Members of Indian Whistlers' Association, led by Andheri resident Rigveda Deshpandey, showcase their talent at Dadar Matunga Cultural Centre
A typical Sunday morning would call for most Mumbaikars to sip on a cuppa and laze around dutifully. But that wasn’t the case with 26 participants (with family in tow) who scurried towards Dadar Matunga Cultural Centre at 10 a.m. to showcase their talent for whistling—yes, whistling—an activity that is either associated with timepass or used sporadically in Hindi film music.
A community of whistlers
These individuals are members of Indian Whistlers' Association (IWA), a non-profit whistling community founded on September 19, 2004, to find, meet and bring together whistlers from all over India onto a single platform. Rigveda Deshpandey, Founder and President of IWA, is the force behind this community, which represents both men and women across age groups. The Sunday morning event was the culmination of a six-month training course that Deshpandey started in April this year. Such being the case, experienced whistlers (from the April batch) as well as new joinees (of the impending October batch) put up a show for their family members.
The camaraderie amongst the members could be seen from how they helped set up the show, took on responsibilities such as clicking photographs, compering and more. Being a sound engineer himself, Deshpandey brought his expertise to the fore by managing the audio set-up at the community centre.
The show format
As members started flexing their vocal chords, strains of melodious whistling began to set the tone for the show. The show began with lamp lighting and Deshpandey paying homage to Lord Ganesha by whistling the tunes of Tuj Magato Mee Aata, which met with a thunderous applause—not in claps—but in loud, cheerful whistles.As part of the show, every whistler was required to whistle Mukhda and Antara of a song of their choice, backed by a karaoke track. Thereafter, each participant was required to whistle the song Is Dard-e-Dil Ki Sifarish from the movie Yaariyan so they could understand how far they have progressed or how far they need to go.
As each member took to the stage, one could sense the joy they exuded as they belted out evergreen, mellifluous tunes such as O Sajana from Parakh, Neele Neele Ambar Par from Kalakaar, Aaj Rapat Jaaye Toh from Namak Halal, Lagi Aaj Sawan Ki from Chandni, Bhaage Re Maan from Chameli and many more.
The vision
Deshpandey aims to get whistling recognised as a performing art and whistlers as artists. A part of the vision also includes trying to bustmyths and misconceptions about whistling. In India, especially, many believe that whistling is taboo for women or that whistling indoors brings poverty. “Moreover, whistling is associated with eve-teasing and is thought of as insignificant. It’s only when you start whistling on stage that you understand how complex it is. Whistling is more exhausting than singing as it requires more breath and energy,” says Deshpandey.
To enroll for the October batch of the training course, you may call Rigveda Deshpandey on +91 96190 41136. For additional information, visit www.whistleindia.org
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 "The close-knit community of whistlers led by Rigveda Deshpandey, Founder and President, Indian Whistlers Association")
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