BRITISH singer Rekha has consistently shown her brilliant best on stage.
The versatile artist with a magnificent voice adds to her many musical projects with new show Bollywood Time Machine, which embarks on a UK tour in June. She performs alongside singing talent Chirag Rao at a concert filled with big Hindi cinema hits from across the decades.
Eastern Eye caught up with Rekha and asked her to choose 10 memorable moments from her career. She said: “Music has given me wonderful memories, great opportunities and many blessings. Here are 10 highlights, but there have been many more that I will forever cherish.”
Maestro magic: Meeting and recording with AR Rahman is literally every singer’s dream come true. That is why these are precious memories I will never forget. Flying to Chennai for two days and recording background vocals for Gurinder Chadha’s film Viceroy’s House still feels like a dream and something I hold close to my heart.
Stage thrill: Every live performance whether big, small, private or public is special, but some standout more than others. I still can’t believe I was asked to sing at a private show in London with Shankar Mahadevan ji a few months ago. It was equally terrifying and thrilling. I’m thankful to those that made it happen.
Top teacher: A great artist will share their immense knowledge with others and that is exactly what my guruji Tauseef Akhtar does. The ghazal maestro is a legendary artist from Mumbai, who now lives in London and combines mesmerising live performances with teaching others. My partner (singer) Parry (Mad) and I are blessed to learn music from him. Every minute spent with him is a gift. He is not only an incredible music teacher, but a wonderful teacher of life.
Rekha with Parry Mad
Icon opportunity: I have learned so much listening to Kavita Krishnamurthy, including singing with expression and precision. That is why it was an absolute honour to open for the legendary playback singer at the recent UK Asian Film Festival special interview event in London.
Studio specials: Although I am happiest in front of a live audience, it is always great recording in a studio. I have spent a lot of time over the past two years recording some beautiful original songs for various producers. These will be released this year. I’m so lucky to be a part of such complex and unique compositions. Bringing new music to life fills me with joy.
Beautiful blessing: Sonu Nigam is rightly regarded as one of India’s greatest ever singers. Meeting the ultimate legend and idol in Mumbai in February 2023 was another surreal moment. He blessed my daughter Rumi and that is a priceless memory. I’ve met him a couple of times and am always blown away by his humility and kindness.
Rekha with Shankar Mahadevan
Indian odyssey: In February 2023, I visited Mumbai and Gujarat with Parry and my daughter Rumi. We shot three beautiful cover videos, which can be viewed on my social media. We shot a song in the streets of Mumbai at 6am when everyone was sleeping, in the palace where Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was filmed and the Rann of Kutchh where Lagaan was filmed.
Awesome orchestra: Six years ago, I was blessed with the chance to sing with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Every musician works on their craft to be able to perform on such prestigious stages with grand orchestras like this. I believe another show is in the pipeline for next year, so watch this space!
Dream team: I have always loved singing on stage with special talent Parry Mad. He is a wonderful singer, who always gives it his all. It was always going to be inevitable that we were going to start our own music brand Parry And Rekha, which happened earlier this year and is another dream come true. We are so excited about what’s to come in the months ahead.
Musical theatre: Musical Theatre has always fascinated me, so to be a part of that was such a thrill. Working on Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical was one of the best years of my life. I’m grateful that my childhood dream of being on stage in London’s West End came true. Earlier this year I was a part of wonderful musical Bhangra Nation in Birmingham. I sang in the orchestra pit for the first time and met some incredible talents.
Bollywood Time Machine at Kenneth More Theatre in Ilford on Sunday (2), 2Funky Music Café in Leicester next Saturday (8), Harrow Arts Centre in Pinner (June 21 and 28) and The Core Theatre in Solihull (June 29). www.luventertainment.co.uk and www.linktree.com/parryandrekha
