Indian music goes Beyond borders

Hyderabad: One of the world’s most popular group Beyond has an Indian connect. Indian classical singer Sawani Shende-Sathaye along with legendary singer Tina Turner, Regula Curti, and Dechen ShakDagsay, recently released their international album titled, Beyond, Love Within by Universal Music.

Pune-based Sawani considers herself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to represent India on a global platform. Talking about how the album happened, she says, “I was in Switzerland for a concert and tabla player Shrirang Mirajkar, who was also playing at the concert, introduced me to Regula Curti. Regula had told Shrirang that she was looking for an Indian voice to recite Sanskrit verses in this project. Luckily, he mentioned my name to her. She came for my concert and realised that I was the voice she was looking for. This group and album is both Regula’s brainchild.”

Sawani says it was a treat recording the album together with the group. “It was like a concert at the studio, imagine having all the singers in one place. We sang non-stop and I sang pure Indian classical verses. Listening to my verses, Buddhist singer Dechen said she was inspired by my voice. We all got inspired by each other’s singing and only the best was extracted for the album.”

When asked how was it meeting Tina Turner, Sawani says, “Tina didn’t make me feel uncomfortable. She’s so humble and I didn’t feel that we were interacting for the first time. In fact, Tina said she now wants to learn Indian classical music.”

Talking about her personal life, Sawani shares that she likes to spend time in her garden and loves to paint in her free time.
She says, “I lead a very simple life and love to spend time in my garden, planting saplings, and watering the plants as it rejuvenates me. I love to paint landscapes and add a personal touch to flower pots! Since my mother is a landscape artist, she inspires me a lot.”

Sawani adds, “I also teach music to students according to the gurukul system, and also love to write poems. John Keats and William Wordsworth are my favourite poets, I also read a lot of Marathi literature, especially short stories and science fiction.”

Since Sawani frequently travels abroad, she prefers to spend time with her family and friends closer to home.

“I like to visit Mahabaleshwar for a weekend getaway, since I travel a lot abroad, long distance doesn’t fascinate me that much. I prefer to take short relaxed breaks in between.”
Sawani breaks all the stereotypes we associate with a singer.

“I am not a foodie, as much as I love to eat for taste. I love to eat ice creams and pickles as well, which I admit, many say singers should avoid but I don’t stop myself from eating anything. I eat both in moderation,” she smiles.