic geet and garba” on the label of the cassette/CD, at a function in Bombay on April 5, 2007 with a live performance along with his troupe. Kotwal’s earlier album was titled Hame Parsi, Hame Great, reported The Bombay Samachar of March 28, 2007.

With music arranged by Kotwal, compered by Shahrukh Sadri and sung by noted singers Mani Mulla, Zarin Variava, Silloo Shroff, Viraf Daruwala, along with Sadri and Kotwal himself, the numbers include Goola Maari Gol Gol, Sunabai Lamba and Maiji Sambhlo Mari Vaat. The album is available with Kotwal who can be contacted on the telephone at 022-65086993 and 9892110325.