Minu Bakshi to sing legendary Spanish Poet, Federico García Lorca’s compositions for the Embassy of Spain Event Celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on February 25th 2022 at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi
To mark India’s 75 years of Independence, the nationwide celebrations will also witness the Embassy of Spain presenting their Indo-Spanish cultural events from 21st-27th February 2022 in the Capital. To celebrate the 75th year of Independence, versatile artist Minu Bakshi will sing legendary Spanish Poet, Federico Garcia.
“This year marks a significant date for India since we are celebrating the 75 years of its Independence. On this special occasion, the Embassy of Spain in India is working on an event based on one of the most appreciated Spanish poets, Federico García Lorca. His works represent the European vanguard and surrealism of the 20th century, they combine Spanish folklore, Andalusian flamenco, Gypsy culture, while exploring themes of romantic love, women’s rights and tragedy.
Therefore, to honour AKAM, the Indian artist and hispanicist, Minu Bakshi, will interpret ten celebrated Spanish songs based on the 1931 performance of Federico García Lorca and La Argentinita. Minu Bakshi has dedicated her life to the study of the Spanish language and culture, and there is no better artist to interpret these songs. “I am delighted to have Minu Bakshi sing popular Spanish songs of Federico García Lorca, which symbolizes the cultural sangam of both Spain and India”, says H.E José Maria Ridao, Ambassador of Spain in India.
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For the unversed, Minu Bakshi has been conferred with the 2nd Highest Order given to a foreigner by the King of Spain in 2014, ‘The Order of Isabella la Catolica’ by the Spanish Government for her contribution towards promotion of Spain and its culture.
A singer with years of Hindustani classical musical training, a professor of Spanish language at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, an accredited Spanish language interpreter for the Indian Government, Chairperson of the NGO Savera (a society for the uplifting of underprivileged women and children) and the former Chairperson of the UK Asian Film Festival, London, Minu Bakshi is a multifaceted and versatile artist.
Talking about the event Minu Bakshi said, “I am overwhelmed with the confidence the Ambassador has shown in me, however, I thought it over many times before making a commitment to them. But then I realized it was a chance of a lifetime to interpret a poet whom I’ve admired since my student days in JNU where I was doing my masters in Spanish. Also, I have always wished to do something special for Spain, a country that has bestowed such great love and honor on me.
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They are celebrating my country India’s 75 years of Independence! I needed to do my bit for the country where I was born and raised and the other country Spain which I love dearly and have some past life bonding.”
She further added, ” When I was approached by His Excellency. the Ambassador of Spain, my first feeling was of joy mixed with a lot of apprehension. I expressed my doubts to him multiple times but he seemed to be confident and here we are.”
I feel humbled that I have been asked to represent my country in this collaboration. It’s a really difficult task as the songs and their music are totally new to me even though I had studied Lorca’s poetry as a student. Singing them is a new experience as I’m trained in Indian Hindustani music and to sing in a style which is alien to me is a challenge in itself.
To memorize and to learn them in such a short time is difficult. To add the Indian touch, I’m using the tabla replacing the castanets which is going to be very interesting, says Minu Bakshi.
Talking about her achievements, Minu Bakshi has performed solo shows across the globe from London, Lahore, Qatar, Hong Kong to Washington D.C. She has also performed in prestigious fests such as the Delhi International Arts Festival (DIAF), ICCR (Chandigarh) and various charity shows organized across the country and overseas. Her discography across various genres of music: Folk, Ghazal, Pop and Sufi shows her to be a singer of great talent and versatility. Possibly one of the most significant milestones in her career, and a recent one at that, is the flowering of her career as an Urdu Poet.
One of the most exciting moments in her music career was her collaboration with the King of music Mika Singh which culminated in the release of their mega album, DJ Waleya which crossed over five million views on YouTube in just 30 days. They are now gearing up to launch their second blockbuster album
Her poetry during the last year on the subject of COVID-19 and its ramifications on life and nature touched the pulse of the people in a big way with her poems going viral on social media. She has written and recited extensively during the lockdown period on many virtual platforms.
With the fervor, passion and commitment that is so much a part of her persona, Minu continues to write, sing, teach and continue her philanthropic activities.
